Picking a Suitable Wedding Location
August 29, 2009 by weddings
Filed under wedding planning
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Just because everyone you know gets married in a church doesn’t mean you have to. There are many venues where your presiding marriage official will be happy to perform his or her services. If you don’t want your wedding to happen in a church, then you’ll find there are quite a few choices for you if you will “think outside the box”.
Before you decide where to have the wedding, you must first decide what you want. Have you always dreamed of an outdoor wedding? Or does a marble staircase fit your dreams?
Don’t forget to consider the reception too. Is the wedding location also a good place for the reception? Or is there a suitable spot nearby?
When would you like to have your wedding? Will locations be available during those hours, on those days, and during that time of the year?
What type of services do these locations provide? Can food be catered through them or are you allowed to bring food in? Is the area big enough for your number of guests and do they provide seating?
Once you’ve mapped out some of the particulars of your dream wedding, take a look at some of these venue ideas:
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* Golf Courses – either in the clubhouse or outside under the trees.
* Reception Halls – look locally for club halls that you can rent out.
* Scenic Chapels – some tourist destinations are set up with a wedding chapel.
* Private Gardens – someone you know or someone who rents out their gardens.
* Public Gardens – a Japanese garden, rose garden, arboretum, or nature center.
* Home – maybe you have the perfect grand staircase and a big room for the wedding yourself.
* Backyard – rent a gazebo, tents, chairs, and add flowers.
* Friend or Family’s Home – go through your list of close friends and family to see if any of them have the perfect spot.
* Yacht club or Marina – either in the clubhouse or near the water with the boats in the background.
* Activity-related – have it at the place where you two enjoy a favorite activity.
* Cruise liner – docked for the day and able to hold ceremonies.
* Beach – if you’re fortunate to live near a beach, take advantage of it.
* Hotel Conference Room – don’t let the dry name fool you; it can be made beautiful with some classy touches.
* Hotel Grounds – many luxury hotels allow weddings in their gardens.
* Restaurant Room or Pub – perfect for the casual wedding, especially if you have a lot of history together at this location.
* Historical House – inside or on the grounds, get permission first.
* Park or Campground – fun and casual location.
* Tea room – what you find locally may surprise you.
* Renaissance Fair or County Fair – this works for a Renaissance or Cowboy themed wedding.
* Apartment – the grounds or clubhouse may be available to rent for parties.
It’s your wedding, make it fit the personalities of both of you. Above are some ideas, but you are only limited by your imagination. If the wedding will be outdoors, do have a Plan B in case the weather doesn’t cooperate.