The foundation of a successful wedding plan lies in choosing the ideal venue. This crucial decision sets the tone for the entire event and determines the ambiance that will surround your special day. A well-chosen venue also brings your theme to life, providing ample space for guests to mingle and enjoy themselves. As you’re likely aware, the cost of a wedding venue is significant, accounting for the second-largest portion of your overall budget.
Therefore, it’s essential to make the right choice from the start. To help guide you through this process, we’ll explore unique and innovative wedding venue ideas that cater to various themes, ensuring that your big day is nothing short of unforgettable.
Frequently Asked Questions
What should a wedding venue include?
When selecting a venue, it’s essential to consider the space and layout. A well-suited venue should feature a spacious ceremony area that can accommodate the number of guests, as well as a separate section for the audience. Additionally, two distinct lounges are crucial, allowing both sides of the wedding party to have ample room to prepare and get ready in comfort.
Furthermore, a sizeable stage area is vital for hosting activities, such as speeches or entertainment, and can greatly enhance the overall experience.
What do couples want in a wedding venue?
When it comes to choosing the perfect venue for their special day, couples have a clear set of priorities in mind. They’re looking for a location that exudes romance and charm, allowing them to envision their wedding memories unfolding within its walls. A convenient transportation network is also high on the list, ensuring that guests can easily get to and from the venue without hassle. Furthermore, an atmosphere that will leave their loved ones talking long after the big day is a major draw.
And let’s not forget the added bonuses – perks and discounts that can help couples stretch their wedding budget further.
How to Book an Affordable Wedding Venue
Once you’ve selected a wedding date, the next crucial step is choosing a wedding venue. To achieve an affordable option, consider booking through a trusted planner who has established relationships with top venues. These professionals are well-versed in navigating layout options, packages, and owner preferences to secure the best deal for your big day. For couples planning without a planner, creating a vision board can help visualize the ideal setting.
Consider unique spaces such as warehouses, halls, or restaurants that align with your modern wedding theme. When thinking about guest logistics, particularly for destination weddings, choose a venue that’s conveniently located near a hotel and offers easy transportation options. Before making a final decision, carefully review what’s included in the venue package and weigh the costs against renting equipment yourself. This may include comparing prices for tables, chairs, or other essentials.
Additionally, factor in catering options and estimated tax plus gratuity expenses, which can reach up to 30% of your overall venue budget.
Unique Wedding Ideas
Spanning from majestic national parks to serene forests, picturesque lakes, towering mountain ranges, and numerous other exciting destinations, the possibilities for an unforgettable wedding celebration are virtually limitless. Discover a diverse array of one-of-a-kind venues that will surely spark your creativity.
Adventure Locations
Imagine exchanging vows amidst the untouched beauty of nature. Adventurous wedding locations that thrive in their natural elements are perfect for free-spirited couples who crave an unbridled celebration. Mountains, caves, hills, lakes, and woods provide a raw, wild backdrop that requires little to no decoration. These earthy venues are ideal for outdoor enthusiasts, coastal lovers, and intimate gatherings. They effortlessly create serene atmospheres and stunning vistas.
When it comes to guest count, fewer is better at these venues, allowing the couple to fully immerse themselves in their surroundings. With local to destination options available, prices range from $4000 to $20,000 or more, making them a worthwhile investment for those seeking an unforgettable experience.
National Parks
Imagine exchanging vows in breathtaking settings, surrounded by nature’s splendor. Bridal Veil Falls in Yosemite National Park, California offers an intimate and romance-themed wedding experience. This picturesque venue is perfect for a small gathering of 50 guests, with prices ranging from $3000 to $5800 for a 15-hour event (excluding setup and cleanup). The ceremony spot shines brightly down the path from the parking lot and stone bridge, making it an idyllic setting for your special day.
Alternatively, consider Hoh Rain Forest in Olympic National Park, Washington. This Jurassic park-like setting boasts towering trees, hanging mosses, and carpets of ferns. It’s a unique elopement destination that can accommodate 50 guests or fewer. Prices range from $5600 to over $11000, including venue rental, couple attire, marriage license, Airbnb, and more. For a more laid-back outdoor wedding, Moran Point in Grand Canyon National Park, Arizona is an excellent choice.
With its stunning weather-beaten cliffs, desert views, rivers, and the Grand Canyon itself, this location offers a range of backdrops for your special day. You can even watch the sunset while exchanging vows. This venue accommodates up to 70 guests, with prices ranging from $800 to over $6000.
Museums, Libraries, and Galleries
Imagine exchanging vows surrounded by the serene beauty of nature, majestic architecture, or vintage charm. For couples who appreciate the finer things in life, these unique wedding venues offer a romantic backdrop for their special day. The George Peabody Public Library, with its stunning landscaped grounds and beautifully arranged books, can accommodate 170 guests for a ceremony, 300 for cocktails, and 220 for a reception. Pricing starts at $5500, with the maximum capacity reaching 250 guests.
The Providence Public Library boasts an impressive Grand Hall overlooking an indoor Garden Courtyard, perfect for a vintage-themed wedding. This space can seat 160 guests or stand 200, with pricing starting at $2000 and reaching up to $5000. For couples looking for a more modern aesthetic, the Cleveland Museum of Art is an ideal choice. With its grand scale and beautiful landmarks, this venue can accommodate 650 guests comfortably.
Pricing ranges from $3500 to $11,000, including five hours of event and catering. DE Cordova Sculpture Park and Museum offers breathtaking views of landscaped meadows, forests, and woods for outdoor weddings. Alternatively, patios and terraces provide a charming setting for indoor ceremonies. This venue can accommodate up to 200 guests and costs between $3500 and $11,000 for a full banquet.
Finally, the American Visionary Arts Museum is an award-winning architectural gem filled with works from self-taught artists. Its ethereal atmosphere makes it perfect for barn or garden-themed weddings. This space can seat 450 people maximum and costs between $2000 and $7000 for a five-hour event.
Historic Venues
For couples seeking a fairytale-inspired wedding, the Romanesque revival mansion at Rhodes Hall is a stunning option. The grand room, complete with a sturdy mahogany staircase and classical piano, provides an enchanting backdrop for vintage-themed celebrations. Hosting a 4-hour event here costs between $2,000 to $4,000, inclusive of rentals. Additional hours are priced at $500 per hour. This picturesque venue can accommodate up to 150 guests.
For those seeking an intimate or rustic wedding with a rich history, The Ancient Spanish Monastery is a gem. Its landscaped grounds, indoor and outdoor settings, and magnificent architecture will surely impress. This venue can seat up to 200 guests indoors and 400 outdoors for the ceremony. The ceremony alone costs between $1,500 to $5,000, while the reception ranges from $3,000 to $6,000. A combination of both, inclusive of rentals, falls within a budget of $6,000 to $9,000.
Lastly, the 16th-century Fenton Tower offers an idyllic setting for an intimate country wedding. This well-remodeled fortress can accommodate up to 32 guests within its tower, while the built marquee can host up to 300 guests. The venue also features bedrooms that can cater to up to 12 guests. For a two-night stay with catering, couples can expect to pay an average of $10,000.
Gardens and Greenhouses
Imagine exchanging vows amidst lush greenery, exotic flowers, and tranquil water features at one of these enchanting outdoor wedding venues. For couples seeking an unforgettable and whimsical celebration, consider Garfield Park Conservatory, where over a century of history meets breathtaking natural beauty. This picturesque spot boasts a variety of settings, including gardens, palm houses, fern rooms, and desert houses, accommodating up to 400 guests and priced between $1500 and $6500.
Alternatively, the Brooklyn Botanic Garden offers an equally stunning backdrop for your special day. The lush gardens, water features, and ecologically sustainable atrium create a serene ambiance, while the all-glass Victorian-style conservatory provides a majestic focal point. With a maximum capacity of 250 guests, this venue is perfect for intimate gatherings, with pricing starting at $10 per person, including food, beverage, rentals, and more.
For smaller, yet equally charming celebrations, Wave Hill Gardens presents a range of settings to suit your taste. From the tranquil Armor Hall to the vibrant aquatic garden, this haven features an array of natural wonders, accommodating up to 180 guests. To host your wedding here, consider purchasing a membership between $10,000 and $25,000, along with a rental fee of up to $6,000.
City Hall
St. Louis City Hall offers an understated yet charming setting for elopements, boasting ample space, convenient transportation, and easy accessibility. The venue accommodates up to ten guests and costs between $1,150 to $2,350, allowing couples to bring their own vendors or work with affiliated ones for a fee.
Philadelphia City Hall provides a budget-friendly and laid-back atmosphere, featuring historic architecture and unique backdrops such as the Mayor’s reception room, Conversation Hall, bubbling fountains, and vibrant plaza. The venue is ideal for intimate gatherings of up to eight guests, with an additional $80 required for the wedding license.
For a more lively celebration, Brooklyn Borough Hall in New York City provides a beautiful structure, serene environment, and landscaped grounds amidst the city’s chaos. Prices range from $25 to $2,000 or more, depending on the level of complexity desired, and the venue can accommodate up to 30 guests.
A Courthouse
In the heart of DeKalb lies the Historic DeKalb Courthouse, a timeless gem that exudes mystique and intrigue. This stunning venue boasts marble walls, terrazzo floors, and intricately arched windows, making it an ideal spot for Enchanted, Edwardian, or Victorian-themed weddings. With a seating capacity of up to 150 guests and a standing room capacity of 200, this courthouse is perfect for intimate gatherings.
For a 4-hour weekday event, prices start at $650, while weekend events begin at $3900 for 50 people. Catering services are available starting at $1000. For those seeking an intimate, romantic setting, the Beverly Hills Courthouse is a must-see. This vintage architectural wonder takes you back to a bygone era, making it perfect for rustic, elopement, and vintage weddings. The cost of getting married here starts at $750, including the license, officiant, ceremony fee, photo, and witness if needed.
Be sure to reach out to verify any additional fees that may apply. Santa Barbara Courthouse is an elegant setting perfect for civil ceremonies and elopements. The building’s natural sunlight and Spanish heritage architecture create a serene atmosphere. Enjoy open grand hallways, sunken gardens, and vibrant views of the mural rooms. This venue accommodates about 20 guests and costs up to $300 to get married, including the marriage license.
However, any elaborate arrangements may incur additional costs. For couples seeking unique wedding venues that offer something for everyone, there’s a long list of options to choose from. Whether you’re looking for coastal, garden, nature-inspired, whimsical, or romantic weddings, there’s an affordable and memorable option to suit your taste. Bask in the swoon-worthy ambiance, make it unforgettable, and give your guests a good time by selecting the right wedding venue.
