7 Unique Wedding Venue Ideas for Your Big Day
Remember the times you could only dream of your big day? When you may have imagined what the dress and/or attire would look like, how the flowers would appear, even the engagement ring? But, if the actual surroundings in your fantasy vision were a bit blurry, you may find yourself now stumped thinking about wedding venue ideas as you begin finally planning your long-awaited wedding celebration.
A church, hotel ballroom, country club, or city hall are obvious options. Still, if you want something more out-of-the-ordinary and fine-tuned to your tastes and personality, you may want to look elsewhere.
Check out these seven unique wedding venue ideas for inspiration.
What You Will Learn
Affordable Wedding Venue Ideas Beyond a Backyard Wedding
Let’s start with a few unique wedding venues that you can secure even on a budget — after all, the less you spend on a venue, the more of your wedding budget you can allocate to other fun aspects of your wedding day or even your honeymoon.
But don’t think that a wedding venue has to be boring just because it is affordable. Plenty of budget-friendly options go beyond a civil ceremony in a courthouse or a micro wedding in a friend or family member’s backyard.
1. National Parks
As you contrast and compare wedding location ideas, if you consistently find yourself drawn to outdoor wedding venues, it’s possible without breaking your budget. Just skip the pricey private gardens and go for an outdoor space that not only outranks all the others in natural beauty but also comes at a highly affordable price. Go to a national park.
You can get married at national parks if you apply for and purchase a special event permit, which can cost as little as $100. (Just note that the park may require you also to have wedding insurance, which is an added fee, though it’s minimal.)
While other, more general outdoor weddings set your ceremony against a backdrop of ho-hum flowers and plants, at a national park, your stunning photos will feature some of the most majestic scenery in the country: Think vast mountain ranges, towering waterfalls, and dramatic oceans.
2. Libraries
If you and your honey are bookworms — or even if you’re just looking for an affordable yet stunning property to get married that offers lots of charm — a library may fit the bill.
Of course, not any ol’ library provides a beautiful backdrop. Look for historic venues for the most eye-catching environment. While not as affordable as national parks, you can book beautiful event spaces such as those at the Boston Public Library and Providence Public Library for as little as a few thousand dollars.
(Plus, a library wedding is just the thing for a romance-inspired wedding theme.)
3. Restaurants
If you’re hosting a smaller, more intimate wedding, you might consider holding it in a restaurant, whether buying out the entire eatery or renting one of a restaurant’s private dining rooms. The perk of this wedding venue idea is that the rental fee will likely include chairs, tables, linens, silverware, catering, and drinks.
Plus, scoping out restaurants to find your perfect fit is a great excuse for some fun date nights with your fiancé! Test out a few to choose the restaurant with the right ambiance, size, and menu for your wedding.
Other Unique Wedding Venues
If you’re not holding a smaller wedding, or you have a little more money in your wedding budget, and you really want to go all out on your wedding day, there are more options. Here are a few other unique venue ideas for weddings to consider.
1. Destination Weddings (Somewhere Other Than the Beach)
You might automatically think of a beach wedding when you think of destination weddings.While a beach resort may be the perfect venue for some and pretty affordable, it’s not one of the best wedding venue ideas for those who want something truly unique.
Instead, consider a destination wedding somewhere other than on the sand. A ski resort is a good choice for a winter wedding. Want something ultra-romantic? Try a castle or villa in Europe. Like the idea of vineyard weddings? Jet off to one of the world’s wine-making capitals, like France, Italy, Chile, or Portugal, or stay closer to home in Napa.
Suggested Read: Ideas for Destination Weddings in the US
2. Sports Venues
Are you and your sweetheart super fans always cheering for a favorite football, basketball, baseball, or soccer team? You might want to see if the home stadium or arena will allow you to host a wedding there. Many do, and it’s a surefire way to host a wedding that your guests won’t soon forget, especially if it’s right around game time.
3. Boats
Another one of the many unique ideas for wedding venues that are more suited to small wedding ceremonies is a boat or a yacht. It can be an unusual option that allows you to enjoy being out on the water and, depending on your location, offers views of the shoreline and skyline beyond.
4. Zoos or Aquariums
Lastly, consider a zoo or aquarium for your wedding venue. Whether you say your vows in front of a tank full of sharks or a pride of lions, these venues make for a wedding that’s as entertaining as it is celebratory.
Unique Wedding Venues Ideas FAQs
How Can You Save More Money on a Wedding Venue?
If you’ve found the perfect venue but it’s a little out of your price range, consider adjusting your wedding date. For example, a Saturday wedding will always be more expensive than a Friday or Sunday wedding, and a June wedding will always be more expensive than an October wedding.
How Much Money Can You Expect to Spend on a Wedding Venue?
You can spend absolutely nothing on a wedding venue — with the right choices. However, the majority of wedding venues start at a few thousand dollars. Your venue may cost more depending on what’s included in the fee, such as rentals or catering.
Can You Really Have a Wedding in a Backyard?
Yes! You can absolutely have a lovely wedding in a backyard. Anything is possible with the right décor, rentals, and similar elements.
How Do You Pick a Wedding Venue?
The most important elements to consider when picking a wedding venue are cost and size. The spot you choose should fit both your budget and your guest list.
Do All Wedding Venues Require Insurance?
Most wedding venues require event liability insurance before signing a contract to reserve the space.
Make Sure Your Wedding and Your Wedding Venue Are Covered
If you’ve perused all our wedding venue ideas and started browsing for your perfect fit, now comes the next important step: insurance. Whether you opt for a stunning property located close to home or a far-flung locale for a destination wedding, ensure you and your venue are covered with the right policy like those offered by BriteCo.
Learn more about BriteCo’s wedding liability insurance and wedding cancellation insurance. You really do need it, and it’s likely more affordable than you think.
Get a quick, easy, and free quote now.
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