So Many Ideas!
Locations for ceremony sites are almost limitless. Picture your wedding in each location you and your fiancé consider, then make appointments to visit your final choices.
Religious Weddings
Many couples choose to have a traditional ceremony in a place of worship. Sometimes they're an active member or frequent attendee, and they can't think of any place more appropriate.
Other couples, who don't necessarily consider themselves religious, still want to be married in a religious setting. Perhaps such a site is traditional in your family, and you find yourself looking for a place of religious significance for your wedding day.
However, a wedding ceremony can be just as spiritual in a nontraditional setting. Once you start looking at alternative places for your ceremony, you may find that the savings over a formal church or synagogue wedding can be significant in some cases.
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“We wanted to get married in my church, but were surprised by how expensive it was going to be,” said one bride. “It's a large church, and its usage fee is based on that. But we will be inviting only a hundred guests, and we have a limited budget.”
Taking It Outside
Upon discovering that a church wedding would blow their budget, one couple looked into having a ceremony in a different location. An outdoor location appealed to the groom-to-be, so one afternoon he surprised his fiancée with a picnic lunch and a list of sites he thought would be perfect.
They looked them over, and then ate lunch in a little park beside a beautiful river — the place he secretly liked best but wanted to see her reaction to. She loved it, and her minister was happy to marry the couple there.
Of course, outdoor locations abound. There are beautiful parks located in nearly every community, many with pavilions, gazebos, or other special structures that make for a truly lovely ceremony. If you live near the ocean, you can get married on the beach at daybreak or sunset. There's nothing quite like standing near a vast, serene blue sea for a backdrop to a new life together.
Outdoor locations can be less expensive than a church or synagogue setting, but can be problematic. Consider the following questions: Do you have a backup plan if the weather is bad? Is the terrain easy to walk on, especially for women in high heels or any guests who may be disabled? What kind of permits do you have to get from local authorities, and how expensive are they? Will you need to rent outdoor restroom facilities?
One couple met while performing in an outdoor theater production in California. “We were both so passionate about acting, about being part of the troupe which was just like a family,” said Tiffany. “We wanted them to be part of our wedding, so it just seemed natural to have the wedding on the stage after the last performance. Everyone had such a great time and a nice side benefit was that we saved a lot of money.”
Some couples meet while attending college, and so getting married in the college chapel or outdoors in a special spot where they met or studied together can be memorable. More and more couples are finding that getting married there feels “just right,” and is the fitting transition to a new life together. Is there some special place that has meaning for you and your fiancé? Why not make it a part of your wedding day? Keep an eye out for ceremony sites that can double as reception sites.
Country Clubs
Country clubs are ideal for weddings. Ceremonies can take place outdoors on or near a golf course or indoors in the clubhouse. Receptions can also be held on-site, and you can rent golf carts as convenient transportation for you and your guests. Country clubs with spas often offer special pampering packages for the bride and her attendants. Some country clubs require that you be a member to be married on their premises, but this is not always essential.
Perhaps a country club is out of reach, but there are ample alternatives. Look into private clubhouses that are owned by neighborhood associations in upscale residential developments. Cities have waterfront civic buildings that can be ideal. Check the Yellow Pages and newspaper bridal sections for locations that can provide a country club atmosphere for much less money.
Make Your Own History
Historic mansions or plantations can be elegant sites; they are often so beautifully furnished and landscaped that they require little decoration for the ceremony. Such a location lends itself to photogenic backdrops for your wedding album.
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Individuals other than ministers or rabbis can officiate at your wedding. Your county courthouse has information on how to become an officiant for a specific date or event. Even if you don't save money over the cost of hiring a member of the clergy, the honor of having a friend or family member marry you is priceless.
Check out stately historical homes in your area. There may be a historic inn, lighthouse, or pier that would make a unique setting for your wedding.
Make Your Own Art
Museums and cultural centers make lovely sites for weddings with their displays of artwork and elegant settings.
Casual wedding sites include parks, country farms, even country and western clubs where you, your new spouse, and your guests can do the two-step after the ceremony.
Visit prospective locations together. If you find a location you like, stay there for a while to see whether you feel the kind of mood you want for your wedding. Factor in noise level, likely temperatures, and acoustics.
