Types of Wedding Venues
Where to get married is one of the first things an engaged couple has to figure out. Most of the time, you can’t figure out the when until you figure out the where. Here are some wedding venue options and the advantages and setbacks for each one.
Courthouse
Simple & Stress-Free
Pros:
Very cheap
Can still have a reception
Cons:
Not many people can attend the ceremony
Ceremony not customizable
Backyard
Intimate & Unique
Pros:
You can customize the space/make permanent changes
Take as much time as you need to set-up
Comfort of being in your own home
Budget-friendly (if the guest list is small)
Cons:
Responsible for clean up
Provide bartender
Rent bathroom trailer if there aren’t enough restroom accommodations on site (approx. $3000 for a trailer)
Rent tables, chairs, linens, and possibly a tent (approx. $500 for 100 people)
Provide own decorations
Catering
Permits depending on your town’s code
Parking
Insurance
Barnyard
Down Home Country
Pros:
The increase in barn venues proves that this option is popular
Gives a laidback feel
The venue often has indoor and outdoor options
Beautiful sunset view
Great location for photos
Indoor or outdoor ceremony
Only one event space
If it is a working farm, there may be animals on site (although animal smells can be distracting)
Cons:
There might not be luxuries, such as indoor bathrooms. There might be a bathroom trailer that is included in the venue costs
Catering is also sourced from outside the venue location
Might not have a parking lot, might need to park in grass or gravel lot
Might not have a bridal suite
Mansion/Estate
Grand Elegance
Pros:
Minimal decorations, as the estate is decorated
Usually has a bridal suite
Great location for photos
Indoor or outdoor ceremony
Gardens
Only one event space
Cons:
Expensive
Not as customizable
Banquet Hall
Classic & Easy
Pros:
All-inclusive (catering, tables, chairs, linens, bathrooms)
Coordinator on site
Often offer a complimentary champagne toast
Lighting
Usually very affordable
Parking lot
Bridal suite
Indoor or outdoor ceremony
Cons:
If there are multiple banquet halls, you might be sharing the venue with other events at the same time
Minimal time to set-up
Golf Course
Manicured & Easy
Pros:
Usually all-inclusive (catering, tables, chairs, linens, bathrooms on site)
Great location for pictures
Usually very affordable
Coordinator on site
Some offer fireworks
Ride a golf cart
Usually only one event space
Parking lot
Bridal suite
Cons:
Limited in decor, as they are decorated
Indoor or outdoor ceremony
Vineyard
Delicious & Fun
Pros:
Special wine selections
Great location for photos
Often an outdoor ceremony
Catering is usually in-house
Bathrooms on site
Reception usually in the “cellar” area
Unique decor with barrels and such
Coordinator on site
Usually only one event space
Cons:
Not as customizable, as there is a set decor
Can be very hot in the summer if the only ceremony area is outdoors
Restaurant
Top-Notch Food & Environment
Pros:
Amazing menu
Great atmosphere
Usually indoor, unless they have a patio or rooftop area
Bathrooms on site
Cons:
Limited seating and seating arrangement
Not as customizable, as the decor is set
Usually only accommodates a smaller guest list
No bridal suite
