PICKING THE PERFECT VENUE

PICKING THE PERFECT VENUE FOR YOUR Special Day

Getting engaged is one of the most exciting moments of your life. After you’ve called all your closest family and friends to tell them the good news, it’s time to start planning your big day. Picking a venue has become an even more important part of planning your wedding these days. This is your big day, and you deserve to celebrate it with your loved ones. Here are some ideas to check out.

PUBLIC PARKS

Is there a favorite public park you frequently visit for hiking and picnics? If you love it, it might just be the place for your wedding! Many public parks have lots of lawn, beautiful fountains, gazebos, and lots of picnic area. Not only will the natural landscape serve as a beautiful backdrop for pictures but choosing a park as your venue can also help you save money on an event space, decorations, and more. Most public parks are okay for bringing in all of your own things for having a personalized wedding, but you should still check your county for permits. Check ca.gov if you are interested in getting married at a state park.

AQUARIUM OR ZOO

If your favorite day trip going to the local aquarium or zoo? Well then, take a walk on the wild side! Imagine saying your vows accompanied by elephants or giraffes or dining next to a floor-to-ceiling glass tank full of sea life. Your wedding decor is done for you when you choose one of these venues for your vows! You would be surprised at how many of these venues have wedding packages. And as a bonus, at many zoos and aquariums give a percentage of the rental fee to help support ongoing conservation and wildlife protection efforts. What could be more perfect for creature-loving couples who want an unconventional (and unforgettable!) event!

MUSEUM

Frequently known for dramatic architecture, incredible exhibits, and curated collections—museums are works of art in themselves! They often provide such a striking backdrop that little else is needed in terms of décor. A museum will provide an endless color palette to play with. Couples can use the in-house artwork to accent their décor, rather than start completely from scratch. Like your love story, a wedding at a museum is truly one-of-a-kind. Imagine your guests dining among exhibits that might include beautiful paintings and exquisite antiques. From art museums to natural history museums, the venue type is a definite way to wow your guests.

STADIUM

Is sports your thing? Check out the stadiums of your local teams. Some might have wedding packages, or some might just be available for rent and you figure out the décor (sports, of course!). When teams are out of season (or simply offsite), stadiums open their doors to other events, including weddings. Can you imagine getting married on the same ground your favorite sports team plays on!? Yes! No matter where you choose to recite your vows with your future spouse, make it a memorable one by getting married in a venue that reflects your interests. Whether it be a barn or an aquarium, your guests will enjoy an unforgettable day!

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GOLF COURSE

Although a golf course wedding may not have crossed your mind before, it’s worth checking out. While you might think of a golf club as a reception venue, it can be a beautiful site for your ceremony too. Hosting both your ceremony and reception at one site is easier on you, your wedding party, and your guests. The manicured grounds of a golf course offer a variety of spectacular options, regardless of the season. In spring and summer, the course is lush and green. As the leaves change in fall, Mother Nature shares her beautiful pallet of oranges, yellows, and reds. Some courses offer a wedding ceremony right on the course and the reception inside.

BEACH

Being out in the open, in a romantic oceanfront setting while the wind and waves sing their praises over your union sounds like a dream come true. Especially if you and your betrothed are lovers of the ocean. The beauty and simplicity of the beach can be enhanced to create a dazzling setting for your vows and reception. You can walk down your sand aisle, maybe covered with a beautiful mat with flower petals on it, to a stunning arch made of branches and flowers. The beach is perfect for small weddings, you can create your own intimate seating and reception area for your guests. The decision to get married on the beach might include county rules so you check before you make any solid commitments. Some counties require permits and insurance, and some don’t require anything. Just set up and show up!

ON THE FARM

Whether it be your family farm or a farm venue, farm weddings can take place in any season and often bring a natural, earthy, and rustic style to a wedding. From underneath gigantic trees, an out-in-the-middle-of-nowhere field, or a beautiful big barn, you can choose just about any setting for your farm wedding. The best thing about farm weddings is that they can be kept simple. You don’t have to be extra fancy. There is a clean slate in which to add your own DIY centerpieces, décor, it’s your day! Rustic chic, simple elegance? Of course!

WINERIES AND BREWERIES

Rolling fields, dazzling colors, and plenty of natural light are just a few of the perks of hosting your wedding at a vineyard. Vineyard weddings are very romantic, it’s a good way to mix natural, rustic, and vintage in one wedding. Use all the advantages of a winery in your décor: grapevine, wine barrels, bottles, grapes and lush greenery. Most wineries offer wedding packages but start out with calling your favorite! Breweries offer a fun and casual wedding venue. You can create simple wedding décor and offer the brewery specials as your beverage. Most breweries have a large outdoor area and some even have outdoor games that add to the fun!