Wedding Ceremony Location Ideas

Hotel facilities are available to everyone, but popular hotels tend to be snapped up rapidly, especially for the traditionally busy months of June, July and August.

Private clubs can be gorgeous, but few open their facilities to non-members. If your family does not have a membership, you might still be able to hold your wedding at the club if you have a relative or close friend who could host the wedding.

On the water

If you’re having a small and unconventional wedding, why not have your ceremony on board of a boat or ship? If you don’t have any friends or family members with a boat or ship they’d be willing to lend you, check the yellow pages or local newspapers in your area for rental possibilities. Prices will vary according to the size of the vessel and the number of hours you want it for. In most cases, you will provide the catered food, whether it be an elaborate buffet dinner or simply cake and coffee. Larger ships, such as cruise ships, will provide the food for you.

Wine-lover?

Some wineries will rent their grounds, and many are old, steeped in tradition, and make a beautiful setting for a unique wedding.

The prices can vary so it may be wise to check a few before making a decision. Some wineries in California's Napa Valley are known for hot-air balloons, which land at the winery in time for a champagne brunch. You can plan an early morning ceremony, then take a hot- air balloon ride to a winery where you will meet your guests for a champagne brunch.

The great outdoors

For some, there is nothing more romantic than saying their vows under a beautiful blue sky, and parks, mountains or beaches are wonderful locations for theme weddings. You could have a Hawaiian wedding at the beach, followed by the traditional luau for the reception. Or have the wedding in a beautiful park with an old-fashioned picnic reception.

At home – yours or someone else’s

Depending on the style of wedding and the size of your home or garden, you might not even have to leave the house to get married. At-home weddings often have a special warmth and uniqueness, so consider this option.

A home or garden wedding can range from a more formal ceremony and catered affair to an informal ceremony and a do-it-yourself reception. If your home isn't large enough, see if a friend or relative would consider letting you use theirs. If this isn’t an option, consider that sometimes you can find private homes to rent through real-estate companies, wedding consultants or local newspapers, or through a company that scouts locations for television and film shoots.

If you’re holding the ceremony indoors, you could have the bride make her entrance by coming down the stairway, and holding the ceremony in front of a fireplace. If the nuptials will take place in the garden, consider having the ceremony under a stately old tree or a decorated arch or gazebo. Whatever the focal point is, try to position it so the sun will not shine in the guests' eyes, and don't make the ceremony too long if the guests are going to have to stand.