Thursday, February 21, 2008

Venues: Find the Right Ceremony Locale

For couples choosing to hold their wedding ceremony at their own place of worship or that of their families, the perfect location to exchange vows is a non-decision. Many reception sites also boast beautiful settings in which to hold a wedding ceremony, offering the bride and groom a convenient alternative.

For others though, the perfect ceremony site can present an illusive challenge, since unlike reception sites, resources for ceremony site ideas are often scarce. In response, we did some digging and came up with a list of useful ideas and resources for unique ceremony locations. Make your wedding ceremony as memorable as the reception!

Parks: Offering a picturesque outdoor setting, parks are perfect locations for wedding ceremonies held during temperate months. The abundance of natural scenery can even eliminate the need for pricey decorations!

Government Buildings: Often magnificent architectural wonders, government buildings are a great untapped resource for memorable wedding ceremonies.

Rivers/Lakes/Beaches: If your wedding reception will be held close to a body of water, take advantage of the ideal location and consider holding your ceremony on the banks of the water.

National Monuments: Incorporate some historical significance into your affair, and hold your ceremony near a local monument.

Natural Wonders: Nothing signifies taking the big leap into marriage quite like saying “I Do” from a waterfall, cliff or mountain top!

Botanical Gardens: In addition to all the love in the air, a garden wedding ceremony provides warm breezes, fragrant flowers and a great relaxed vibe. Consult your almanac and ensure the outside temperatures will be comfortable during your chosen time of year.

Museums: Another often untapped resource of architectural prowess, museums provide distinctive backdrops for ceremonies (and an opportunity to learn something!)

Family Member’s House or Yard: Perhaps the perfect ceremony site is right in your own backyard! Having a backyard ceremony adds a special personal touch and creates a down home feel. Because no two backyards are the same, it also guarantees your wedding ceremony will be unlike any other.

Roof Deck or Roof Top: If you’re close to a metropolitan area—consider the roof of one of the tallest buildings. This can make for stunning views and photo opportunities.

Not sure where to begin in finding these wedding ceremony sites? Start by contacting your local chamber of commerce for recommendations and information in your area, and take it from there. In considering these options, make sure to determine any rules and regulations first. Find out about any necessary permits, restrictions, parking rules or other scheduled events.