Your budget, the size of your guest list, and seasonal and local availability will all be factors in the selection of venues appropriate for your wedding. I have yet to see a post asking how to find an outrageously expensive venue, so I'd like to provide a few ideas for locating good value venues based upon my experience officiating over 250 weddings. 1. Civic Centers, Park Pavilions, and other public facilities: Check with your municipal, county and state Parks & Recreation department. Gorgeous historical mansions can be found for a song! 2. Fraternal Lodges: Elk, Moose, VFW, Knights of Columbus, etc.: Look on their national websites to find a location near you. 3. Community Clubhouses (apartment, condo, neighborhood): Ask friends and family who live in communities with clubhouses to sponsor you. 4. Garden Clubs: Check your local listings (on-line and yellow pages) 5. Performing Arts Centers: Check your local listings (on-line and yellow pages) 6. Private Homes: Home weddings can be absolutely lovely, but do come with their own set of challenges because they are not created to be event venues. Here are some ideas for making a home a suitable wedding venue. http://brevardminister.com/tips_for_home_weddings.htm 7. Museums and Art Galleries: You might be surprised at how reasonable a museum or gallery can be, especially if they are not known for being a wedding venue and would appreciate the incremental income. Check your local listings (on-line and yellow pages) 8. Business Meeting Space: Ask friends or family if they work at or know of a business in town that has hall space and might be willing to rent it after hours. For example, my county Board of Realtors has a fabulous meeting area they rent out for weddings at a phenomenally inexpensive rate, but they don't advertise. You have to know they are there. 9. Unitarian Universalist congregations are often willing to rent their space to non-members at reasonable rates. http://uua.org/aboutus/findcongregation/index.php 10. Unusual Venues: Be creative and think about places you have been that might make a nice wedding and/or reception venue. These can be especially meaningful if they are associated with your relationship. For example, I have officiated weddings at a local nursery where the groom shopped frequently (the plants made a naturally gorgeous background), a bowling alley where the bride and groom met and played in several leagues, a zoo where the couple volunteered, and a marina where the couple fished regularly. In a few of these instances, the bride and groom didn't have to pay a dime because the venue wanted the publicity. It never hurts to ask. 11. On Edit: Courtesy of Dr. Ron Shapiro: Colleges, Universities and Independent Schools: Great idea! I've not officiated a wedding at an educational setting, but I was married in a college chapel. Can't believe I didn't even think of the place I was married myself! (Reception in an art museum) Google, Yahoo, Dogpile, Altavista, Bing, etc..... Search, search, search Good Luck and Best Wishes, Rev. Ann Fuller Melbourne, FL
Posted On:
Nov 16, 2010 at 4:26 PM
|
BrevardMinister
Posts: 157
|
DrRonShapiro
Posts: 299
|
Posted on: Nov 16, 2010 at 5:54 PM
Reverend Fuller,
Great idea to assemble all of these ideas in one place.... The additions that you may wish to make are colleges and universities and independent schools. Ron
|
|
[Permalink]
|
CapicuLove1
Posts: 254
|
Posted on: Nov 17, 2010 at 11:34 PM
Great Ideas for venues! This is really helpful. Thanks Rev Fuller & Dr Shapiro!
Lise'
|
|
[Permalink]
|
BrevardMinister
Posts: 157
|
Posted on: Feb 3, 2011 at 9:07 PM
I have been getting a lot of requests lately for people who want a church wedding in an unconsecrated facility. That's simply a building that used to be a church, but is no longer owned and maintained by a specific denomination or congregation. Thus it does not have regular worship services and is usually much more flexible with respect to scheduling.
I am finding a surprising number of municipalities are taking over these old buildings, rennovating them and renting them out. I have found two in my county and would no longer be surprised to discover more. One of them is not even on the town's website yet with word of mouth being the only advertising. Consequently, couples can pretty much get it any time they want.
It is always worth calling the towns in your area or your county government to inquire if they have, or know of any towns in the area who have, such a facility available for weddings. They are usually referred to as chapels even though they are unconsecrated.
Regards,
Ann
|
|
[Permalink]
|
DjTux
Posts: 11
|
Posted on: Mar 12, 2011 at 10:49 AM
Fantastic information! Thank you so much!
|
|
[Permalink]
|
Guest
|
Posted on: Mar 12, 2011 at 4:29 PM
great info, thank you! I'd like to repost this in my blog, with credit of course, if you don't mind.
|
|
[Permalink]
|
|
Guest
|
Posted on: Mar 13, 2011 at 12:31 PM
Check out our space for your next party. We will work within your budget and offer great flexibility especially during our off-season (May-Nov). www.thebattersboxdm.com
515-262-5511
|
|
[Permalink]
|
BeyFavors
Posts: 16
|
Posted on: Mar 13, 2011 at 7:36 PM
It may sound crazy but I would add private homes to the list. My home is a 1901 Queen Anne Victorian and I would be so tickled if someone knowcked on my door and asked to have my wedding at my home. I would probably do it for free 
BeyFavors
http://www.beyfavorandgiftcompany.com
|
|
[Permalink]
|
Guest
|
Posted on: Mar 14, 2011 at 3:44 AM
My best friend is getting married in september and her budget isn't much at all. I wanna help her out as much as I can and hopefully find her somewhere beautiful to get married. If it was free or even close to free????
|
|
[Permalink]
|
Guest
|
Posted on: Mar 14, 2011 at 3:46 AM
I regards to above comment....Oh and she lives in Tacoma, WA. If anyone has any ideas email me please gcrawford31@hotmail.com
|
|
[Permalink]
|
BrevardMinister
Posts: 157
|
Posted on: Mar 14, 2011 at 7:02 AM
BeyFavors wrote:
It may sound crazy but I would add private homes to the list. My home is a 1901 Queen Anne Victorian and I would be so tickled if someone knowcked on my door and asked to have my wedding at my home. I would probably do it for free BeyFavors http://www.beyfavorandgiftcompany.com
Bey, it's number 6 on the list!
Cheers,
Ann
|
|
[Permalink]
|
italianbecca
Posts: 1
|
Posted on: Mar 14, 2011 at 11:23 AM
My fiance and I have been loooking for a cheap but nice place to have our wedding and reception.. But every place is pretty pricey its out of our budget.. does anyone know of any where around Westerly RI area or even Mystic ct area?? we would love the help if anyone has any for us!!
|
|
[Permalink]
|
DrRonShapiro
Posts: 299
|
Posted on: Mar 14, 2011 at 11:41 AM
Hi Italian Becca,
Have you checked with the University of Rhode Island. There are some beautiful places near campus, and the chaplain's office may have some suggestions.
I believe that the girl scouts does rent out Camp Hoffman for special events (off season). It is a nice camp right near URI.
If you head over to Newport I've seen people do weddings at Brenton Point Park. It is beautiful.
If you head to Colt Park in Bristol RI they have a chapel, a covered eating area, etc. Lots of people take their wedding photos there.
Ron
Ronald G. Shapiro, PhD
Education by Entertainment
|
|
[Permalink]
|
moodier
Posts: 1
|
Posted on: Mar 14, 2011 at 4:33 PM
I am looking for a nice place to plan my daughter's reception in Brampton for about 80 people but banquet halls too pricey. Can anyone recommend a nice place??
|
|
[Permalink]
|
Merry65
Posts: 3
|
Posted on: Mar 15, 2011 at 12:45 AM
My fiance and I are getting married August 20th. We live in Coeur d'Alene, Idaho. We are both on disability and so our income is very limited. We are all Country & Western. Any ideas for a venue would really help. Thank you. Merry
|
|
[Permalink]
|
vwennekamp
Posts: 1
|
Posted on: Mar 16, 2011 at 3:29 PM
Friends got married in a park, they had to have no additional licenses other than their marriage license, beautiful ceremony and best of all it was free
|
|
[Permalink]
|
tootie4000
Posts: 1
|
Posted on: Mar 17, 2011 at 1:19 AM
I'm getting married April 29, and i still don't have a place for my reception. I don't have very much money, and not a lot of time left, any suggestions?
|
|
[Permalink]
|
Guest
|
Posted on: Mar 24, 2011 at 11:23 PM
Hi Rev. Fuller, I and my fiancee are planning to have our wedding in August and are contemplating venues. We live in New Jersey/New York and are looking for an affordable place where we could have a beautiful outdoor ceremony and an indoor reception. Since our budget is rather limited, we are not really sure where to start. Do you have any ideas or advice? Thank you!
|
|
[Permalink]
|
Guest
|
Posted on: Mar 25, 2011 at 10:31 AM
I live in Riverdale, GA and I am looking for a place to host my daughter a Sweet 16 party on a very limited budget. However, I would like for it to be nice for 100 to 150 people with dancing space. Any suggestions.
|
|
[Permalink]
|
Guest
|
Posted on: Mar 25, 2011 at 10:47 AM
Hi, I live in central Indiana between Carmel and Indianapolis...my wedding is Nov. 5. My fiancee and I are trying to save as much money as possible because we have a lot of school loans we want to pay off asap. I was going to have my reception at my church, but there is no dancing there...and we want dancing. Our number is 250 guests...and if possible I'd like to hire a friend to cater...any suggestions???
|
|
[Permalink]
|
BrevardMinister
Posts: 157
|
Posted on: Mar 25, 2011 at 12:16 PM
For those of you looking for venues in specific locations, I recommend starting a new thread with "_____ (location) Venue Needed" as the title. You will get more visibility for your request and people who know the area can chime in. By putting your request as a response here, you may get less traffic and thus, fewer ideas.
Regards,
Rev. Ann Fuller
Melbourne, FL
|
|
[Permalink]
|
DrRonShapiro
Posts: 299
|
Posted on: Mar 25, 2011 at 12:26 PM
Subject Line Usage
Reverend Fuller and Others,
Excellent suggestion on appropriately using the subject line. Actually, I wonder if EvenTective would consider starting a new group of forums simply called Venue Needed. Clients could then start their own forum in this group with their location as the subject line. This would serve to direct the posting more appropriately (and also keep these forums more for general discussion). Also, location in many cases transcends type of event. For example, frequently people are looking for a place for a Sweet 16 and for a Wedding reception. In many cases, there may be overlap...
I'm just not sure if they would be willing to do it... because they might perceive this set of forums as competing with their paid business.
Ron
|
|
[Permalink]
|
macvin2
Posts: 1
|
Posted on: Mar 25, 2011 at 7:20 PM
Thanks. Very helful info.
|
|
[Permalink]
|
Guest
|
Posted on: Apr 1, 2011 at 1:41 AM
Las Vegas venue needed November 12, 2011 for wedding reception 200-250 people.
|
|
[Permalink]
|
bioevents
Posts: 1
|
Posted on: Apr 1, 2011 at 3:37 PM
These are all great ideas. Lateley I have been having trouble with the community centers & recreation centers here in Houston, TX either closing down or not renting due to budget cuts. So, it is great to see other options.
|
|
[Permalink]
|
mizzkash09
Posts: 3
|
Posted on: Apr 6, 2011 at 3:01 AM
Looking for inexpensive venue and reception in the DFW AREA
|
|
[Permalink]
|
mrs.yulahhh
Posts: 1
|
Posted on: Apr 6, 2011 at 3:47 AM
This was Helpful I see things in a new light thanks.
BrevardMinister wrote:
Your budget, the size of your guest list, and seasonal and local availability will all be factors in the selection of venues appropriate for your wedding. I have yet to see a post asking how to find an outrageously expensive venue, so I'd like to provide a few ideas for locating good value venues based upon my experience officiating over 250 weddings. 1. Civic Centers, Park Pavilions, and other public facilities: Check with your municipal, county and state Parks & Recreation department. Gorgeous historical mansions can be found for a song! 2. Fraternal Lodges: Elk, Moose, VFW, Knights of Columbus, etc.: Look on their national websites to find a location near you. 3. Community Clubhouses (apartment, condo, neighborhood): Ask friends and family who live in communities with clubhouses to sponsor you. 4. Garden Clubs: Check your local listings (on-line and yellow pages) 5. Performing Arts Centers: Check your local listings (on-line and yellow pages) 6. Private Homes: Home weddings can be absolutely lovely, but do come with their own set of challenges because they are not created to be event venues. Here are some ideas for making a home a suitable wedding venue. http://brevardminister.com/tips_for_home_weddings.htm 7. Museums and Art Galleries: You might be surprised at how reasonable a museum or gallery can be, especially if they are not known for being a wedding venue and would appreciate the incremental income. Check your local listings (on-line and yellow pages) 8. Business Meeting Space: Ask friends or family if they work at or know of a business in town that has hall space and might be willing to rent it after hours. For example, my county Board of Realtors has a fabulous meeting area they rent out for weddings at a phenomenally inexpensive rate, but they don't advertise. You have to know they are there. 9. Unitarian Universalist congregations are often willing to rent their space to non-members at reasonable rates. http://uua.org/aboutus/findcongregation/index.php 10. Unusual Venues: Be creative and think about places you have been that might make a nice wedding and/or reception venue. These can be especially meaningful if they are associated with your relationship. For example, I have officiated weddings at a local nursery where the groom shopped frequently (the plants made a naturally gorgeous background), a bowling alley where the bride and groom met and played in several leagues, a zoo where the couple volunteered, and a marina where the couple fished regularly. In a few of these instances, the bride and groom didn't have to pay a dime because the venue wanted the publicity. It never hurts to ask. 11. On Edit: Courtesy of Dr. Ron Shapiro: Colleges, Universities and Independent Schools: Great idea! I've not officiated a wedding at an educational setting, but I was married in a college chapel. Can't believe I didn't even think of the place I was married myself! (Reception in an art museum) Google, Yahoo, Dogpile, Altavista, Bing, etc..... Search, search, search Good Luck and Best Wishes, Rev. Ann Fuller Melbourne, FL |
|
[Permalink]
|
Merry65
Posts: 3
|
Posted on: Apr 6, 2011 at 12:37 PM
BeyFavors wrote:
It may sound crazy but I would add private homes to the list. My home is a 1901 Queen Anne Victorian and I would be so tickled if someone knowcked on my door and asked to have my wedding at my home. I would probably do it for free BeyFavors http://www.beyfavorandgiftcompany.com |
|
[Permalink]
|
Merry65
Posts: 3
|
Posted on: Apr 6, 2011 at 12:39 PM
May I ask which State you are located in? We live in North Idaho.
Thank you for your post. We wish there were more people like you that are so trusting to open there home to total strangers for their special day. Kudos to you!
|
|
[Permalink]
|
Total Forum Members 1,032,164
|
|