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When planning a wedding on a budget, one of the most consequential decisions you can make is your wedding venue. Not only is booking a venue one of the largest wedding expenses, but the location you choose impacts elements including the vendors you need, your wedding’s theme and your guest list. And while it can be difficult to know where to start your search, The Four Columns team is here to help with a guide to some of the best affordable wedding venues. From the conventional to the unique, all of these locations can be just as stylish and special—if not more so—than a large, costly destination.
How Wedding Trends are Changing
For some time now, wedding ceremonies have been associated with sizable gatherings of people and stylish, abundant decorations. While this isn’t true of all ceremonies, many couples expect—and plan for—an event which will eat up a significant chunk of their savings. But in recent years, wedding trends have begun to shift. Instead of a large, stressful party every acquaintance is invited to, couples are focusing on small, intimate and budget-friendly weddings populated by their closest family and friends.
One of the best ways to keep your wedding small and cost-effective is by choosing a venue accordingly. And unlike large ceremonies, which may require expansive halls or spaces, intimate weddings often have a wider range of venues available to them. From museums to campgrounds to theatres to your own backyard, these locations may give you a chance to truly personalize your ceremony. This, in turn, allows you to focus on your wedding and the people you love, making the day a true celebration of your marriage.
Traditional Wedding Venues
- Homes
Whether at your own home or a friend or family member’s house, an at-home wedding allows you to tie the knot in a location steeped in personal history. And as an added benefit, booking this location is not just inexpensive—it is free.
- Courthouses
A time-honored tradition, civil wedding ceremonies allow you to keep your wedding short, sweet and cost-effective. If you’re worried about the setting, several options may be available to you, including courthouse gardens and historic buildings with unique architecture.
- Hotels and bed & breakfasts
Whether you’re looking for all the comforts of home, stunning views or a resort feel, hotels and bed & breakfasts provide you with a range of themes and scenic options. From beaches to mountains to country estates, your wedding can take place in a beautiful environment without the need to worry about rain, storms or heat waves. And as an added benefit, guests won’t have to travel to their accommodations after the wedding—they’ll just need to go back to their rooms.
Host Your Wedding Ceremony in Nature
- Parks and gardens
From expansive national parks to verdant botanical gardens to unique city recreation areas, green spaces are an attractive place to host a wedding. Depending on the location you choose, both the ceremony and your wedding photos may be breathtaking and dramatic in equal measure. Best of all, with nature in every direction, you’ll have a good chunk of your decoration taken care of already.
- Beaches
Like parks, beaches bring a touch of natural splendor to your wedding that can’t be replicated by any ornament. And with low-key decorations, not only can you highlight the beach’s beauty, but you may also gain additional savings. However, also like parks, weather may affect your wedding plans at the last minute. Make sure to have a backup plan if possible, and remember that unless you book a private stretch of beach, you may have to contend with an unexpected audience.
- Boats
Want to get married by the water but prefer not to host your wedding on the beach? Consider chartering a boat. Whether you keep the boat docked or set sail for a brief jaunt, you’ll be surrounded by open water and the native species which live in or around it. Prices for this location will depend on the individual or company who owns the vessel; if a family member or friend possesses a boat large enough, the cost of booking the boat may be even lower.
- Farms and wineries
A perfect choice for any couple looking for both a rustic theme and a natural setting. With homespun charm, historic glamor or whimsical beauty, these locations may offer both indoor and outdoor settings perfect for hosting ceremonies and receptions in any weather. Additionally, venues regularly booked for weddings may offer affordable and all-inclusive packages that take even more planning stress off your plate.
- Campgrounds
If you and your spouse-to-be love nature and adventure but are looking for a more intimate setting than an expansive park, campgrounds may be an ideal choice. From secluded woodland clearings to lakeside views, you can choose a setting which truly speaks to you. Additionally, you can add a relaxed ambience to the day by booking the campsite overnight and spending the evening—and following morning—socializing with your guests.
Unique Settings for Your Wedding Day
- Performing arts centers and theatres
Do you love the glamour of the stage and the big screen? Interested in timeless decor or a wedding steeped in nostalgia? Depending on their size and schedules, theatres and playhouses may have a variety of spaces for you to choose from for your wedding and reception. As an added benefit, there will almost certainly be plenty of parking and furniture included.
- Historic venues
These locations give couples the chance to host their wedding amongst unique buildings and stunning landscapes, all of which is suffused with a rich and interesting history. Some may even offer all-inclusive wedding packages to make your special day that much easier. However, make sure to do your research first—historic buildings can be some of the priciest affordable wedding venues. Some may also have strict rules in place in order to preserve the building and grounds.
- Libraries and museums
These locations may have all the history of older estates—just of a different kind—as well as a unique charm. Whether you’re a bibliophile, art-lover or history buff, libraries and museums give you the chance to make your wedding a celebration of your past as well as your future. And who needs to worry about buying decorations when you’re surrounded by them?
- Aquariums and zoos
The perfect venue for nature lovers of a different kind. While these venues may not be the most inexpensive option, the prices are typically reasonable, and a portion of the cost will likely go toward animal care and conservation. Additionally, with wild animals all around you, no one will be able to say your wedding wasn’t a truly memorable experience.
Plan Your Dream Wedding with The Four Columns
Just because weddings have often been large, costly events full of guests the couple barely knows doesn’t mean they have to stay that way. There are plenty of ways to make your wedding exactly what you want it to be without breaking the bank. And the best place to start is by looking at low-cost wedding venues. Not only can these locations make your wedding truly personal and memorable, but the small size of many locations also allows you to create a relaxed and intimate atmosphere.
Ready to take the first steps toward bringing your dream wedding to life? Book an appointment with The Four Columns today.
