Choosing a wedding venue is one of the first decisions – and maybe one of the most important decisions – a couple makes during the wedding planning process. The venue is where it all starts. It sets the stage for everything, from what the wedding theme will be to the bride’s dress choice.
And since a venue is typically a huge investment, it’s worth taking extra time to carefully consider all of your options before settling on “the one.”
Especially when there are so many amazing wedding venues to choose from. And we’re not just talking about your run-of-the-mill locations. While traditional venues can be beautiful and serve their purpose, non-traditional wedding venues are worth considering.
In today’s post, we’d like to inspire you with some unique wedding venue locations we’ve come across.
But first, let’s quickly go over some things to think about when deciding on a venue. These will help guide you in finding the ideal space for you special day.
Choosing a Wedding Venue
Your Ideal Location
Location, location, location. Never in all of our most recent history has location been more important than it is now.
Changing travel restrictions, protocols, and other pandemic-related issues have made both domestic and international travel more challenging, so you have to keep in mind the logistics behind getting to your wedding venue (flight accommodations, transportation to and from venue, seasonal factors, etc).
Your Guest Count
You should also have a rough idea of your guest count number before booking a venue, as most places require an estimate at least two to three months before the wedding date.
Having an idea of how many people you would like to invite also gives you an idea of what kind of space and accommodations you need. After all, you wouldn’t want to invite 100+ family and friends, then host your ceremony on a tiny rooftop.
Your Wedding Needs
Some of the unique wedding venues you come across will sound amazing, but they might not have everything you need as far as services and amenities go. So before thinking seriously about where you’d like to book, think about what your specific needs and wants are. Things like:
- Room accommodations
- Parking
- Transportation
- Kitchen facilities
- Lighting and other equipment
- Activities
You might also want to check to see if your potential venue has any kind of restrictions (noise, guest count) or if you need a license/permit to serve alcohol/food/etc.
Your Budget
You may fall in love with a wedding venue, and it might have everything you could ever need and want, but if it doesn’t fit within your budget, none of the rest matters.
This is why it’s imperative that you create and track a wedding budget before making decisions and investments towards your big day. Otherwise, you might have to make sacrifices or compromise on other wedding-day items that are important to you and your partner.
Ideas for a Unique Wedding Venue
Adventure Weddings and Elopements
Adventure weddings are becoming the next big thing for couples who crave…well…adventure.
These kinds of weddings can take place just about anywhere: on mountain tops, near secret caves, beside waterfalls, inside national parks, the list goes on.
Even cooler is that you can find adventure photographers who will help you discover epic wedding locations and plan a whole day around adventure while photographing everything.
Our bohemian-style wedding flowers provide a perfect complement to an adventure wedding.
Campsite
Love the thought of outdoor event spaces but don’t want to hike a mountain to tie the knot? A
campsite might better suit your style. Especially if you miss those summer days spent at camp.
Invite your nearest and dearest to join you and your partner for a multi-day celebration at a campground, complete with glamp accommodations (tents, teepees, yurts, cabins, etc.), firepits, and outdoor activities.
And if you’re feeling more festival than Kumbaya, you can easily give a campsite a wedding-palooza vibe by decorating with boho chic wedding flower arches and centerpieces. Go ahead and pass out some flower crowns and rent a couple of food trucks while you’re at it.
At a campsite wedding, our rustic wedding collections provides the perfect match.
Planetariums, Museums, and Galleries
No matter how much wanderlust pulls at our heartstrings, it’s not always possible to exchange vows overseas.
Fortunately, there are plenty of popular destination wedding locations in the U.S, and they’re full of non-traditional wedding venues that will transport you far beyond this country. And this planet, for that matter!
For instance, science museums often have planetariums, which provide incredible ambiance and out-of-this-world decor. Or check out a natural history museum or art gallery for wedding venue inspiration. Just think about making your union official in front of a t-rex or a priceless Picasso.
For beautiful and stimulating venues, consider our collections of vintage wedding flowers for a elegant and stunning pairing.
The Zoo or Aquarium
They may not have dinosaurs, but your local zoo provides plenty of live furry (and scaly) friends to act as witnesses to your nuptials. And being surrounded by colorful sea creatures as you say your I dos? Well, we can’t think of anything quite as magical or otherworldly as that. Bonus points if you’re actually in the tank!
Another perk about having your wedding at a zoo or aquarium is that they often put a percentage of the rental fee towards conservation and wildlife support. You could even boost the effort by having guests donate to your favorite organization in lieu of favors.
To enhance a zoo or aquarium venue, consider modern wedding flower collections for your florals.
Historic Venues
Historic sites, like the Biltmore House in North Carolina, provide you with rich stories, a unique atmosphere, and ample decor. Locations like this are perfect for larger gatherings, as they have lots of space and can accommodate more guests.
Historic estates are also ideal as a winery wedding venue, as many of them have onsite vineyards, wine tours, tastings, and events. So you might consider having your rehearsal dinner at the winery, then your wedding day at the main venue. And think of all the amazing photos you’ll get around the property!
To elevate a historic for the right florals, look into our collections of classic wedding flowers.
On Stage
If you and your partner are performers (or love the performing arts), perhaps a “staged” wedding would be fitting. Opera houses, theaters, and performing arts locations are all beautiful venues and worth considering. And you can find them in just about every style, from grand and luxurious to artistically quirky.
For an artistic location, romantic wedding flowers makme an outstanding choice to decorate.
In a Forest
An intimate wedding in a forest or woodland area sounds particularly dreamy. Find a clearing and set up an area where you can host a small ceremony and reception.
For your dinner activities, place long tables decorated with candles (maybe battery operated to be on the safe side) and floral wedding centerpieces. You can create a cozy space by putting rugs underneath the tables and chairs. Or skip the chairs altogether and opt for pillows if that suits your guests’ needs.
While rustic wedding florals might seem like an obvious match, you can also mix and match with our bohemian wedding florals to add a customized touch.
Rooftop
If the city is more your scene, head to the rooftops for a view of the skyline. Say I do as the sun goes down, and don’t forget to get those golden hour photos everyone keeps talking about (ask your photographer).
Treat guests to a chic wedding celebration complete with a live jazz band, hors d’oeuvres, and signature cocktails served via a hoop skirt.
For weddings with fabulous city skyline views, modern wedding flower collections will supply a complementary decor.
Hot Air Balloon
Hitch a ride to the stars because yes – there is such a thing as getting married in a hot air balloon!
One such company in California’s Palm Desert flies couples over the region while legally performing a marriage ceremony. They can even fly guests in multiple balloons alongside you.
To complete the celebration, you’ll get a champagne toast, personalized banner, and cheese and chocolate plates.
Romantic wedding flowers are a great choice for anyone consider including hot air balloons in their nuptials.
Botanical Garden, Greenhouse, Conservatory
How could we be a flower delivery service and not mention getting married in a garden of some sort?
Botanical gardens, greenhouses, and conservatories make for some of the most beautiful wedding venues simply because of their natural adornments. Some of them are architectural wonders as well.
Take the Conservatory of Flowers in San Francisco, for instance. Built in the 19th century, this historical facility features custom metalwork, living walls, and plants and flowers from all over the world. Just imagine being surrounded by hundreds upon hundreds of colorful blossoms and wild greenery.
As an alternative, you could also consider using a local private, state, or public park as your wedding venue. Or even a friend’s beautiful backyard garden. The beauty of using the great outdoors is that nature provides the most stunning backdrops. For everything else, you have The Bouqs!
For such picturesque natural settings, consider mixing some Boho wedding flowers with vintage-style wedding flowers.
Farm Fresh Flowers Delivered to Your Unique Wedding Venue
Planning a wedding of any kind has its challenges. But especially when it’s a non-traditional wedding hosted at a unique venue. That’s why Bouqs Weddings makes it easy by shipping wedding-ready floral arrangements straight to your perfect venue.
Whether you need fall flowers for a wedding or you’re aiming for a tropical destination in summer, we will help you get the sensational flower arrangements for your theme and style.
We can save you the stress of finding a local florist or the difficult task of transporting bouquets. Whether you choose a charming rustic campsite or a chic city stage, your farm-fresh Bouqs will come to you.
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