How to Choose a Wedding Venue

Your wedding day is a very personal day. And the ceremony site should reflect that. When you choose a wedding venue, there are several items to keep in mind so that you get a site that works for you. Some of the main items to consider include religion, season of the year and the cost of the wedding venue.

Religion

For many, the religion of the couple (or religions if different faiths are involved) plays a large role in the selection of the wedding ceremony site. Churches, cathedrals, and temples are all common places for marriage. If you and your spouse-to-be are both the same religion, it eases things a little. However, if you grew up in different cities, you still need to decide where you will hold the ceremony. If you are of different faiths, and getting married in a religious edifice is not important to either of you, then you might consider getting married in a different venue.

Season

Depending on the time of year, you might be able to have an outdoor wedding. If you enjoy the outdoors, and want to be married in a park or garden -- or even on a beach or mountain -- try to plan for a time of year that is usually temperate. Avoid early spring weddings and late fall weddings if you want to hold your wedding ceremony outdoors. The weather is notoriously unpredictable in many places during the months of March, April and early May, as well as after late September. Keep this in mind, especially since you may have to book your wedding venue months in advance.

Cost

This is a very important consideration to some when it comes to choosing a wedding ceremony site. Many churches, cathedrals and temples do not charge a rental fee. Some parks or gardens and other outdoor venues can also be reserved for free. However, some religious buildings, while not charging a rental fee, will require payment for services such as officiating or organ music. Make sure you check well ahead of time.

You can reduce some costs by checking to see if another wedding is taking place, and splitting the cost of flowers at the service with the other wedding party. While this may save money, it can add another complication as you coordinate with someone else. You can also check to see if you can do receptions at the same place as the wedding venue, cutting the cost of having to rent a separate reception venue.