Non-Traditional Places to Get Married in Fort Wayne, Indiana

I never imagined I'd get married in Fort Wayne, Indiana. I grew up in a surrounding rural community and moved away at 18. But, when wedding planning rolled around I found myself on a tight budget, and I found Fort Wayne to be much cheaper than larger surrounding cities like Indianapolis or Chicago. Finding cool wedding spots took a lot of work, but eventually, I found a decent list of possibilities.

Fort Wayne ceremony sites on a budget

My biggest concern was not going over board on spending for a ceremony site. I found a few sites that are both beautiful and budget friendly.

Lakeside Park & Rose Garden, 1401 Lake Avenue: This is what we settled on. The park is nestled in a quiet, older residential area and is gorgeous. The park is run by Fort Wayne Parks and Recreation and holds several weddings each month. The fee for a two hour rental is only $40. But, chairs aren't included. In fact, if you want to rent chairs, you must rent the park for four hours, bringing the rental to $80. We decided to have a standing, short and sweet ceremony.

Bridal Glen- Foster Park, 3900 Old Mill Road: A gazebo and trellises surround this spot in the Foster Gardens. According to it's web site, the Fort Wayne Parks and Recreation says this is a popular spot for weddings. The bridal glen is reservable in two hour increments.

A friend's backyard: With scenic farm land and plenty of lakes and rivers, no doubt you know a family friend or relative in the Fort Wayne area with a beautiful property. Make your wedding both personal and cheap, ask to use the space to get married. Remember to offer plans to keep disruption to the family and the property to a minimum.

A traditional wedding in a non-traditional space

If you weren't like me, looking for the cheapest available, you can hold a indoor wedding outdoor with all of the traditional aspects at several Fort Wayne location.

Foellinger-Freimann Botanical Conservatory, 1100 S Calhoun St.: So this one isn't technically an "outdoors" space. But, you'll get to both bring the outdoors indoors and avoid rain storms the day of your big event. You have to use an approved caterer. And, because you're inside of a working conservatory, you must follow several rules.

Headwaters Park, 110 W Berry St.: This park is in the heart of it all, downtown Fort Wayne. The park hold several large events throughout the year. Two pavilions are available for rental, one for $500 and the other for $1000. Because the park holds so many events, make sure to book your date early.