Unique Wedding Venue - Underground Ceremony in a Cave

Couples making wedding plans are constantly searching for ways to make their ceremonies unique. In order to set their nuptials apart from other weddings, couples are choosing a variety of alternatives to a traditional church, chapel, or backyard ceremony. While most people don't think of caverns or caves as wedding venues, the natural beauty of these natural wonders can add a touch of romance and individuality to a wedding ceremony. Many people choose to decorate the area simply by adding a few flowers or candles, not wanting to distract attention away from the splendor of the cave.

If you're near Camdenton, Missouri, you could choose to say your vows at The Bridal Cave and Thunder Mountain Park. According to Native American lore, the cave underneath the Thunder Mountain was the scene of a dramatic wedding in the 1800s. Over 2,000 weddings have taken place in amidst the scenic stalactites and wedding packages are available through reservation, starting at $400. As a bonus with a wedding package (among other benefits), couples receive lifetime passes to the cave. The $400 package also includes recorded pipe organ music, an officiating minister, two glasses, and sparkling cider for the couple. The $550 package includes everything from the cheaper package along with some flowers and limited use of a professional photographer. The Bridal Cave is available for weddings after 4:00 p.m. every day with several holiday closings.

The Hocking Hills State Park in Logan, Ohio, is home to the Ash Cave, another underground setting available for wedding venues. If you're able to have your wedding when the waterfall is running near the cave, that would make for a beautiful backdrop to the ceremony. If not, Ash Cave alone is full of natural beauty just underneath a hanging rock ledge surrounded by trees. Getaway Cabins offers an "Ash Cave Wedding" option for a $25 off-site fee added to one of their base package fees. Of course, you could always plan your own wedding by obtaining the proper forms and permits and paying certain fees. For Hocking Hills State Park wedding ceremony rules and other information, click here. Ash Cave ceremonies have a one-hour time limit, which is ideal for a couple who wants a "short but sweet" ceremony.

Howe Caverns in New York, the largest cavern in the northeastern part of the United States, has been the scene of over 600 weddings and vow renewals since 1929. Ascending the stairs to the underground altar you will see an illuminated calcite heart on the floor near where couples take their vows. The bridal cave is available almost year-round, with the exception of Thanksgiving and the Christmas holidays. With a $100 deposit, ten people in the wedding party receive admission to the caverns. Beyond those ten guests, attendees 16 years old and older are charged $10 each admission. For additional fees, your guests can be treated to a banquet. There are no wedding packages available at Howe Caverns, so couples will have to secure their own ministers, photographers, and flowers. For more information, click here.

Luray Caverns in Luray, Virginia has been the venue for over 400 subterranean ceremonies since 1957. Nestled in the heart of Shenandoah Valley, this cavern system has a number of interesting chambers where weddings have been held. The most popular area of the cavern for weddings is the Cathedral, which houses the Great Stalacpipe Organ, an organ which uses over 3.5 acres of stalactites to produce music. On a trip to Luray I was amazed to hear the beautiful sounds coming out of the instrument and I can see why people would choose to get married in the Cathedral area of the caverns. Specific information about weddings at Luray Caverns can be obtained by calling them at (540) 743-6551.

In Burnet County, Texas, you can have your wedding in a cave at the Longhorn Cavern State Park. Once inhabited by Ice Age animals and later by the Comanche Native Americans, now people can reserve space in the caverns for weddings. The cost for use of the cavern will vary depending on the length of the ceremony, the date and time of the wedding, and the number of attendees plus a base fee. A quote can be obtained by calling 1-877-441-CAVE.

These are just five of the beautiful caverns in America that are available for weddings. While a cavern wedding is a unique idea, they aren't for everyone. People who have limited mobility will need to check with the venue for accessibility. Caverns might also deter people who have claustrophobia from attending. However, if you and your small wedding party don't mind a little underground adventure, a cavern wedding might be just right for you.

Note: Please check each individual venue's website or contact them directly for up-to-the-minute information on rental availability and prices.