George Boyle
Choosing a wedding venue is one of the most important parts of the wedding planning process, accounting for about 40% of the total wedding budget. Opting for an unconventional venue can leave a lasting impression on your guests and give you the freedom to explore options that are more authentic to you and your partner. From castles to airplane hangars, there are plenty of unique venues to choose from. If you're looking for inspiration, consider venues like breweries, distilleries, zoos, aquariums, or even a baseball stadium. If you're after a more tropical setting, a waterfront house or a venue with a rainforest backdrop might be the perfect choice. For those seeking a truly unique experience, skydiving or adventure weddings in remote locations are also options. With a bit of research and creativity, you can find an unconventional venue that will make your wedding an unforgettable experience.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Location | On the water, in the mountains, canyons, or waterfalls |
| Tropical retreats, rainforests, flower fields, gardens, zoos, aquariums | |
| Los Angeles, New Orleans, Louisiana, New York, Texas, California | |
| Type of venue | Châteaux, libraries, breweries, distilleries, theatres, stadiums, fraternities, sororities, lofts, mansions, treehouses, bank vaults, helicopter pads, opera houses |
| Ranches, hunting cabins, ski lodges, bowling alleys, summer camps, train stations |
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What You'll Learn
Unconventional venues in nature
Nature provides a stunning backdrop for weddings, and there are many unconventional venues to choose from. For those who love the outdoors, a wedding in a lush rainforest, on a mountain, or underneath a waterfall can be an exhilarating alternative to a traditional venue. Treehouses, such as those found in Atlanta, offer a unique and intimate experience. For plant lovers, botanical gardens provide a lush ceremony surrounded by beautiful blooms, exotic trees, and divine fountains. The Dallas Arboretum and Botanical Garden, for example, boasts a world-famous tulip display that will fill your wedding with colour.
For couples seeking a more rustic setting, old wagon houses and stables can be converted into beautiful and spacious venues, such as the Lemp Grand Hall in Saint Louis, Missouri. Ranches, like the River Ranch Texas Horse Park in Dallas, Texas, offer a unique reception atmosphere with rustic touches and gorgeous surrounding forest areas.
If you're looking for a wedding venue with a festival feel, consider a boho-chic location in the wilderness, complete with tents, teepees or yurts, lawn games, food trucks, and fire pits. For a more sustainable theme, micro weddings in offbeat locations like forests, campsites, or barns are becoming increasingly popular.
For the adventurous couple, an "adventure wedding" in a jungle or on top of a mountain can be a fun and lively experience. And for those who want to combine nature with a touch of luxury, a vineyard estate in Winters, California, offers stunning natural views and an intimate, whimsical experience.
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Converted buildings
Former Factories, Revamped Warehouses, and Converted Lofts
Industrial-chic weddings are a popular choice for couples seeking a unique and trendy atmosphere. These converted spaces offer a blank canvas with raw features like exposed brick, visible pipes, and cement floors. Pair this industrial backdrop with modern wedding décor, and you'll have a stunning event space that blends grit and glamour.
Stables and Wagon Houses
Imagine exchanging your vows in a beautifully converted stable or wagon house. These spaces can offer rustic charm with spacious interiors. For example, the Lemp Grand Hall in Saint Louis, Missouri, was once a home for horses and delivery wagons but now provides a unique and spacious venue.
Treehouses
Treehouses have evolved since your childhood days, and some now serve as whimsical wedding venues. These grown-up treehouses can feature beautiful balconies, suspension bridges, fireplaces, and even Jacuzzis! Many also have multiple cabins, providing accommodation for you and your guests to extend the celebration.
University Buildings
College campuses are often home to impressive architecture and unique buildings. Contact your alma mater or a local university to inquire about renting their spaces for your wedding. From grand lecture halls to picturesque gardens, universities can offer a range of unconventional and memorable venues.
Former Police Stations
For a truly unique setting, consider a former police station as your wedding venue. These non-traditional spaces can provide an unexpected backdrop for your special day and may offer a blank canvas to create your dream wedding.
Remember, unconventional venues often come with more availability and flexibility, and they provide distinctive settings for your wedding photos. You may even save costs by choosing a non-traditional space, as they sometimes offer more value for your money. Happy planning!
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Adventure venues
If you're a couple that loves hiking and fresh air, a breathtaking mountain venue could be the perfect setting for your adventure wedding. You could even opt for a mountaintop elopement, or exchange vows underneath a waterfall or deep within a canyon. If you're looking for something a little more remote, a secluded chapel in the woods, a treehouse, or a retro camper colony could be a great option. For beach-loving couples, you could choose a venue just steps away from the ocean or a lake.
For those who want to relive their summer camp days, a campground venue might be the perfect fit. You can opt for a casual, rustic celebration or bring in fancy décor for a glamping-inspired wedding. If you're looking for a venue with a festival vibe, consider a boho-chic location in the wilderness, complete with tents, teepees or yurts, lawn games, food trucks, and fire pits.
If you're looking for a unique adventure venue, you could try skydiving and say your vows on the desert breeze with GoJump Las Vegas. Or, if you're a sports-loving couple, you could tie the knot at your favourite team's stadium or a baseball stadium.
When planning an adventure wedding, it's important to consider the portability of your setup and catering options. Meal boxes can be a great way to keep things simple and easy to dispose of. Don't forget to consider the weather and have a contingency plan in place in case of severe conditions.
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Unconventional city venues
There are many unconventional wedding venues in cities across the United States. If you are looking for a unique city venue to celebrate your special day, here are some ideas to consider:
The Great Outdoors
If you want to be surrounded by nature on your big day, look no further than city parks and gardens. ASHM in Philadelphia is located in FDR Park and offers a lovely park and pond as a backdrop for your wedding. The venue also has a museum that guests can browse through, and an indoor space for ceremonies in case of rain.
Rooftop Terraces
For a million-dollar view, consider a rooftop terrace wedding. Imagine exchanging vows with a panoramic city skyline as your backdrop. Many cities offer rooftop venues, such as the one in Philadelphia, with its unmatched view of the city and Beaux Arts architecture.
Industrial Lofts
For a combination of industrial grit and elegance, industrial lofts are a popular choice. The Unique Space in DTLA boasts 3,500 square feet of indoor space and can accommodate 150 guests for a seated dinner. The spacious loft provides a blank canvas for couples to create a truly unique and non-traditional wedding.
Historic Buildings
Historic buildings offer a unique and elegant setting for weddings. The College of Physicians in Philadelphia, founded in 1787, is a gorgeous example. The venue features an outdoor garden and a library for ceremonies, as well as the Mutter Museum that guests can tour during cocktail hour.
Restaurants and Bars
If you're looking for a more intimate setting, consider a unique restaurant or bar. In Williamsburg, Brooklyn, there is a richly decorated bar and restaurant that exudes warmth and welcomes up to 100 guests. This venue is perfect for a small to medium-sized wedding with a hip and trendy vibe.
These are just a few ideas to get you started on your search for an unconventional city venue. Whether you choose a historic building, a rooftop terrace, or an industrial loft, your wedding is sure to be a memorable celebration that reflects your style and personality.
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Unique venues for small weddings
Choosing a unique venue for a small wedding can be challenging, but it is a great way to make your special day memorable. Here are some ideas for unconventional wedding venues to inspire your search:
Airbnb Venues
Beautiful private homes on the rental market can offer flexibility and cost efficiency. From castles to cabins and desert retreats, you can find a venue that suits your style and guest count. Just remember to check with the host, as some properties may not allow gatherings or weddings.
Restaurants
A restaurant may be the perfect fit for a small wedding, as they are equipped with the necessary facilities and can offer a cozy and familiar atmosphere. Choose a spot that you and your partner frequent, so you can share the ambiance and cuisine with your guests. Be mindful of any restrictions on decorations and ensure that the existing décor resonates with your style.
Outdoor Adventures
If you're an adventurous couple, consider exchanging vows in a breathtaking natural setting. This could be on a mountain, by a waterfall, in a canyon, or even at a summer camp. For a forest wedding, Cloth and Flame can help create a romantic and exciting experience without the stress. They offer unique sites in Arizona, California, Utah, Nevada, Texas, and Washington.
Historic and Cultural Spaces
For a truly unique experience, consider a historic venue like a château, a grand theatre, or a library. These spaces offer a blend of nostalgia and unconventional charm. The famous Reading Room in Baltimore, with its towering bookshelves and scholarly ambiance, is an enchanting example.
Industrial Chic
Industrial venues, such as breweries, distilleries, and lofts, provide a trendy and versatile space for small weddings. These venues often have an open-air festival feel and can accommodate unique décor and themes.
These are just a few ideas to get you started on your search for a unique small wedding venue. With some creativity and flexibility, you can find a venue that perfectly captures your style and creates lasting memories for you and your guests.
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Frequently asked questions
You can find unconventional wedding venues by searching online, asking for recommendations from friends and family, or using a wedding planner. Websites such as Peerspace, The Knot Vendor Marketplace, and Carats and Cake offer unique venue options.
Unconventional wedding venues can include outdoor locations such as mountains, waterfalls, and canyons, beaches, gardens, zoos, and aquariums, and sports stadiums. Indoor options might be breweries and distilleries, theatres, lofts, museums, libraries, or even a helicopter pad.
Unconventional venues offer a unique and personalised experience that reflects the couple's interests and personalities. They often provide more availability and flexibility with scheduling and can be more affordable than traditional venues.
