Are you having a religious or civil ceremony?

If you have a church in mind that you plan to get married in, or you know that you want your ceremony will take place in a church, it is a good idea that your reception venue be in the same area. Making sure you and your guests are able to get from the ceremony to the reception easily is important.

If you don't plan on having a religious ceremony, you may have the option of holding your ceremony and reception at the same venue. This cuts out the need for your guests to organize transportation when travelling in between venues.

How big is your wedding?

The size of your wedding refers to the number of guests, the type of reception you plan on having and whether you will feature a DJ or live music.

Before you can search for a wedding venue, you should have a rough idea of how many guests you are inviting. A formal sit down reception requires more room than on with a casual standing buffet and if you decide having a live band play, they may require extra room to set up.

Choosing the type of wedding venue

There is a variety of wedding reception venues out there for every type of bride. Here is a list of popular types:

Hotel

Reception at a hotel can be lavish and beautiful while at the same time being convenient. Out-of-town guests don't need to find transportation to get back to their hotel because they can most likely book a room in the same place that the reception is being held. Because hotel receptions are so popular, the staff will have had a lot of previous experience in hosting a wedding.

Historical Buildings

Galleries, castles, Museums and estates all offer a unique atmosphere for a wedding. Although they tend to be more expensive than other wedding venue options, a beautiful castle or estate will give you and your guests a unique experience.

Golf and Country Clubs

Clubs often offer experienced staff, a distinct look and most times also have great scenery for wedding pictures. Doing research into different clubs in your area gives you a chance to find a venue perfect for your big day.

Gardens

If you can find a large and lavish garden setting in your city, this could be a great venue for your wedding. Renting a large marquise tent also allows you to bring your own catering and possibly alcohol which you can't do with some venues that require you to use in-house staff.

Doing your research on all of the available venues in your area means you will be able to find the perfect wedding location that also fits with your style and budget.