How to Find Inexpensive Wedding Locations

Every bride and groom wishes for a beautiful and memorable wedding ceremony and reception. They also want a wedding location that makes a good impression on friends and relatives while providing attractive photo opportunities. Finding wedding locations that provide these amenities requires looking in non-traditional places. It also means a lot of time-consuming work performed far in advance of the ceremony to guarantee the site you want.

City and State Parks

1. Contact city and state parks for sites that can be reserved for specific functions such as weddings. City parks typically do not charge you a fee while state parks do.


2. Find park locations that are covered with a canopy and have picnic and restroom facilities available.


3. Specify a location that is as private as possible with an appealing view. Visit the site before reserving it to ensure it meets your needs.


4. Reserve the site as far as possible in advance to ensure it is available on the date you need it. Some sites are reserved as much as one year from the date of the event.


5. Arrange for portable-potties if the park does not offer them.


6. Follow park guidelines of conduct while using the site and organize clean-up afterwards or risk being charged a fee.

Network

1. Contact friends and relatives and ask for their input on finding an inexpensive location for your wedding ceremony. Prepare to be surprised at some of the suggestions or offers you receive.


2. Offer to pay reasonable rates for the use of backyards that are attractive and large enough to accommodate the event. Lake lots owned by friends or relatives are generally scenic and provide an attractive backdrop for the wedding.


3. Follow up every lead. If it doesn’t work out, you may receive additional information to point you in the right direction.

Winery

1. Find wineries in your area by consulting friends, relatives and acquaintances.


2. Locate a winery that is built on a large, scenic location that is well-maintained and private. Wine makers welcome events, because events expose the wineries to potential customers.


3. Reserve the winery during non-peak periods for the best rates and service.


4. Arrange for wine tastings for the guests which are usually conducted free or at a reasonable rate. Wine tastings offer the winery the opportunity to sell bottles of wine to enjoy at home.


5. Set up tours of the wine-making facility and vineyards for the guests during the reception.