Let’s be honest: some wedding venues are pretty bad. Finding the perfect venue can be tough. There are so many options, but what if your budget is lower than expected? There are many options when it comes to cheap or free wedding venues. You will be shocked to see how many there are. Let’s take a deep dive into these venues to better understand what is available.
Cheap or Free Venues For Your Wedding
Enjoy Your Wedding At Home
If you can’t quite decide about your perfect wedding venue, one free place is in your home. It will motivate you to get your yard done and perhaps clean your house more. This is ideal because you will save a ton of money. You can use your yard as the wedding venue and the inside of your home for the reception. This will also add a lot of memories to your home as you think about the way the trees looked that day or how your guests felt cozy in your home.
Local Parks
There are parks everywhere, and you may be able to find one that is completely free for your wedding. Some parks do require a reservation, but for the most part are free to hold your wedding. You will have to find out what they allow, but once you have this information, this could be the spot for you and your spouse. Not only do parks generally have decent bathrooms, but there are also tables and places for children to play. If you want nature in your wedding, this is one way to do it.
Botanical Garden
For nature lovers, a botanical garden is a great place to get married. Some of them are willing to host your ceremony for free or for a small, tax-refundable donation. It all depends on what type of botanical garden it is. Not all have the same rules, so you must double-check about the ones in your area. What’s great about these gardens is that they are filled with flowers, so you likely won’t need to decorate anything. Some do not allow the reception to be held here, but you must check on this before your wedding.
Historic Buildings or Landmarks
Finding a historic building or landmark for your wedding venue can be very special for history buffs. Part of the allure of these historic buildings is the amazing architecture and the history of the building. If there are some landmark areas in your city, it is best to research what happened in the venue before your wedding. Another thing to consider is how much space is available for you and your guests. This is one of the best cheap or free options for your wedding if you are on a budget.
Local Community Centers
In your community, you may have centers that would work for your wedding ceremony. These centers generally have large spaces for entertaining and can accommodate everyone in your wedding party. Some of these community centers also offer catering, which could cut down the costs involved with your wedding as well. All it takes is a quick phone call to your local community centers to see if they do allow weddings. It can be a pretty cheap way to say “I do.”
A Library Wedding
For bibliophiles, getting married at a library is a one-of-a-kind experience. What is better than being married in such a unique location? There are local libraries that will help you with your special day. Most will allow you to rent out the space, which is fairly inexpensive or even free. Some libraries ask for a donation to have your celebration there. No matter the cost, this venue will likely be less expensive than any other you have been seeking.
Wedding Campout
Getting married at a campground is ideal for those who love the outdoors. Local campgrounds can offer couples and guests a very rustic setting like no other. The natural setting will allow you and your guests to be free in the woods with an unforgettable setting. The camping accommodations for your guests will be much cheaper than any hotel. If you do get married on the campground, you can take a deep dive into the camping theme and make it all your own. You can have s’mores at your reception to fully commit to this theme.
Beach Weddings
The beach is one of the best locations for a couple to exchange vows and can be completely free. There are plenty of private areas on the beach; however, other areas are open to the public and can accommodate you and all of your guests. A beach wedding can be inexpensive or free if you find the right spot. Couples find a beach wedding to be very romantic and even sexy. You can check with the local parks and rec department to see what the rules are for weddings on public beaches and if a fee or permit is needed.
Local Farm or Ranch
A beautiful venue for a wedding is a local farm or ranch. Nature lovers find these locations very beautiful and pleasing to everyone at the wedding party. They have become incredibly popular lately, and rustic themes have been highly desired. Many farms and ranches will allow weddings on the property for little or no cost. There are a lot of questions to ask if you have a farm in mind, such as whether animals will be on the property on the day of your wedding. Overall, a farm is a wonderful place to get married because of the fresh air and open space.
Return to School For Your Big Day
Plenty of couples feel that getting married at their old school or college is very romantic. If you met your spouse at school, this is a sweet way to exchange your vows. Many of these schools do not require a fee for weddings, but you will have to find out the rules they have about food and beverages for your reception. If you truly love your alma mater, this is a prime location for your wedding.
As you can see, there are plenty of free and inexpensive locations to have your wedding. It does take a lot of research, but you should be able to find the right venue for you.