The perfect ceremony venue is all in the eye of the beholder. Whether you choose a place that you hold near and dear to your heart, a place where you plan to create new memories, or a place that will look incredible in photos, the perfect ceremony location starts with what matters most to you as a couple. The place where you exchange vows ultimately has to make your heart swoon, but taking the time to factor in some of the following considerations will help you make the most out of your guest’s experience.
1. Distance: Is your ceremony spot far from your reception space? Is it far away from the hotels you’re asking guests to stay at? While you don’t have to base your entire wedding on convenience, be conscious of extra-long drive times, or hikes through the wilderness, to arrive at your ceremony. If you have guests, like Grandma and Grandpa, who might need a little extra assistance getting to and from the days events, consider their abilities and mobility when you’re choosing your ceremony location.
2. Photographs: Together with your photographer, visit your preferred ceremony spot at different times during the day, (around noon, mid-afternoon, and evening) to see if there is a particular time of day that it looks the best. Discovering that your ceremony location sits in the shadows during your service time frame will have an enormous impact on your photographs. Make sure to visit your site with both your photographer, and your wedding planner, so you can get a few opinions on the best time and the exact spot to hold your ceremony.
3. Post-Ceremony: As the majority of ceremonies take place in the middle of the afternoon, it’s customary to offer your guest’s refreshments after you say “I do” while you head off to take photos with your wedding party. Is there a place where everyone can gather to bask in the commitment they just witnessed that is fresh and comfortable, or protected from the elements? While it’s not always possible to offer your guests these amenities (after all, your perfect space is your perfect space!), they are important things to consider when you’re finalizing your location.
Sources
Ikonica/TLAW Photography/St. Mary’s Cathedral/PMG Image
