ErinMore and more couples are choosing to tie the knot and celebrate their receptions in unique and unconventional venues. Traditional locations such as hotels and banquet halls can be costly, and many couples are looking for ways to make their weddings more personal, memorable, and reflective of their unique love stories.
Whether you’re dreaming of a rustic barn, a scenic mountaintop, an industrial loft, or even an intimate backyard setting, the possibilities are endless. To help inspire your big day, we’ve gathered some of our favorite creative wedding venue ideas. Browse through these options to find the perfect setting for your special celebration.
State or National Parks
Many State or National Parks allow weddings and similar events, often with designated areas of the park available. National Parks are some of the most beautiful parks in the country, so if you’re considering an outdoor wedding, this is a great option.
Each park has its own unique topography, so if you want to be in a deeply wooded forest area or a more open field, there’s something for everyone. You’ll most likely have to apply for a permit, so be sure to follow any pertinent laws if you’re getting married in a park or forest, national or otherwise.
Beaches
Whether you’re close to the coast or willing to travel, a beach wedding is a popular option for those who don’t mind a little sand. Be sure to check on state and local laws for the beach you choose, as you may have to rent out a part of the beach or apply for permits.
The beach is a beautiful and romantic place to get married, with the ocean as a backdrop. It is important to consider a few factors, however, like weather, wind, sound, and attire. Summer weddings on the beach are popular, but you should anticipate high temperatures and potential storms.
Libraries, Museums, Galleries
Instead of reserving traditional venues like country clubs and banquet halls, many couples are now exploring public spaces such as libraries, museums, and art galleries for their weddings. These locations offer a unique and sophisticated ambiance, often housed in historic or architecturally stunning buildings.
The existing décor—whether it’s grand bookshelves, fascinating exhibits, or captivating artwork—adds charm and character, reducing the need for additional decorations. Some museums may even allow guests to explore select exhibits during cocktail hour, creating a memorable experience. However, each venue has its own policies, so it’s essential to check their rental availability and restrictions..
Aquariums or Zoos
For animal lovers, hosting a wedding at an aquarium or zoo can be a truly magical and unforgettable experience. Many of these venues offer event spaces where couples can say “I do” surrounded by fascinating marine life or exotic animals. Guests can explore exhibits, interact with their favorite creatures, and enjoy a one-of-a-kind atmosphere.
This setting also provides a stunning and unique backdrop for wedding photos, capturing the beauty of nature and wildlife. Depending on the policies of your local zoo or aquarium, you may have the option to rent the entire space, bring in catering, and create a fully customized celebration.
Bars or Breweries
Many bars and breweries are excellent wedding venue options, as they often allow private events and can even be booked exclusively for your special day. If you have a favorite local bar, you may be able to rent it out for an intimate, cozy wedding. For larger gatherings, breweries typically offer more space, making them ideal for accommodating a bigger guest list.
One major advantage of these venues is that they already have liquor licenses, professional bartenders, and built-in décor, reducing the need for additional rentals. Breweries, in particular, provide a stylish and industrial-chic backdrop with plenty of open space for guests to socialize and celebrate.
Boats
As long as you’re not prone to sea sickness, a boat is a lovely option out on the water for your big day. Depending on where you ship out from, guests can enjoy the view of the city skyline or the shoreline. Some historic ships even host weddings!
Getting married on a boat also allows for an obvious and fun nautical theme. Another aspect of a boat wedding that may be a pro or a con depending on your outlook is that boat size affects guest list size. This can make it easier to cut those second-tier guests you didn’t really want to invite anyway, but it also may make for hard decisions.
Converted Buildings
Converted, older buildings are a trendy option for a wedding venue. By converted building, think former warehouses, churches, schools, factories, et cetera. Some of these spaces come cheaper, but may require more decoration depending on how the space is used regularly.
Decorating these spaces often allows for a lovely contrast of floral arrangements and lace against an older, unpolished building. Keep in mind that certain elements, like a liquor license, may fall under your responsibility if your venue does not regularly hold social events. If you’re looking for an industrial wedding venue, look for converted buildings in your area!
Botanical Gardens
Botanical gardens and similar venues like arboretums provide a breathtaking setting for weddings, offering a naturally beautiful and romantic atmosphere. With lush greenery, vibrant flowers, and stunning landscapes, much of the decorating is already done for you, creating a dreamy backdrop for your ceremony and reception. If you envision a floral-filled wedding, a botanical garden is an ideal choice, ensuring gorgeous photos surrounded by nature’s beauty.
Many botanical gardens are well-equipped to host weddings and often have designated event spaces, rental packages, and guidelines for catering and vendors. Be sure to check their policies regarding fees, accessibility, and available areas.
Theatres
Whether it’s an old movie theatre or a theatre for live performances, a theatre is an entertaining and stylish venue option. Many theatres serve alcoholic beverages, meaning the venue most likely already has a liquor license, taking care of one step for you.
If you hold the wedding ceremony itself here, the bride and groom can be married onstage in front of all their guests in the audience. Not all theatres may allow weddings, so if you have one in mind be sure to call early in the planning process to discuss the possibility of renting the space.
Theme Park
For couples who love adventure and excitement, an amusement park can be a unique and interactive wedding venue that guarantees a fun-filled celebration. Imagine saying your vows with a Ferris wheel in the background or taking post-ceremony photos on a roller coaster! Many theme parks offer group deals on rides, allowing guests to enjoy an extra element of childlike joy during the festivities.
Disney theme parks are a popular choice for magical weddings, offering a variety of wedding packages to create a fairy-tale experience. However, smaller amusement parks may not have pre-set packages, so you may need to coordinate directly with the venue to plan your special day.
Farms or Orchards
For couples who love the charm of outdoor weddings but want something a bit more rustic, farms and orchards provide a beautiful and natural setting for a memorable celebration. One increasingly popular venue choice is the barn, often decorated with twinkling fairy lights, wooden accents, and pastoral décor that create a warm and inviting atmosphere.
Even for non-rural couples, farms can offer a stunning backdrop, blending simplicity with elegance. These venues are perfect for couples seeking a balance between indoor and outdoor spaces, allowing guests to enjoy the fresh air while still having a cozy, covered area for dining and dancing.
Wineries
Wineries, just like breweries, are becoming a more and more popular wedding venue option. A winery offers a few benefits: they usually provide indoor and outdoor space for your wedding, so they can work year-round, and there are plenty of delicious wines on hand for your reception! They also already have a liquor license, so you won’t have to worry about obtaining one.
If you love wine or if there are beautiful local wineries in your area, this can make for the perfect wedding venue. The fields of vines will make for a lovely backdrop. Every winery looks different, so you can easily find one to match your wedding style, whether it’s rustic, classically elegant, or somewhere in between. You can even send guests home with a bottle of wine from the venue as a great wedding favor!
Estates
Your own home and backyard may not be large enough or picturesque enough for your dream wedding, but another home might be. Look into local estates in your area that may be available for weddings. Whether they are historic homes or publicly owned estates, this is a great wedding venue idea, especially for a backyard wedding.
These unique wedding venues have a lot to offer, and you can explore various estates to find the one that best suits your needs. Be sure to ask plenty of questions about the venue before committing, however. You may need to supply your own liquor license, tables and chairs, bartenders, servers, and so on depending on the estate.
Rooftop Terraces
If you live in a city or an area with rooftop bars, restaurants, or event spaces, you’ve likely seen how breathtaking the views can be. Hosting your wedding on a rooftop provides a stunning backdrop, with panoramic cityscapes, twinkling lights, or even ocean views, depending on your location. This elevated setting ensures incredible wedding photos and a romantic, unforgettable atmosphere.
A rooftop wedding exudes elegance and modern charm, offering a chic, open-air environment with plenty of space for personalized décor. Many rooftop venues provide rental options, so research the best spots in your area to find the perfect sky-high wedding setting!
Summer Campgrounds
Perhaps you met your significant other at summer camp, or maybe you both have happy memories of your childhood camp days. If camping is an activity you share, why not get married at your favorite campgrounds?
A campsite makes for a lovely wedding venue and theme all wrapped up in one. You can enjoy an outdoor wedding around a lake (if your campsite features one) and spend the evening around campfires. Cabins make for cute, rustic backdrops as well. A campsite wedding may be the perfect venue. Contact your old summer camp or other local campgrounds to see if they have an event policy!
Nightclubs
If you live in a city or an area with rooftop bars, restaurants, or event spaces, you’ve likely experienced the breathtaking views they offer. A rooftop wedding provides a stunning and sophisticated setting, whether overlooking a bustling skyline, glittering city lights, or even a serene ocean horizon. This elevated venue ensures a romantic, unforgettable atmosphere and incredible wedding photos with sweeping panoramic backdrops.
Rooftop weddings are both elegant and modern, offering an open-air ambiance with plenty of space to customize your décor. Many venues offer rental options and catering packages, so explore the best rooftops in your area to create a truly spectacular celebration!
Casinos
A casino is a great place to hold your wedding, and entertainment comes included! Guests can play the slot machines, or you can ask the casino about hiring a few card dealers for the night to keep other tables open.
Not all casinos will allow you to rent out the bulk of their space, or this might be an expensive rental. If you love the idea of a casino wedding venue, however, reach out to those in your area to see if you can get married there! Your guests are sure to have a good time at one of these unique wedding venues.
Sports Stadiums
If you and your future spouse share a love for sports and a deep connection to your favorite team, consider hosting your wedding at their home stadium! While this can be a pricier venue option, it offers an unforgettable experience for sports-loving couples. Imagine exchanging vows right on the pitcher’s mound of your favorite baseball team’s stadium or saying “I do” at center court in a legendary basketball arena.
Many stadiums also feature exclusive club spaces or luxury suites that can serve as a stylish reception area, allowing you to transition indoors while still embracing the spirit of the game.
Golf Courses
Even if a traditional country club wedding isn’t your style, a golf course can still be a fantastic venue option for your big day! Many golf courses feature breathtaking scenery, rolling green landscapes, and picturesque water features, making them a stunning backdrop for your ceremony and reception.
You can opt for an elegant outdoor wedding surrounded by nature or explore golf clubs that offer indoor event spaces with a more relaxed and modern atmosphere. For a fun twist, some courses may allow limited guest access to a few holes, or you could set up a mini golf or putt-putt area to entertain kids and guests!
Antique Stores
If you’re looking for especially unique wedding venues, you can’t get more innovative than an antique store! Clear out some space in an antique store and let the antiques themselves act as rustic, one-of-a-kind decorations for your wedding.
You may have some trouble finding an antique store large enough for your wedding. For smaller, intimate gatherings, however, an antique shop might be just the right size. Research antique shops in your area and see if they would be willing to use the space for your nuptials! Keep in mind that many antiques are fragile, so you may not want to invite kids depending on your specific venue.
Castles
Who wouldn’t want to get married in a castle? Nothing says “fairytale wedding” quite like a royal castle venue. Finding a castle in the United States won’t be easy, but if you live abroad, or if you’re planning a destination wedding, a castle may not be as far out of reach as you think.
If you don’t mind an outdoor wedding, there are plenty of old fortresses and castles that have fallen apart in a beautiful way over the years. Some are even open-air if they don’t have ceilings, and these may be more affordable options. Do your research and you might just get your dream fairytale wedding!
Office Spaces
While most of us are itching to leave the office come Friday afternoon, an office space might actually be one of the best wedding venue ideas. Many modern office spaces offer lots of natural light, trendy decor, and open concepts that make them great spaces for a wedding or other celebrations.
Research trendy offices in your area and look into event policies if they have them. If you’ve visited a cool office before, reach out directly and see if they’d be willing to rent the space for your wedding. This unique venue idea can lead to a surprisingly beautiful and innovative wedding like no one else’s!
University Buildings
If you met your significant other at your shared alma mater, you may have a nostalgic attachment to your school. Many older universities also feature some amazing architecture and beautiful buildings that would make for a beautiful wedding venue!
If you loved your college experience or a particular building at any university, ask if they can rent the space for events! You can even add a collegiate theme to your wedding, and all of your friends from school will be happy to return to the old stomping grounds.
Festival
If you and your partner are passionate about music festivals, why not combine your love for live music with your wedding celebration? A festival wedding allows you to experience an incredible atmosphere while enjoying world-class entertainment, making your special day even more unforgettable. While this option can be pricey depending on the festival, it offers a built-in soundtrack and a vibrant, high-energy setting.
Some festivals may even offer group rates or special event discounts to accommodate your wedding party, so it’s worth reaching out to organizers. A festival wedding is perfect for free-spirited couples who want a fun, unique, and music-filled celebration!
How to Find Unique Wedding Venues
Often when you’re looking for wedding inspiration online, you’ll see some amazing looking wedding venue ideas. But where was that picture taken? And how can you find a venue like that near you?
Searching for wedding venues is no small feat. A routine Google search often yields the same results of hotels, country clubs, and run-of-the-mill venues that you’ve probably seen over and over again.
To find more unique wedding venues, you’ll have more success if you know what you’re looking for. Check out our list of wedding venue ideas and then search for the specific type of venue you want in your location.
If you’re sold on a barn wedding and you live in South Jersey, try searching using keywords like “barn wedding venue South New Jersey”. You can also cut out “wedding” to find more diverse venues that might not normally hold weddings.
You can even search on AirBnb for wedding venues! While many AirBnb rentals are smaller, there are larger homes and estates. Filter your search by “Suitable for Events” to find venues that allow guests to host events in their space.
Factors to Consider When Choosing an Unusual Venue
Before you commit to a non-traditional venue, consider a few different factors. These factors will affect your budget as well as the amount of planning and setup needed for your venue.
While an unusual venue may have a cheaper price tag, you may need to pay for features or services that are not included in the price. Ask if your non-traditional venue includes the following, or consider how getting these things on your own would affect your budget and planning process:
- Permits: Most traditional wedding venues already have all the permits you’ll need for your big day, but a venue that doesn’t normally host weddings may not. You may need certain licensing for the event, from a liquor license to event space licenses. There may also be noise, crowd, or lighting restrictions to consider.
- Insurance: Event venues generally have liability insurance as well as other insurances in place already, but a unique wedding venue might not have this set up for you. Ask if you’ll need wedding insurance or other policies to keep your event safe.
- Furniture: When you get married at a country club, tables and chairs are usually provided. If you’re getting married in a barn, an open field, an estate, or any of the venue ideas on our list, tables and chairs very likely won’t be included. Factor in the price and logistic needs for furnishing your event.
- Lighting and Sound: Certain spaces won’t have lighting and sound systems, especially if you’re outdoors, so you may need to figure out how to obtain these yourself.
- Electricity: Before you even worry about a sound system, you should ask if the venue has electricity. For outdoor spaces or rustic spaces, you may need to supply a generator to power the lights, music, and more.
- Vendors: Some vendors may charge extra fees if their set up process is more difficult at your venue, or they may simply refuse to offer their services at certain venues. Make sure your vendors understand the details and any limitations of your venue before signing a contract.
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