Be Inspired by Real Weddings at Popular Venue Types
From museums to golf clubs, find out which option appeals to you.
From hotels and resorts with beautiful ballrooms to private estates or your own backyard, we've compiled some venues that Inside Weddings couples typically choose for their big day.
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When planning the details of your ceremony and reception, one of the first decisions you will make is in regards to the venue. Where will you be hosting the ceremony, cocktail hour, reception, and any pre-wedding parties, such as the rehearsal dinner or after-wedding brunch? Your choices will largely depend on the theme of your event, how many guests you'd like to have attend, as well as the area of the country or world where you'd like to exchange vows.
From hotels and resorts with beautiful ballrooms to private estates or your own backyard, we've compiled some venues that our couples typically choose for their big day. Take a look at seven of the most popular wedding venue types, below. To see more from the celebrations pictured, be sure to click on your favorite images! Also, be sure to follow the links to see even more soirées at these types of wedding venues.
Banquet Halls
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Like hotels and resorts, properties of this type are typically pros when it comes to hosting events since that's their main purpose, so you can rest assured that you'll have a team of people ready to help out from the planning stages through to the final dance. Banquet halls also typically have great catering options as well as a vast knowledge of the best wedding vendors who have worked there before, so you'll have a helping hand throughout the planning process.
See more real weddings that took place at banquet halls across the country and the world! Photo by Rene Zadori Photography; Planning & Design by Edgar Hay Events; Venue: Taglyan Complex; From Real Wedding: A "Magical Garden" Wedding with a Purple, Green & Gold Palette
Inns and Bed & Breakfasts
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If you're looking for a laid-back setting that offers the benefits of larger hotels and resorts, consider an inn or a bed-and-breakfast establishment. If the inn or B&B that you select has hosted a number of weddings, you'll receive the same sort of expert service that you would at a hotel or resort, but your guests will be immersed in the charm of the smaller setting. Ideal for more intimate events as venues of this sort don't have the vast accommodations that hotels might, they also work well for larger weddings if you're saying "I do" close to home and most of your guests are local to the area.
See more real weddings that took place at bed & breakfasts and inns across the country and the world! Photo by Vue Photography; From Real Wedding: Southern Labor Day Weekend Wedding with Vibrant Color Palette
Chapels, Churches & Temples
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Couples who want to uphold tradition or honor their faith often opt to get married in a church, chapel, or temple. Some pairs choose the church or temple they grew up attending, while others find a new house of worship at which to exchange vows in their desired wedding city. Many churches, chapels, and temples limit the decorations allowed, so be sure to check with your contact before booking. There are also a number of secular venues that are housed in old churches or cathedrals, so this venue type is also an option even if you're not religious.
See more real weddings that took place at chapels, churches, and temples across the country and the world! Photo by Jenny Haas Photography; Floral Design by HeatherLily; From Real Wedding: A Greek Orthodox Ceremony + Reception at Ohio's State Capitol Building
Hotels, Lodges & Resorts
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There's a reason so many brides and grooms choose to host their ceremony and/or reception at a hotel. Properties of this type are typically pros when it comes to hosting an event, so you won't have to worry about staff members not knowing what they're supposed to be doing. Resorts also provide accommodations for guests, a variety of venues to choose from, and they can be nostalgic too. We've seen brides choose certain hotels based on past family vacations, special moments with their fiancé while they were dating, or even because they want to walk down the same aisle their parents did years earlier.
See more real weddings that took place at hotels and resorts across the country and the world! Photo by KT Merry Photography; Planning & Design by Posh Parties; Venue: The Breakers; From Real Wedding: Soft-Hued Spring Wedding at The Breakers in Palm Beach, Florida
Country Clubs & Golf Clubs
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If you or your family members belong to a country club or golf club, this timeless venue can be the perfect place to host your nuptials – especially if you or your spouse love golf and feel that the space holds a special meaning to you or your family. This venue type is also a great option for those sticking with marital family traditions.
See more real weddings that took place at country clubs and golf clubs throughout the country to inspire your big day! Photo by Michael Carr Photography; Planning & Design by Ann Whittington Events; From Real Wedding: Glamorous Outdoor Wedding with Rustic & Rose Gold Details in Texas
Farms & Barns
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We see no sign of the rustic or boho wedding trend ending any time soon, and a farm or barn is a wonderful place to exchange vows if this is the theme you're going for. We've also had couples design glam, contemporary celebrations in pastoral locations, so the options really are endless!
See more real weddings that took place at farms and barns. From rustic to romantic, you'll find a wedding to inspire your own celebration! Photo by Christine Bentley Photography; Bridal Salon: The White Dress; From Real Wedding: A Rustic-Elegant Barn Wedding in Santa Barbara, California
Castles, Mansions & Historic Venues
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The royal wedding between Meghan Markle and Prince Harry inspired a number of princess-style celebrations at castles, mansions, or historic venues. Whether you're saying "I do" on the mainland or abroad, it's easy to feel like a princess on the grounds of a magnificent venue with gorgeous architectural details.
See more real weddings that took place at castles, mansions, and historic venues around country and the world! Photo by Dear Stacey; Venue: Oheka Castle; From Real Wedding: Sentimental Alfresco Ceremony + Classic Reception at Oheka Castle
Estates & Private Homes
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There are two parts to this type of venue – when it's your private home or that of a family member or friend, or an estate that can be rented out for events. Both pose great options for pairs desiring a private celebration without any potential wedding crashers (read: nosy hotel guests).
See more real weddings that took place at estates and private homes! Photo by Tec Petaja; Floral Design by Amaryllis Floral & Event Design; From Real Wedding: Childhood Friends Celebrate Wedding at Marriott Family's Lake House
Museums, Libraries & Zoos
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Museums are wonderful for brides and grooms who desire a unique space to host their nuptials. Museums and libraries are especially ideal for lovers of art and literature, or couples who want to exchange vows where so many romantic masterpieces and novels are housed. Zoos are also a great choice for animal lovers.
See more real weddings that took place at museums, libraries, and zoos across the states! Photo by Kent Drake Photography; From Real Wedding: An Event Planner's Wedding at a Museum by Sue the Tyrannosaurus Rex
Lounges & Restaurants
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Ideal for smaller celebrations, exchanging vows or hosting a reception at a restaurant or lounge is an excellent choice. Particularly if the setting is special to you as a couple, a restaurant can be a wonderful way to incorporate part of your love story into the big day.
See more real weddings that took place at lounges and restaurants across the country and the world! Photo by Amy Anaiz Photography; From Real Wedding: An Intimate Wedding in Brooklyn Overlooking the Manhattan Skyline
Vineyards & Wineries
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Saying "I do" at a vineyard or winery is incredibly romantic. It's the perfect locale for those couples wanting an outdoor wedding featuring ample natural greenery, or those who just love wine. We also love the fact that couples can visit the vineyard or winery for future anniversaries.
See more real weddings that took place at vineyards and wineries across the country and the world! Photo by Elisabeth Millay Photography; From Real Wedding: Romantic Neutral-Hued Wedding at a Paso Robles, California Vineyard
For additional wedding ideas, discover some of our favorite destination wedding location ideas, learn what you need to know about planning an outdoor wedding, view famous wedding venues featured in movies, and see the wedding venues we highly recommend!
Opening photo by Matt Kennedy Photography; From Real Wedding: Alfresco Ceremony + Rustic-Chic Barn Reception in San Luis Obispo
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