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Pros and Cons of Different Wedding Venues [2024]: Everything You Need To Know

Pros and Cons of Different Wedding Venues Everything You Need To Know

The overall impact of your wedding depends on the venue you pick. This is because your choice of location affects the theme, décor, lighting and other aspects of your wedding. It even affects your dress decision to a great extent. Hence, the venue decision isn’t one to take lightly. In fact, it is one of the first wedding planning decisions that every couple should make.

From indoor venues like barns, banquet halls and castles to outdoor venues like beaches and gardens, there are plenty of options to choose from. However, there are so many factors to consider when choosing your wedding venue. These include the following

  • Your budget
  • Expected number of guests
  • Accessibilty of location
  • Desired wedding theme
  • Style of wedding
  • Weather at the time of wedding

While these factors are important, this list isn’t exhaustive. There are many more aspects that you have to consider when choosing the venue.

Don’t worry if you are confused or overwhelmed by this. Fortunately, we have an easy way to help you narrow down your choices to the right type of venue for your wedding!

Take a look at our list of pros and cons for the different venue types. This will help you weigh each option against the others and eliminate or short-list the suggested venue type. This should allow you to recognize the best venue for your situation. So, let us take a look at the most popular venue types one by one.

Hotels/Banquet halls

hotel banquet hall gown

Hotels and resorts are very popular wedding locations, since these venues are equipped to deal with events of this scale. They also have facilities for accommodation and food, which is great if you have a number of outstation guests. Here are the pros and cons of choosing a hotel or resort as your wedding venue.

Pros:

  • Staff have experience hosting events of this scale. As a result, most of the day will progress smoothly.
  • On-site caterers make menu planning a breeze. You needn’t worry about the logistics of transporting food from another location, setting it up or the service.
  • The venue is guaranteed to have great interiors and classy décor to match. You can enhance it with your own choice of decorations.
  • You do not have to worry about parking, seating or bathroom facilities on-site.
  • They have rooms that you can use to get dressed at. Saves you the trouble of traveling to the venue after getting dressed at home or at another location.

Cons:

  • Most hotels offer standard packages, and you may have limited flexibility or have to spend extra to alter things to your exact liking.

  • You may have to use the hotel’s vendors and entertainment for the occasion. This may limit your options and you may not be allowed to bring in food or liquor from outside.

  • Hotels are quite expensive, as you have to go with the packages they have.

  • Good hotels are booked quickly, and since most of them host only one wedding per day you may have to make your decision very early.

For more insight on whether a hotel is the right venue for your wedding, take a look at this article.

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Country Club/Garden venue

beautiful wedding gown

Many country clubs have options for both indoor and outdoor events, allowing you to enjoy the best of both. There is also a romantic and serene charm to such settings. Here are the pros and cons of picking such venues for your wedding.

Pros:

  • They have ample space to accommodate a large guest count. They will also have shaded outdoor seating spaces, cozy indoor relaxing spaces and picturesque locations.

  • You have the flexibility of using both indoor and outdoor spaces. So, you can have your ceremony in their grounds, and the reception indoors.

  • The food is usually amazing at country clubs. They may also allow you to bring in your own caterer or baker, on prior agreement.

  • Country clubs usually have well-maintained grounds, garden spaces and beautiful indoor décor that allow for amazing photographs.
dream wedding in your own back garden

Cons:

  • The venue is usually expensive. Also some country clubs require you to have a membership to avail of the facilities. You will have to consider this factor when choosing this venue.

  • Since country clubs have a number of event spaces, yours may not be the only event on the day. This means there may be outsiders sharing the same space and amenities.

Beach

beach wedding venue

The beach is a top wedding destination for couples who want a relaxed, intimate and memorable wedding. From beaches that are close to home to those in the exotic tropics, couples flock to beaches for the unique ambiance they provide. Here is what you should know before you have your wedding at such a location.

Pros:

  • Unmatched ambiance and unique feel of the outdoors. Romantic and exciting venue that is interesting and makes for amazing memories

  • Destination beach weddings allow you to tailor your wedding to a fixed budget and invite only those you really want at your wedding

  • Setting allows you to choose comfortable and casual attire, if you aren’t fond of traditional wedding gowns

  • Amazing wedding photos are guaranteed, since the venue will be bathed in natural light and is fun
Beach Wedding Venue

Cons:

  • You need a Plan B in case the weather throws up unwanted surprises like heavy winds or a drizzle.
  • Destination beach weddings aren’t easy since you will be making long-distance plans and can’t oversee every detail.
  • Unless it is a private beach, outsiders may invade your wedding venue and be in your photos.

More details of what you should remember when planning a beach wedding are available in this article. 

Church/House of Worship

church wedding

If faith plays an important part in your life, you may choose to have your wedding ceremony at a church or house of worship. This traditional venue comes with its own benefits and disadvantages. Let us look at what they are.



Pros:

  • The venue is magnificent and lends an air of grandeur and style to your wedding.

  • Suitable for classic wedding themes and allows you to dress traditionally

  • There is an organized approach and the various events on the day progress as per tradition. The expected nature of these rituals eliminates confusion.

  • Weddings in a house of worship usually cost less than other venues

Cons:

  • There are usually restrictions on the dressing for a wedding. You may have to cover your shoulders, which means you can’t pick a strapless gown unless you cover it up with a suitable accessory.
  • You will have to find another location for the reception. This means your guests will have to travel from the first venue to the second. This will involve time and more planning.

  • Your photography options will be limited in a church. Make sure your photographer has the required equipment to capture the photos with clarity during the ceremony.

Museum/Art Gallery/Castle

museum wedding venue wedding dress

Steeped in history, museums and art galleries offer a unique ambiance for a wedding. The very location makes the occasion memorable and it is less traditional. Here are the pros and cons to selecting this venue for your special day.

Pros:

  • Since these venues aren’t common choices, it offers a unique and interesting touch to your wedding

  • It allows you to paint a picture of your personal taste and likes, making your wedding very personal.
  • Suitable for smaller gatherings due to space constraints. This makes the wedding cosy and intimate.

Cons:

  • Since these venues aren’t ideally meant to host such events, you will have to put in more effort to plan the event appropriately

  • Space constraints mean limiting your guest count to how many people can fit in the venue comfortably.

  • You will have to work with the existing décor and choose decorations that do not clash with the aesthetics of the place

  • The specialized art and fragile items in the setting require your guests to be careful with how they use the space.

  • You will have to find suitable outside vendors for the décor, food and other arrangements.

Reception Halls/Banquet Halls

banquet hall wedding venue

Whether attached to a hotel or not, reception halls allow you to get your creative juices flowing and plan a wedding that is uniquely you. Here are the advantages and disadvantages of this choice.

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Pros:

  • Unless attached to a hotel or resort, there is little to no décor at the location. This means you can work with the colors and elements of your choice to create a wedding day that reflects your tastes to the smallest detail

  • You can plan the entire setting to fit your budget. This gives immense flexibility.

  • It is a good space to host a reception following a wedding in a house of worship.
  • You can make the space work for your desired guest count by arranging the seating and other details suitably.

banquet hall venue

Cons:

  • The entire bulk of planning is on you. Since there is little to no existing décor, you will have to work hard on getting the theme and aesthetics right to match your vision.

  • Unless attached to a hotel, you will have to rent all the required equipment for setting up the arrangement.

  • You will have to find outside vendors for the food, decorations and all other aspects of the wedding.

  • Chances are that your guests have already been to the reception hall, if they are all from the community. Hence it will be challenging to create a setting that is different and provide an experience that isn’t similar to what they have experienced before.

Backyard

garden outdoor wedding gown

Having an intimate wedding in your own home is unlike weddings at any other venue. As romantic and charming as it is, it comes with a unique set of challenges. Let us explore what they are. You can also check the ultimate guide to planning a backyard wedding.

Pros:

  • Backyard weddings are intimate and relaxed. Your guests will feel at home and settle in easily

  • This is a venue that you have total control over. You can begin prepping it for the wedding much earlier than you have to with any other venue.

  • It is a great way to save on venue expenses, which usually account for a great part of the wedding budget.

  • You can personalize the venue to the smallest detail, since you do not have to obtain any permissions or pay attention to limitations where this is concerned.

  • You can plan a very unique wedding, by choosing the décor, food and ambiance you want for the event.

Cons:

  • Unless you have plenty of space, you will have to limit your guest count to how many people the space can host comfortably.

  • You will have to rent seating, install additional lighting and set up the place with all the factors that may not be readily available at home. For instance, you may have to set up outdoor portable washroom facilities since you may not have enough facilities for your guests otherwise.

  • You will have to worry about parking space and also check the locale’s concessions on noise and traffic. Your neighbours may not be thrilled about all the commotion if your plans don’t align with the regulations.

  • Since you will be living on-site till the wedding day, it will be under use and more difficult to get it ready. You will have to worry about how the place looks and plan everything in time, so it looks picturesque for your wedding day.

For more backyard wedding advice, take a look at this fantastic article on the Bridal Guide. 

Outdoor wedding reception

As I mentioned at the beginning of the post, every wedding venue comes with its unique set of challenges. At the same time, it also has its own unique benefits. With creativity, good organization and proper planning, it is possible to transform any venue into your dream wedding destination. So, tell us which wedding venue will you prefer for your special day?

For wedding dresses for any venue, whether it is a castle, museum, beach or hotel, visit us at Best for Bride. We will help you find the right dress for your venue, so you can be a bride who belongs in the setting!

Summary: Pros and Cons of Different Wedding Venues

  • Outdoor venues offer natural beauty and a picturesque setting for wedding ceremonies, but they are often weather-dependent and may require backup plans.
  • Indoor venues provide climate control and a reliable setting, but they may lack the charm and ambiance of outdoor spaces.
  • Hotels and banquet halls offer convenience with on-site amenities, such as catering and accommodations, but they can be expensive and lack uniqueness.
  • Country clubs provide an elegant and sophisticated atmosphere, along with professional staff and well-maintained grounds, but they may have strict rules and membership requirements.
  • Vineyards and wineries offer a romantic and rustic ambiance, along with scenic views and excellent photo opportunities, but they may have limited capacity and higher costs.
  • Historic venues, such as mansions or castles, provide a grand and timeless backdrop for weddings, creating a sense of grandeur, but they can be expensive and have limited availability.
  • Beach weddings offer a relaxed and laid-back atmosphere, with beautiful ocean views and a tropical vibe, but they can be subject to unpredictable weather conditions and accessibility issues.
  • Destination weddings allow couples to combine their wedding and honeymoon in a stunning location, creating a memorable experience, but they can be expensive for guests and require additional planning.

FAQ – Wedding Venues

What is the most affordable wedding venue?

Breakfast & Bed. Consider the following: a warm, private venue that feels like home, attractive on-site guest accommodations, and a charming garden ideal for your small outdoor ceremony. Plus, there’s an integrated post-wedding brunch.

What is the cost of a wedding venue in Ontario?

Wedding venues in Ontario start at $57 per person and go up from there. Wedding venues in Ontario have a capacity of 251 people on average. Wedding venues cost a total of $14,307.

What characteristics distinguish a suitable wedding location?

Consider art galleries, well-designed eateries, or warehouse spaces if you’re having a modern wedding. A wedding with more natural themes, on the other hand, works well with outside settings like parks, backyards, and ranches.

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When is the best time to start looking for wedding venues?

Make a reservation as soon as you and your partner have chosen a location. It’s much better to book a wedding venue 15 months in advance than to find out your desired wedding venue isn’t available on the dates you want.

Is it required for a wedding location to be licenced?

If you wish to have a marriage or civil partnership ceremony in a non-religious facility or linked outside area, you’ll need a civil partnership or marriage venue licence (premises authorisation).

15 thoughts on “Pros and Cons of Different Wedding Venues [2024]: Everything You Need To Know

  1. I found that reviews of the places that you are considering for your wedding venue can reveal a lot that might be hidden by the venue’s website, etc.

  2. My sister is getting married and I’m in charge of booking the location, so I wanted tips! I didn’t know banquet halls have rooms that you can get ready in, so there’s no hassle of getting ready at a different location. That would be convenient for my sister since she has an extravagant dress, so I’ll book an event banquet hall that’s affordable and classy, thanks to this post!

  3. The wedding of my dreams will be on the Beach. What could be better? Beautiful and in love we, white sand, a light breeze of the ocean, a wedding arch in white flowers … Perfect! I don’t see anything wrong with such a wedding, only pluses. What about strangers? It will be fine for me! I’ll be pleased! I’ll be ready even for the selfies with them! 🙂

  4. You made a great point about how staff will have experience with large events and how it will be handled smoothly. My husband and I are looking for a wedding amenities service to help my husband take care of different things that are needed. We will keep these tips in mind as we search for a professional that can help with these things.

  5. It’s good that you point out that a beach is a very romantic setting for a wedding. I want my upcoming wedding to be romantic and memorable, so I’m considering having it on a beach. I’m going to look for a good company that offers beach weddings in my area.

  6. Great coverage of numerous venues, but no mention of Farm weddings. Wineries and large farms make a great choice, but many smaller farms offer wedding settings too, part time, to augment farm income. With that comes challenges. Farms have farm smells and a freshly fertilized field or neighbours cleaning a barn can ruin the day. And noise can be a big problem if neighbouring homes are in sight. You may be keeping them awake or they may be running a chainsaw while you are cutting the cake.Make sure parking is adequate and neighbouring properties are on board.
    If in doubt, rent a full time venue that has can guarantee the perfect day.

    1. Thank you Samantha for your insight 🙂 It is really valuable.

  7. The main reason I would have my wedding at a hotel is that the staff has experience with big events. I wouldn’t have to train people or hire a whole other company to deal with that. There would also be enough places for people to stay after the reception.

  8. Great post. Whether you envision your wedding held in a hotel ballroom, a trendy bistro or a sunny backyard, there are pros and cons to consider for each. But still your budget matters.

  9. I like how you mentioned that the choice of your wedding location affects the décor, theme, and many other aspects of your wedding. My cousin mentioned to me last week that he and his fiance are planning to hire a wedding event planner and asked if I have any idea what are the best options for them. I’ll be sure to tell them that it will be much easier for them if they consult a trusted wedding event service that can answer all their inquiries and help them with their ideal wedding options.

  10. I found it interesting when you said that the venue you will choose will play a role in the dress you want to use. I have a cousin who will be married and they are not yet decided on what type of venue they want. This article did a great job of explaining how they can choose the best venue for them, and consulting a trusted wedding venue is one of the best ways.

  11. Incredible post. Whether you imagine your wedding held in an in hotel ballroom, an in-vogue bistro, or a bright lawn, there are upsides and downsides to consider for each. Yet your spending plan matters.

  12. I love that you talk about wedding venues. Every wedding venue comes with a unique set of challenges. At the same time, it also has its excellent benefits. You can transform any venue into your dream wedding destination with creativity, good organisation, and proper planning. As romantic and charming as it is, it comes with unique challenges. Whether it’s a church wedding, beach, or any place of your choice, the wedding venue plays an essential part in the ceremony.

  13. It’s great that you mentioned how the overall impact of your wedding depends on the venue you pick. My partner and I are going to get married this year and we are now in the process of organizing the event. We haven’t picked a venue yet, so maybe we should choose an all inclusive wedding event venue.

  14. Thank you for the helpful information about the pros and cons of different wedding venues. This is certainly something to take into account when planning a wedding. It is always important to consider the environment of the venue and what kind of atmosphere it provides for your special day. It’s also important to consider the facilities, services, and décor offered by each venue in order to make sure the wedding day runs smoothly. I appreciate the guidance offered by this article and look forward to deciding on the perfect wedding venue.

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