Tips for Bride's...
The Wedding Ceremony

The Ceremony Site
Where to Get Married?

The Ceremony Site

You have done the proposal and begun the budget planning, now you need to decide where you would like to get married. Most couples choose to get married in the family church, temple or synagogue. However, many couples choose alternative places for their ceremony site. In addition to churches, temples and synagogues, you may call the historical society and chamber of commerce for ideas of wedding sites. If you would like to be married outside, your local parts departments will know the availability as well as location of ceremony sites. As with all ceremony sites, there will be policies and restrictions when using these facilities (Catholics and Greek Orthodox avoid weddings during Lent and Jews do not marry during the High Holy Days).

The ceremony site should be the first thing you do as you plan your wedding. Most wedding ceremony facilities are being reserved at least one year in advance. I caution you to not be suprised if your ceremony site has two weddings scheduled for the same day. If this occurs, there is enough time for the two weddings to do the necessary things. You may need to readjust your schedule for the wedding morning.

In addition to your site, you need to consider the time of year you are getting married in. If you have a large number of guests from out of town, you may consider being married on a holiday weekend. If you want to get married in the winter in Wisconsin, be prepared for a snowstorm. If you want to be married in the summer in Texas, be prepared for sweltering hot weather. There are times of the year when the vendors are slow and their prices are less expensive than during their high times. These are choices you need to make and as long as you plan far enough ahead, you will be able to find what suits your dreams.

Where to Get Married?

Church/Temple/Synagogue
You will need to speak to the officiant and inquire about their policies and procedures. If you are not a member, you may need to do extra preparation for the religion. Many facilities will have an information packet for you regarding all aspects of their policies and conditions.
Rectory
Some couples choose to have a smaller religious and private ceremony. You will probably need to prepare for marriage in the same way as if you were having a large wedding, it will just be a smaller group of people. Following a rectory ceremony, the couple may choose to have either a small reception or a large reception.
Hotel/Club/Restaurant
Often there is no charge to rent these for the ceremony if you have your reception there. There are usually wonderful picture opportunities in and outside at these establishments. A beneficial aspect of having your ceremony and reception at the same place is that your guests do not have to travel (especially if they are staying on the premises).
City Hall/Justice of the Peace
This is usually a very informal and intimate wedding and the costs are kept to a minimum. You need to contact the officiant and meet with them to schedule your wedding day. Simplicity still creates a memorable wedding day.
Public Park
You may reserve these from the state or local park association and many of them have gazebos, ponds, lakes, and gardens. You may need to have a permit and there may also be restrictions on the use of the property.
Home
This is a sentimental site and you may use your own , a friends or parents home. You will still need to have an officiant ceremony. It would be nice to have a tent in the back yard for a reception afterwards.


If you find that none of these suggestions reflect your style, you may want to consider being married at one of the following:
Yacht on the Water - watching the fireworks on the Fourth of July
Sports Arena during your favorite athletic season
Barn - roast a pig for the reception and have a country western theme
Chapel at your School-where you first met
Carnival - treat all your guests to amusement rides