If you are soon to be married, you may already be making the preparations for your Wedding Day. There is a lot to be organised. But one of the biggest challenges in planning your wedding is finding the right venue. If you are marrying in a church or other religious building, you may not be able to stay on there for your wedding reception. Instead, you will be expected to move your entire party to another venue. This can double the cost and the stress of planning your wedding.
So what are your options? In most parts of the UK, you must marry inside four walls that are licensed to carry out such ceremonies. But your reception can be held anywhere you like. You might even choose to marry quietly in a registry office and then have a big wedding party some time later elsewhere. Most people who use two venues on their wedding day do so because they want to be married before God.
Your wedding reception could be held in your own home. You can even have your union blessed by a celebrant. This mimics the formal marriage ceremony so you can feel you are having a complete wedding. Some cultures have marriage ceremonies that are not recognised by UK law. They would still need to sign the formal marriage registry at the Registry Office. The rest of the wedding can be conducted almost anywhere you like.
Marquees are one of the best ways to cater for a big wedding reception. You can hire the marquee, the dining tables and chairs. You could even have someone come in and manage all the decor and decorations for you. They are very popular during the summer months and give you the option of inviting a larger number of people.
Beautiful country houses, listed buildings, and castles are also popular venues for wedding receptions. Some have a licence to allow you to marry there too. These venues are usually already licensed for music and alcohol. If you are holding your reception at your own private premises, you may need to apply to your local authority first. Live music, food preparation, and large numbers of people gathering are some of the things they need to be made aware of.
For those marrying on a budget, a quiet ceremony in the civic centre can be very cheap. Often it is the reception that gobbles up much of the cash. Think small and intimate to save money. You could use your local pub or even the village hall. Friends and family can help with the catering and decorations. Alternatively, register your details with the venue of your choice. You could be offered a good discount to make use of a last minute cancellation.
Your wedding day will be one of the most special occasions of your life. It is important that you choose a venue that will enhance the beauty of your day. You can marry in a church, at the town hall, or at the same place as your reception. Have an incredible wedding day.
