Are you looking for ways to have an eco-friendly wedding venue? There are beautiful venues out there to host your wedding without taking away anything you may need. The best kind of venue is outdoor because you have the sun as your main light source during your ceremony. It also gives you an extra glow. Think about all the outdoor locations such as botanical gardens or hilltops. Let’s talk about some awesome potential wedding venue ideas that you should consider looking into for your eco-friendly wedding.
Farms/ Barns
Not all farms are just an old barn sitting in the middle of nowhere. Barns are away from the city and a more quiet location to get away. You should consider the additional cost of lighting, generators and catering tents. Since most barn locations are not full service, you will need to think about having a backup tent for the ceremony, vendor tents, and even a commercial cleaning of the barn. You will need things like access to water and lighting. Also, before even getting to the wedding date you’ll have to make sure the barn is licensed, insured and know the rules of how loud you can be with music.
Be mindful of allergies outside and weather conditions. Have bug spray and umbrellas on sight and help anyone who has disabilities because the roads are not all leveled.
Vineyard
There is something special about having a wedding in a vineyard. Surrounded by lush greenery, grape vines and sunny days. It is a sight to see! Just like the barns, you have to consider extra costs because there are not always full serviced venue locations. You will need things such as electricity. There are services that work with solar power or generations to help you out. The kitchen most likely will be remote so make sure the catering you choose knows how to work with your location.
Make note that most GPS devices don’t know too much about vineyard locations and could give your guests a headache to get to your location. Consider supplying transportation. It not only is an eco-friendly way to getting your guest to where they need to be but helps your guest find their way safely.
Public Park
This local is also great for summer or spring weddings. You get to have nature as your free decor. You do need to consider the rules and regulations for decorations and music noise levels as well as research permits since you are using the city’s park. The only downside is that you may not have control over what happens at the park. You will most likely have unexpectant people taking your photos or making noise around you. However, with all that you can still have a fantastic wedding.
National parks or public parks provide an intimate location. They are better for just the ceremony because of all the rules that restrict certain things such as music levels and the amount of traffic of catering and decor supplies.
Backyard
There are so many things you can do to spruce up a backyard. Yes, anyone’s backyard. All you really have to do is rent tables, chairs, and decor. Of course, you could simply cut cost by having a mix of chairs. You can cover them with chair covers if needed. You do need to plan ahead because an everyday person’s backyard does not hold to many people plus your reception and dancefloor. The backyard must be prepared nicely for the wedding since everyone is going to notice if you haven’t cut the grass in a couple of years.
Non- Outdoor Venues
If the outdoors is not your cup of tea then look for locations that you can hold both your ceremony and your reception at. By having them in one place you save on traveling and using up extra fuel. Also, look for venues with lots of sunlight so that you can have your ceremony in the natural sun and leave the lights off. Another tip is to keep on the lookout for hotels that recycle and use energy-efficient appliances as well as biodegradable products. There is a great site that shows your eco-friendly hotels in your area.
Final Thoughts
Having an outdoor wedding saves on energy because you are using the sun as your light source. Find locations such as a farm, vineyard, park or backyard as your wedding location. Consider the number of people you will be having in attendance to determine the amount of space you will need. There are beautiful botanical gardens, hilltops, and even refurbished barns that can offer you stunning venue while keeping the must-haves such as toilets nearby. Not everyone likes to have a porta potty. By choosing these venue types you are having a more eco-friendly wedding.
