Unique Ideas for Reception Locations

While function halls, country clubs, and hotel ballrooms are still the most popular sites for receptions, these days there is no limit to where you can go. As long as people can gather there to eat, drink, and be merry, it will do. Here is a list of potential sites to consider.


· castles, estates, or historic mansions


· museums/art galleries


· scenic mountain resorts


· beaches


· gardens


· ships, boats, or yachts


· country inns


· farmhouses


· public gardens or parks


· luxury hotels


· historic hotels


· historic villages


· concert halls


· observatories


· ranches


· lighthouses


· pier or waterfront restaurants


· historic battleships


· plantations


· Indian reservation or memorial site


· apple orchards


· college or university chapels, halls, or courtyards


· traditional chapels


· beach clubs


· greenhouses


· aquariums


· theaters


· bed and breakfast sites


· historic train or train depot


There are also baseball parks, football fields, tennis courts, and other spots connected to hobbies or anything of common interest.


Odds are you will pay more to secure one of these nontraditional sites than you would for a standard venue, but weigh the cost against all that you will get for your money. In settings like these, your surroundings will not be part of an insignificant background. They will say something unique about you and your new husband. Estates and manors are stately and elegant; they offer opulence, style, and often the ambiance of an era gone by. Many have expansive grounds from the guests to stroll – there may be room for a tent for outdoor festivities. The works of art hanging in museums and art galleries can certainly compete with any centerpiece a caterer might provide; add a little music and you have got a reception to remember. Or what about a reception in late fall in an apple orchard – complete with chairs, tables, and a string quartet? Or even a reception inside or outside a lighthouse, with the soft waves of the water coming ashore and soft music in the background.


Granted, some of these options will depend on the season and the weather, but if Mother Nature cooperates, sites like these can make for a beautiful and memorable wedding day. Just remember, for outdoor sites you will need to establish a backup site elsewhere or include a large tent into your plans as a precaution against inclement weather.