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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 parks 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. Do not be surprised 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 time.
In addition to your ceremony site, you need to
consider the time of year in which you are getting married. 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 may be less expensive than during their busy 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. One 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 |
