Your wedding day is one of the most important events in your life. Not only are you tying the knot with the person of your dreams, but you might also be dropping a big wad of cash to celebrate the day. In fact, in 2019, the average cost of a wedding in the United States was $33,900. That’s a lot of money to spend on a single day!
One of the best ways to save money on your wedding is by finding cheap wedding venues to host the festivities. You can find a beautiful, low-cost venue to make your wedding memorable without blowing your wedding budget.
Local Parks
You can usually rent a local park or beach for a low, flat fee. These can provide a scenic outdoor location for your wedding without breaking the budget. Check with the parks department or the local government to get the final cost, but don’t forget to include the costs of renting things like chairs or tables. There may be limits on the number of guests that can attend as well. But if it works out, a park can be one of the best cheap wedding venues out there.
Backyard of a neighbor, family, or friend
If you or someone you know has a large yard or a structure such as a barn on their property, this could be a great wedding venue! Again, you may need to rent tables and chairs, but you can save money by hosting the wedding and the reception at the same location. And if renting the venue is free, that’s a price that’s hard to beat!
Rent a hotel or Airbnb
Hotel conference rooms can be great places to host a wedding. They often include things like a sound system, tables, and chairs, have lots of parking on the premises, and your out-of-town guests can rent a room there too. You can also rent out a vacation spot through Airbnb or other vacation rental websites. A farmhouse or a unique location such as a castle or a lighthouse could be the perfect place to host your wedding.
Museums or libraries
Renting out a museum or a library is a great way to host your wedding on the cheap. You can save even more money by choosing a smaller or lesser-known venue that is in lower demand.
Aquariums or zoos
If you’re an animal lover, this option could be particularly exciting! You can rent an area of a zoo or an aquarium for a scenic, immersive experience for your guests. Many zoos have multiple rental options, allowing you to accommodate any number of guests and find the perfect spot to meet your budget.
Restaurants and bars
Many restaurants, bars, and even small cafes will allow you to rent the whole place or a large room which might be perfect for a wedding. They’ll already have tables and chairs, saving you some money on those rentals. A bonus is that they can also provide food or bar service for your wedding. This could end up saving you money and time since you won’t have to coordinate between the venue and the food service provider.
Schools
If you’re looking for an indoor venue, a school cafeteria, alumni center, or gym could be the perfect size to host your wedding. Outdoor options in schools might include gardens on the grounds, renting a practice field, or even using their stadium seating. There are many options here, especially if you’re getting married during the summer while school isn’t in session.
Theaters
Many theaters are available for renting out. Movie theaters can offer comfort and a familiar environment. Performing arts theaters often have incredible architecture and beautiful lighting and ambiance, creating a breathtaking atmosphere for your big day.
No matter where you decide to host your wedding, make sure you look at the entire cost of renting the facility. Costs such as renting chairs and tables and making or buying decorations can make the cost of cheap wedding venues to add up quickly. A higher-priced venue may save you money after considering these costs.
Weddings can be expensive and can include costs for everything from the bride’s dress to the cost of changing your name. Choosing a venue is just one of the many ways you can save money on your wedding. Deciding to have fewer guests could allow you to rent a smaller venue. You might save money by having a mid-week wedding, or having your wedding outside of the typical wedding seasons. You can also save money by negotiating with the venue if their price includes services you don’t plan to use.