Get Me To The Forest On Time: 35 Unique Wedding Venue Ideas

Looking for a unique, or downright odd, wedding venue? Today's choices go far beyond the stained-glass cathedral – which, by the way, would probably have to be booked five years in advance. Nearly any location imaginable can be turned into a wedding venue. Don't believe it? Mention to the owner of (odd, unusual wedding venue), and more than likely he or she will whip out a brochure of wedding packages and fees. Even owners who normally don't consider their property as a wedding venue will get into the spirit. The following 35 suggestions are idea starters for venues within the U.S., and are suitable for a range of budgets, guest lists, and styles.

1. National and State Parks
National and state parks are a natural choice for weddings. Don't pass over parks like Civil War battlefields, which might have well-preserved historic buildings on site. Searching for possibilities in a national or state park will have the added benefit of providing you and your fiancé a month of enjoyable Sunday dates. Be sure to inquire about permits and regulations.


2. Historic sites
By choosing a historic site, couples will not only have a unique venue, but will enjoy the knowledge that money they spend on the fees will help preserve a time-honored and educational place for the community.

3. Wineries
Napa Valley is not the only place with beautiful grape arbors and wedding venues, but it is probably the most famous. Many wineries double as wedding venues, and if they don't, they would probably welcome the chance for more exposure.

4. B & Bs
Bed and Breakfast establishments can be perfect for small to medium weddings. Rent the entire facility and you can have your wedding, reception, and at least one night of your honeymoon in the same location.

5. Museums
Museums are not only architecturally beautiful, but they also house beautiful objects, from fine art to fabulous archaeological finds. Depending on your style, you might be able to arrange a ceremony with a Renoir in the background, or, if you like, a T-Rex.

6. Theatres
No, not the local AMC. Think old, lavish, even renovated theatres, complete with red velvet curtains, gold paint and box seats. The Fox Theatre in Atlanta, Georgia is a notable example.

7. Ranches
You may not find a ranch just anywhere in the U.S., but it might be worth the trip if you love horses or all things Cowboy. If you live in Texas, Oklahoma, Wyoming, or Montana, chances are you know a rancher who will be glad to host your wedding.

12. Orchards
For small weddings, an orchard could be perfect. Time it when the trees are in bloom, or laden with fruit. Plan an early morning wedding when the sun can hit the dew on the leaves, or at sunset when the rays will be a photographer's delight.

13. Wildlife preserves
If you love animals, consider a preserve that takes in your favorite group, such as big cats. Eureka Springs is home to Turpentine Creek Wildlife Refuge, and couples married there often come away with a glimpse of tigers, jaguars or cheetahs in the background of their wedding photos.

14. Vistas and scenic views
Does a mountain or canyon bluff hold a romantic spot where you first declared your undying love? Finding a scenic view for your wedding is easy, but finding a spot suitable for formal attire and seating guests is not usually attainable just anywhere. This could be a terrific idea for the couple that has a small guest list or traditional wedding clothes.

15. Ships
Wedding cruises can accommodate most guest lists, from an intimate party of two to more than 250. Consider the comfort of your guests if you want to book a wedding on a small cruise boat. If a family member, or soon-to-be in-law, gets seasick at the slightest ripple, consider other options.

16. Skyscrapers
It is the dream of many couples to get married at the top of the Empire State Building in New York City. According to Nicole Grzywacz, PR and Events Coordinator of the Empire State Building, they can, but only on February 14 on the 80th floor. The 86th floor is the top, and, according to Nicole, would be much too cold for a wedding on February 14. If you want to apply for a reservation to be married at this famous location, you must dust off your writing materials and pull out all of your creative wit to write an original reason for being married there. The letter must be submitted by November 30. A committee determines the most deserving couples.

17. Trains
For a small wedding entourage, have your wedding on a train excursion through scenic countryside. Try an excursion on the Grand Canyon Railway in Arizona, Cuyahoga Valley Scenic Railroad in Ohio, or the Sierra Railroad Dinner train in California.

18. Plantations
Nothing can be lovelier than the grounds of a southern plantation, with Spanish moss-laden trees framing the bride and groom against the backdrop of an elegant colonial or antebellum era mansion. The best plantations are, of course, in the deep South.

19. Farms
There was a time when an entire community pitched in to help put on a wedding. Getting married on a farm can reflect the days of yesteryear when the women loaded tables with delicious food, and Uncle Joe played the fiddle. Even if you don't want to square dance, a farm can be a nostalgic and less formal location for a wedding.

20. Sports arenas
Certainly not for everyone, but for the couple who are diehard baseball enthusiasts, a baseball diamond might be just the ticket.

21. Art galleries
A small art gallery, whether traditional or modern, makes a perfect setting for an intimate, cultured gathering.

22. Lofts
Decidedly a fresh and trendy venue, New York City is most famous for its lofts, but you may need a shorter guest list.

23. Penthouses
Like the lofts, a penthouse is usually in a big city, and also requires a smaller wedding party. But think of the views and twinkling city lights!

24. Mansions and country estates
These are abundantly available for wedding couples, as long as you have oodles of money to afford it. But then, if you have oodles of money, your parents probably already have one.

25. Libraries
Chicago Public Library's Harold Washington Library Center allows weddings, as does the George Peabody Library in Maryland. Why not the historic library in your area?

26. Cultural centers
A few cities own beautiful community or cultural centers, such as the South Shore Cultural Center in Chicago.

27. Steamboats
The Mississippi river doesn't have the corner on the market; nearly every major river carries steamboats offering wedding packages.

28. Gardens
As in Botanical Gardens, Arboretums, Rose Gardens, and so on, are gorgeous at various times of the year. Just remember that gardens and city parks are not unique wedding venues. They follow closely after churches for popularity. However, we mention it not to offend your intelligence, but to remind you not to stop your hunt at city establishments if you want to be married amongst manicured bushes and flowers. Often museums will have connecting gardens. Established friends might also have them, and depending on how close you are to the friend, you might dare to ask.

29. Lighthouses
If you live on the coast, or don't mind traveling there for your wedding, a lighthouse would provide a perfect coastal setting, yet decidedly set apart from the average wedding at the beach. Many lighthouses offer wedding services; a simple internet search will help you choose one.

30. Castles
Castles in the U.S.A? Do they exist? The answer to all Cinderella wannabes is a resounding Yes! The Falkenstein Castle, built to resemble the famous Neuschwanstein castle in Germany, definitely has a wow factor. But you won't have to cross the Big Pond to get there; it is conveniently located in Burnet, Texas. The Pythian Castle in Springfield, Missouri is another midwestern surprise. On the east coast you can choose from the OHEKA Castle Hotel & Estate in Huntington, New York, the Biltmore Estate in Asheville, North Carolina, and the Belcourt Castle in Newport, Rhode Island.

31. Train stations
New York's Grand Central Station is ideal. Check out the train station of your nearest big city for possibilities.

32. A small town's downtown square
Small towns throughout America's countryside take pride in their downtown squares. Often bedecked with gazebos, gardens, and walkways, this venue would lend a down-home touch of yesteryear.

33. County courthouse
These same small towns often have beautiful courthouses in the middle of the square. Getting married in the clerk's office is a little trite; ask the judge to marry you outside on the grounds.

34. Natural caverns
Because of the natural gorgeous colors of a cave's walls and the formations of stalactites and stalagmites mimicking wedding candelabras, a cave is actually a beautiful location for a wedding. Not every cave system will be set up for weddings, but a few are, such as Cave of the Winds in Colorado Springs, and Bridal Cave in the Ozarks of central Missouri.

35. Where you first met, or the location of your first date
Did you meet at a bar, café, or a friend's cottage by the sea? Understandably, this idea might not always work. But it could be perfect, especially for you romantics who would love to return to the scene on future anniversaries.

When you first begin planning your wedding, allow yourselves to dream wildly. Start your research at your local Chamber of Commerce and ask if they have a list of wedding venues. Pick up tourist pamphlets while you are there. Ask friends and business contacts for suggestions, as they will be more truthful about how suitable a venue would be than any brochure. Choosing a unique wedding venue does not have to be more costly, but it will definitely be memorable.