Cheap Wedding

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Jaimie Mackey was the real weddings editor at from 2013 to 2015. She also worked as a luxury wedding planner and produced over 100 high-end weddings and events in Colorado

Ellie Nan Storck is a Senior Editor for and a seasoned writer and editor with seven years of travel and lifestyle editorial experience, with expertise in hotels, honeymoon destinations, and wedding venues.

Cheap Wedding Venues That Will Help Save You Money

Your venue is more than just a place to have your wedding. Choosing the right location plays a major role in the look and feel of your celebration—and can often account for up to half of your total wedding budget. If the thought of writing a large check is making you consider eloping, rather than hosting a full-on event, don’t panic. There are plenty of budget-friendly wedding venues that don’t sacrifice style or personality.

“Choosing a less expensive venue will enable you to spend more of your budget on the things that matter most to you—whether that's food and beverage, design and décor, or photography, ” says Amy Nichols of Amy Nichols Special Events.

Planner Roxane Bellamy of Roxanne Bellamy & Co agrees, noting that sometimes you can even make enhancements to an affordable location. Take, for instance, a client who books a public park that happens to be waterfront as well, she explains. Well, it makes sense at that point to invest in a sailcloth tent to set the stage and provide a beautiful backdrop for the waterfront location. It's all about getting creative.

Having An Affordable Wedding Doesn't Mean Having A 'cheap' Wedding

Choosing an affordable option will all come down to what your total wedding budget looks like. Typically, a couple will devote at least 40 percent of their budget to their venue, as venue fees can run anywhere between $3, 000 to over $15, 000. Affordability is relative to each client, says Bellamy. I'd suggest that clients take the time to assess their wedding budget and determine how best to distribute [it]. Bellamy then recommends asking yourself crucial questions about what matters most to you: What experience do you want to provide to your guests? What time of year? How far away from home are you willing to travel? How convenient to an airport should the location be? By providing your planner with all of this information, they are able to tap into their network and create a list that should meet most, if not all of your location needs, she explains.

But of course, we know that not everyone works with a planner when creating their dream wedding. “If you don't have a planner, start by thinking about places in your area that are naturally beautiful, or have meaning to you and your fiancé, ” says Nichols. “This could mean public parks, beaches, vistas, or other public areas. Generally speaking, venues like that will have lower site fees than say a hotel or resort.”

It’s also important to consider what other wedding necessities will be included if your rental is wrapped up into a package fee. According to Nichols, there are definitely a few key points to keep in mind when booking a venue on a budget to be sure you're not adding more stress to the big day:

Cheap Wedding Venues: 30 Venues With Budget Friendly Packages

To get the planning started, here are 15 of our favorite affordable types of wedding venues, plus some totally stunning examples that will serve up serious inspiration.

Considering an outdoor wedding in a park or garden? Some of the most popular (think Beaulieu Garden in Napa Valley, California, or the Phipps Conservatory in Pittsburgh) can have years-long waitlists and budget-busting prices. National parks, on the other hand, offer special use permits for a fraction of the cost, and they give you a chance to tie the knot surrounded by nature. Visit the National Park Service’s website to find the permit requirements for the park of your choice, where fees will run you around $100.

How could you resist a ceremony site with a name like this? Bridalveil Falls is an easy 1⁄2-mile loop near the entrance to Yosemite, and is one of the first falls you’ll see in the park. A special use permit at Yosemite costs $150.

Beautiful Budget Wedding Ideas

A one-and-a-half-mile hike (with both a dirt trail and paved path available) leads you to a gorgeous spot with uninterrupted views of the Continental Divide. The open Upper Beaver Meadows will make you feel like you’re the only ones in the world—except for the herds of elk nearby. A special use permit at Rocky Mountain National Park costs $350.

Looking to keep your ceremony small? To maintain the area, Zion limits groups hiking to the Timber Creek Overlook to 12 or less—perfect for a mountain elopement. The trail follows a ridge overlooking the Kolob Canyons, and you can even see Mt. Trumbull at the northern edge of the Grand Canyon. Head there in the summer for a spectacular wildflower display. A special use permit at Zion National Park costs $100.

A city hall wedding doesn’t have to be an elopement. While most are designed for more intimate groups, you can still say “I do” with close friends and family in attendance. Many are housed in historic buildings, so even if the ceremony room isn't gorgeous, the post-ceremony photos on the front steps will be. As a bonus, having a ceremony at city hall is super affordable, and is usually a small fee in addition to the cost of your marriage license.

Cheap Wedding Reception Ideas

Yes, the stunning San Francisco City Hall may scream “luxury wedding venue, ” but you don’t have to rent the building for the entire night. Host a simple celebration Monday through Friday between 9 a.m. and 3 p.m. with up to 100 guests for $1, 000. Sure, it’s more expensive than a civil ceremony at the Office of the County Clerk ($93, plus the $112 marriage license fee), but the setting and the history make the investment well worth it.

For a ceremony only, the rotunda at St. Louis City Hall is a steal—only $150 for a group of fewer than 99 people. You’ll have access to the space for two hours (including photos), which is plenty of time for a walk down the aisle and a kiss. This dramatic space was inspired by the Hotel de Ville in Paris and will infuse your celebration with French opulence.

Atlanta City Hall offers a few different options for on-site ceremonies. A number of judges are available to perform ceremonies in their chambers, by appointment, and do not charge an additional fee beyond your marriage license. Some are also available for off-site or after-hours ceremonies, for which an additional fee may be charged. Looking for something a little more formal? Much like San Francisco City Hall, certain parts of the building are available to rent for your wedding celebration. Wed beneath 1929 chandeliers in the Old Council Chambers for $1, 500, or celebrate in the City Hall Atrium for between $2, 500 and $3, 500, depending on the date and time.

Top 29 Affordable Wedding Venues In Qld

While having a backyard wedding definitely isn’t free, the amount you’ll save on a venue means you’ll have more to spend on the necessities (like furniture rentals, décor, and catering). It also gives you a cozy and comfortable place to get ready, and it means you’ll always be able to go back to visit where you tied the knot. Of course, there are few things to consider. Be sure to check with your town and county about permitting and insurance, and consider looking into renting luxury portable restrooms (so your home’s system isn’t overloaded).

A wedding producer at Fête NY, Allison Aronne has years of experience planning weddings, but planning her wedding to Ryan Beauchamp was that much more special of a job. And through her industry connections, Aronne found the perfect location for their nuptials—her boss, Jung Lee's, stunning backyard in Kent, Connecticut. With a gorgeous backdrop for their ceremony and the most beautiful tent set up on the lawn for dinner, this backyard wedding left no detail untouched.

One couple opted to say I do on the 17th-century farm in Maryland where the bride grew up. It was the perfect setting for their English garden-inspired celebration—plus, thanks to the acres and acres of farmland, it had more than enough space for their 220 guests.

Of The Best Affordable Wedding Venues In Melbourne

What do you think about partying poolside for your wedding? One real couple pulled it off flawlessly with a stunning backyard wedding at the bride's childhood home in Kansas City. With a gorgeous brick patio, paired with a beautiful white and floral altar,