8 Cheap and Affordable Wedding Venues

Planning a wedding can be both exciting and daunting, especially when you’re trying to find an affordable wedding venue that isn’t a courthouse. The wedding venue is often the largest expense for couples, but it doesn’t have to be that way. Finding an affordable wedding location can be easier than you think, and it can help save money for other important aspects of your special day, such as your wedding rings, attire, and catering. To help you save a lot of extra bucks, we've compiled a list of ten cheap, yet unique wedding venues that will make your day memorable and budget friendly.

1. At Home/Backyard Weddings

There's something incredibly special and intimate about getting married at home in your own backyard. Even a friend or family member’s backyard can be the perfect venue. This setting allows you to create a warm, comfortable, and familiar environment tailored to your specific taste and style.

The most significant advantage is that there are no rental fees. You have complete control over the space and your costs will just come down to seating and decorations. You can get very creative and personalize every aspect of the wedding to reflect your unique relationship. Plus, the comfort of being in a familiar home can help reduce stress.

Examples:

• Enchanting Evening Wedding: Set up a tent adorned with fairy lights and chandeliers. Elegant table settings with fresh flowers can help create a magical atmosphere.
• Garden Ceremony: Utilize your garden's natural beauty by setting up a simple arch and aisle lined with petals. This can be perfect for a spring or summer wedding when flowers are in full bloom.

2. Museums/Libraries

Museums and libraries both offer a unique and educational atmosphere for you and your guests. These buildings often have a rich history and a sense of wonder behind them, which is perfect for a couple who appreciates the arts.

Renting space in a local museum or library can be surprisingly affordable depending on size and location. These venues often have built-in decor and ambiance, reducing the need for additional decorations.

Examples:

• Historic Wedding: Rent a local museum's event space, so you can be surrounded by art and history. Imagine saying your vows next to a priceless painting or under a grand staircase.
• Vintage Library: Hold your ceremony in a historic library with vintage furniture and decor. The timeless setting will provide a one-of-a-kind backdrop for your photos.

3. Beaches

A beach wedding offers a romantic and scenic setting with the beauty of the ocean as your backdrop. With the sound of waves and the soft sand underfoot, you can’t go wrong with a wedding on the beach, especially if you live reasonably close.

Many public beaches are free to use or require only a small permit fee. The natural beauty of the beach means you won’t need as many decorations, which will also keep costs down. Although a beach wedding is a lot cheaper, you also take the risk of the weather not being ideal. You might want to consider having a backup plan if you don’t want to be rained out.

Examples:

• Sunset Ceremony: A wedding at sunset with a simple arch and aisle setup on the beach is all you really need. The natural colors of the sunset will do wonders for your wedding pics.
• Intimate Gathering: Plan a small, intimate ceremony with just a few chairs and floral arrangements. This setting is perfect for couples who prefer a quiet and private celebration and want to keep costs down.

4. College Campuses

Schools and colleges often have grand architecture and expansive grounds, making them an excellent choice for a nostalgic and meaningful wedding, especially if you met your partner there.

Rental fees for school or college venues can be more affordable than others, particularly for alumni or current students. These venues also offer various spaces and accommodations, from chapels to gardens, allowing for unique wedding setups.

Examples:

• University Chapel: A go-to option is renting the chapel or auditorium of your alma mater. These spaces often feature beautiful stained glass and intricate wooden interiors.
• Outdoor Quad: Using the school's quad or garden for an outdoor ceremony can provide a memorable backdrop for your special day. Although, it may require more set-up than a chapel venue.

5. Warehouses

Warehouses can offer an industrial and modern aesthetic that offers a blank canvas for your wedding decor. These spaces are very large and open, providing ample room for creativity and customization.

Warehouses are often inexpensive to rent compared to traditional venues, especially for the square footage you pay for. Their open layout also means that you will spend your costs on providing décor, seating, and more. This might be a great choice if you have a large wedding party that won’t fit at a conventional wedding venue.

Examples:

• Urban Chic: Transform a warehouse with string lights, drapery, and chic furniture to create an urban and sophisticated atmosphere. The contrast between industrial elements and elegant decor can be eye-popping.
• Minimalistic Decor: Embrace the warehouse's raw beauty by opting for minimalistic decor. Use simple, elegant touches like greenery and candles to highlight the space's unique features.

6. Farms/Ranches

A farm or ranch wedding offers a rustic and picturesque setting with wide-open spaces and natural surroundings. These venues often come with additional amenities like barns and outdoor areas. If you know someone with a large-sized farm or ranch, this would cut your costs even more.

Farms and ranches typically offer affordable rental fees and a variety of settings within the property. The natural beauty of these locations provides a charming backdrop for couple’s who want a country-themed wedding.

Examples:

• Barn Wedding: Host your wedding in a barn, adorned with wooden benches and hay bales for seating and decorations. This setup is perfect for a rustic, country-themed wedding.
• Outdoor Ceremony: Exchange vows under a large tree with a view of the fields. Use simple decorations like mason jars with wildflowers to complement the natural surroundings.

7. City Halls

A city hall wedding offers a simple, traditional, and efficient option for couples looking to get married without the frills of a big wedding. City Halls usually allow for a larger wedding party compared to your normal courthouse.  

City hall weddings are typically very affordable (between $20 and $50), with low-cost fees and straightforward arrangements. This option is perfect for couples who prefer a quick and intimate ceremony.

Examples:

• Intimate Ceremony, Large Reception: Keep it simple with a small ceremony attended by close family and friends. You can follow the ceremony with a larger celebration where more family and friends can be invited.
• Personal Touches: Add personal touches to the ceremony by writing your own vows or incorporating meaningful readings. This can make the event feel more special and unique.

8. Parks/Gardens

Parks and gardens can offer a lush and serene environment with plenty of greenery and natural beauty. These venues are perfect for couples on a budget looking to have an outdoor wedding.

Many parks and gardens are free to use or require only a small fee. You could also consider having your ceremony at a national park where permit fees are also low. The natural surroundings provide a beautiful backdrop, reducing the need for extensive decor.

Examples:

• Flower-Filled Ceremony: Choose a spot in the park surrounded by blooming flowers. Set up a gazebo or archway as a focal point for the ceremony.
• Mountain Range Backdrop: Choose a spot with a view of the mountains for a picturesque ceremony. The grandeur of the landscape will make your wedding photos truly spectacular.

Picking a Wedding Venue

Choosing an affordable wedding venue doesn't have to mean compromising on beauty or uniqueness. From the comfort of a backyard to the grandeur of a museum, these ten venues offer a variety of options to suit any couple. Consider choosing one of these budget-friendly options for your special day, and let EMBR provide the perfect wedding rings to complement your chosen venue.