While there’s certainly nothing wrong with tying the knot at a house of worship or hotel, brainstorming unconventional wedding ideas is a great way to explore your options. Variety is the spice of life!
If you’re a couple that tends to dance to the beat of your own drum, you may find that a nontraditional location better suits your unique personalities. After all, this is your wedding, so you’re only limited to your imagination!
You might be surprised by how many unusual places will happily host a wedding. As long as the permits and fees are taken care of, most establishments are willing to host private gatherings.
Booking the perfect unconventional wedding venue can be expensive. On the other hand, you might be able to find an amazing deal by taking the path less traveled. We’re here to help you choose a venue that checks all the boxes. Here’s some inspiration to get you started!
1. Anywhere Meaningful
Before we dive into specific locations, let’s start with a broader idea: anywhere that holds deep significance to you and your sweetheart.
Maybe you met at a dive bar or fell in love at a local park. Perhaps you have a favorite scene from a movie, book, or video game that you’d like to replicate.
Weddings are all about celebrating your deep, personal bond. Choose a venue that captures the spirit of your one-of-a-kind story. An unconventional wedding venue can create lifelong memories that you’ll cherish together for life.
With that tidbit of advice out of the way, let’s explore some specific unconventional wedding ideas.
2. Historic Site
Getting married at a historic site can transport you and your guests to a bygone era, allowing curiosity and imagination to take flight.
From ancient ruins to medieval castles to mysterious libraries, historic sites turn an ordinary wedding into an extraordinary experience that exudes wonder.
3. Arcade or Casino
If you and your partner are all about letting the good times roll, consider commissioning an arcade or casino to be your unconventional wedding venue.
The atmosphere is electric, and you and your guests will have plenty of ways to have some fun before and after the ceremony.
4. Boat
An ocean or lake can provide a scenic backdrop for your ceremony. Of course, no ordinary boat will do!
If you decide to go this route, you’ll need a large vessel like a cruise or yacht so you and your guests are comfortable throughout the voyage.
5. Forest
If you have an affinity for nature, a tranquil forest would be a lovely setting. Most of the decorating is taken care of, and you could hang string lights in the trees to light up the location with an ethereal glow.
6. Art Gallery
An art gallery is the ideal unconventional wedding venue for an artistic couple. Saying your vows in front of priceless masterpieces is an experience you’ll never forget.
If an art gallery isn’t available, a museum is another option. And, in addition to art, you and your guests could have a wonderful time exploring other exhibits. Did you ever imagine a dinosaur attending your dream wedding?
7. Zoo or Aquarium
Zoos and aquariums are perfect unconventional wedding ideas for couples who adore animals. You may need to book the venue after hours, but that makes it even more special. And, the humans on your guest list will be thrilled—especially the kids!
8. Festival or Concert
If you both love a musical artist, you could make their concert your unofficial, unconventional wedding venue. You might even end up going viral!
Or, you could hire your favorite band to provide the soundtrack as you dance together on stage. If you’re lucky, you could even convince the lead singer to officiate.
9. Vintage Railway Station
A railway station can provide a quaint, charming atmosphere for your wedding. And, if the trains are still active, you and your guests could enjoy a scenic ride after getting hitched. Or, you could even have a ceremony-in-motion. All aboard!
10. Sports Event
If you’re both sports fans, consider reaching out to a sports stadium or team. You could get married on the same field or court you’ve watched your favorite athletes play on for so many years.
This unconventional wedding venue really comes to life if you’re able to be a part of the event. Imagine saying your vows during halftime to the thunderous applause of fellow fans.
11. Theater
Don’t let the actors have all the fun. Turn your wedding into your very own Broadway production. A lavish theater is such a breathtaking venue. And if you really want to get creative with unconventional wedding ideas, you could sing your vows. Create your own musical!
12. Western Ranch
Okay, we’re a little biased, but we saved the best for last! An authentic, Western-style ranch is such a cool spot for a wedding, bringing the spirit of the American Old West to the party.
When choosing an unconventional wedding venue, it’s important that you don’t settle for anything less than the best. Our Montana ranch resort has that Western charm, but with luxurious amenities that keep the festivities enjoyable for all.
Book Your Dream Wedding
We offer an all-inclusive Western ranch where you can get married (and stay for the honeymoon) surrounded by breathtaking mountains, forests, and rivers, but that’s just the start.
Our indoor-outdoor nature wedding venue is an antique barn that has been remodeled and repurposed to be a magical place that oozes rural, bucolic charm.
We also have a private bridal suite, an outdoor spa, an on-site restaurant, real log cabins and glamping tents for guests, and a honeymoon cabin for the happy couple—generously discounted, of course!
We’d love to tell you more about our unconventional wedding venue. Contact us now to discuss unconventional wedding ideas, and we’ll help you plan a unique and unforgettable celebration. Enjoy a first-class adventure, and savor every magical moment of your special day.