How to Choose Your Wedding Location

When it comes to planning your wedding, one of the first steps is deciding where you’re going to get married. And we’re not talking about ballrooms vs. backyards here, we’re talking about the high-level “where”: the city, state, and country. There are lots of options, but you’ll have to decide which works best for you and your future spouse.

Your hometown or your future spouse’s hometown
If you or your future spouse have special ties to your hometown, then a wedding there might be best for you. And if you and your spouse are from the same area, it can be extremely convenient for your guests not to have to travel. This is especially ideal if you have relatives who may not be able to travel long distances. However, some may feel that hometown weddings are a bit too traditional or may not have the style of venue they’re looking for, so fortunately there are other options.  

Your current city of residence

If you and your spouse no longer live in your hometown, it may be more convenient to plan a wedding in the city where you’re currently living—especially if you have a lot of friends in your new city of residence. You’re obviously familiar with the area and will be able to more easily attend vendor meetings, venue visits, and more, instead of having to make trips back and forth. If a lot of family members or friends will have to travel to your wedding location, do your best to make the process easier by booking hotel room blocks and seeking out travel deals.

A favorite vacation spot

Is there a place where you and your future spouse love to visit? Whether it’s a short drive from where you live, or a plane ride away, a place you’ve already traveled to and love is a no-brainer. Your guests will love taking a mini-vacation to your wedding, but remember that traveling to a destination wedding can be quite an expense. Make sure that there are ample places to stay and convenient travel options. You’re also be planning from a distance, so you’ll have to let go of a lot of decision-making.

Where you met

If the place where you and your future spouse met (a college town or  city where you used to live) has special significance, that’s another option for your wedding location. If you have family members or friends who still live in this location, it can be a bit more convenient than a true destination wedding. But, you’ll have to plan from a distance and assist your out-of-town guests with travel and accommodations.

Somewhere you’ve never been before

This may be the most labor-intensive location, but it can be totally worth it. If there’s a place you’ve always dreamed of traveling or fell in love with a particular venue, you may want to research getting married there. If you’re completely unfamiliar with the area, you may want to hire a wedding planner to help you learn the lay of the land. Again, this location option will likely require most of your guests to travel, but they’ll likely be excited about exploring a new location and celebrating your love. 

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