6 Cheap or Free Wedding Venue Ideas






When you are getting married, no matter what your budget, one of the things that takes up the biggest chunk of your budget is the venue. You, obviously, will need a place to hold this wedding. You will need a place that is able to accommodate your guests. And, if you are working with a super strict budget, finding a place where you can have both the wedding and the reception is probably your best option. Here are a few venue suggestions for couples on a budget.


  • Friend or Family’s Property- If someone you know-- maybe it's you-- has a nice property, garden or backyard, this could be an excellent venue for your wedding. Holding an outdoor wedding can also negate the need for many decorations. Why do you need to pay a florist thousands of dollars for flowers when you are surrounded by the best nature has to offer? One suggestion: if you are going to be using a friend’s home for your wedding, give them a nice thank you gift. Also, make absolutely certain to have a clean-up crew ready. It would be very bad form, indeed, if your friend lent you the use of their home and you repaid their generosity by leaving them a huge mess to clean up. 

  • State or Local Park- You may need a permit or have to pay a nominal fee, but reserving a picnic shelter at a local or state park or finding a venue at a national park can be far less expensive than a hotel ballroom or a banquet hall. P.S. You should also make sure a clean-up crew is part of the plan, here, as well. 

  • Church- Renting a church hall is another possibility. In fact, some churches do not charge rental for use of their hall for a wedding if the couple getting married happens to be part of the congregation. They only require that you clean up after yourselves.

  • Restaurant, Cafe, Bar- Many such establishments will have a private room in the back that customers can rent for parties. You could easily hold your ceremony there and then have the restaurant to cater for your reception. 

  • Municipal Buildings- Look around your local and surrounding areas. You might find lesser-known and used municipal buildings, such as township halls or lodge halls, that can be rented.

  • Outside-of-the-Box- Sometimes finding an inexpensive venue to hold your wedding requires outside-of-the-box thinking. If you know an artist, you may be able to rent the artist’s studio. Can you imagine getting married surrounded by beautiful works of art? The artist might even appreciate the exposure. What about a small local library? Or a Bed and Breakfast? A small business, like a bookstore? The smaller your gathering, the more likely you are to find one of these hidden gems.


Also, keep in mind that while there are many outdoor venues that are inexpensive, if you are thinking about getting married outside, you should also be thinking about contingency plans in the event that the weather does not want to cooperate with your plans. If the venue has a shelter, you may be fine. Could you put up some kind of tent? If not, what will your alternative be?


Your venue is likely to be one of the most expensive items on your wedding to-do list. You will need something to accommodate your guests and the wedding you want to have. Do your homework and choose carefully.


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