One of the most exciting things about a celebrant-led wedding or renewal of vows is the freedom of choice you have when it comes to venues. Unlike a church or registrar ceremony, you’re not restricted to licensed venues or set spaces. Instead, you can say your vows almost anywhere that feels meaningful to you. It can be breathtaking, quirky, or deeply personal. So if you’re at the exciting stage of considering where to hold your big day, here is a host of ideas that I hope will inspire you.
Outdoors
Many of my couples opt for an outdoor ceremony, which is not surprising considering the range of magical settings on offer.
You could say ‘I do’ in a woodland glade decorated with fairy lights; on a clifftop with the sea crashing below; or in a wildflower meadow that is, hopefully, bursting with colour. You could choose a quiet hilltop or the base of a waterfall, with the sound of rushing water.
If you’re after something a bit more adventurous, how about a treehouse high above the ground? Or in a cave with all its drama and atmosphere? You might consider a weekend-long, festival-style wedding in a field with campfires and live music.
For something outdoors but a little less wild, you could celebrate on cultivated land: in botanical gardens, orchards, vineyards or beautiful home gardens.
Of course, with outside ceremonies there’s always a risk of rain so, if possible, try to have a sheltered area nearby as a backup – a barn or stretch tent, for example.
Historic
If culture is more your thing, you might like a touch of history. You could hold your ceremony among castle ruins, in a cosy old library, or surrounded by art in a gallery or museum.
Quirky
If you’re looking for something completely unexpected, the possibilities are endless. Imagine exchanging vows on a Ferris wheel, or under the stars in a planetarium? If light-filled and lush surroundings appeal to you, consider a glasshouse in a botanical garden.
Perhaps you’d like something with a raw, creative edge. How about an industrial warehouse? Or a theatre or cinema that lets you take centre stage – quite literally!
Rivers and sea
Water symbolises life, movement and renewal, and many couples choose to be on the water’s edge or on the water itself when they exchange their vows. You could say your ‘I dos’ on a narrowboat, beside a peaceful canal, or at the edge of the sea at sunset. Rowing boats and punts both make fun options too. Or you might fancy an aquarium setting, with shoals of fish as witnesses.
Sports
If you share a passion for a sport, why not choose a related venue: a cricket pitch, football ground, golf course or equestrian centre.
Personal and meaningful
Sometimes the most personal occasions are the best of all. Your own back garden can be transformed into a beautiful, intimate venue. Family farms or barns are full of history and charm, or you could choose a favourite pub or tearoom for a relaxed and cosy feel.
Where I am based
I live in South Stoke, a scenic village on the Oxfordshire-Berkshire border. This is where the Thames winds between the Chiltern Hills and the North Wessex Downs – both designated National Landscapes (formerly Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty) with countless stunning venues to choose from. It is close to Goring and Streatley, between Pangbourne and Wallingford, and just a short drive from the beautiful Henley-on-Thames.
If you’re after a more traditional setting in this beautiful part of the world, you might like to have a look at these venues:
And most important of all
While I hope these ideas have inspired you to consider new options, the bottom line is that you can hold your ceremony wherever you like. It doesn’t matter whether it’s a local tearoom or a distant sea-shore, it should be a place that means a great deal to you. Wherever you choose, I’ll help you craft a ceremony that feels true to your story and is unforgettable for all your special guests. Please get in touch!