Many local, county and state parks and recreation departments offer venues -- usually outdoors with picnic shelters or a building on park property for rent for very low rates -- from $50 to $300 for a few hours.
Small art galleries, libraries and community theaters sometimes offer reasonable rental rates ranging from $300 to $1,500.
Ritzy urban loft spaces, historical mansions and botanical gardens offer rental space for $1,500 to $6,000 or more.
The average total cost of a wedding ceremony location is $435, according to The Bridal Association of America[1] .
Typically, the venue staff meet with the couple and allow visits to plan the logistics.
Additional costs:
For outdoor weddings, it is wise to make alternate arrangements in case of rain, which can mean renting a tent for about $300 to several thousand dollars, depending on the type of tent and number of guests.
Some venues charge extra for a wedding rehearsal.
Discounts:
Many locations offer substantially discounted rates during off-peak times such as weekday evenings or weekend afternoons. Some botanical gardens offer reduced rates in fall and winter.
Tip: Botanical gardens, museums and libraries sometimes offer facility rental discounts for members.
Shopping for a wedding ceremony venue:
It is important to begin shopping for a location very early.
TheKnot.com[2] offers lists of local ceremony and reception venues -- from hotels to museums to historical mansions.
BridalGuide.com[3] has a guide to choosing a ceremony location.
For couples who want to get married in an exotic locale within the United States or in a foreign country, Brides.com offers a planning guide for destination weddings.
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I'm been a wedding officiant in Austin TX for more than twenty years. Venues can range in costs depending on number of guests, day and time of day or the year. From what I hear, a for-profit venue cost can range from several hundred to ten thousand and above. Was the amount paid within your budget? Was the space a expected? Most importantly, was it a nice wedding?
My daughter was charged 850.00 to rent a hall for her wedding reception. I have heard from others that they have paid only 250.00 to rent the same room, it dose not include catering. I'm sure the owner made quite a bite over the bar from the guest. Can they really charge 600.00 less for people they know and like. Can that be considered discrimination?
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