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This module brings you back to your ceremony vision, and we explore your 3 main ceremony site options.
The following article is an example of the content we have in our online wedding planning membership site HappyWeddings.ca under the heading of Ceremony Site. To learn more and get useful wedding planning tools for FREE, click here!
In this module we are going to cover everything you need to know to book your ceremony site.
In the Vision module, you did a SmartBride™ checklist called DEFINING YOUR VISION- STEP 7 WEDDING LOCATION. In this checklist, you identified possible sites for your wedding ceremony and reception. Go back and remind yourself of what you were dreaming of for your wedding ceremony. Is it still feasible? Have you changed your mind? Now is the time to explore your options and finalize your decision of where you want to hold your wedding ceremony.
In addition, we will cover questions to ask your ceremony site before you book it, and we also have a checklist of questions to ask the officiant who will perform your ceremony.
When it comes to choosing your ceremony site, you basically have three choices.
Choice number one is to have your wedding ceremony in your church. Sometimes couples opt for another church that might be closer to their reception site, but usually stick to their denomination or religious affiliation. Sometime couples aren’t a member of a church, but want a church wedding. Some church denominations allow non-members to rent their church, but preference to dates is often given to church members.
If you are having a church wedding, you will want to decide if you want a traditional ceremony with your full religious traditions, or a shorter vow-style ceremony. You will want to discuss your options with your religious leader. Many churches have rules regarding ceremony wording, music, confetti, flowers, and so forth, so be sure to be clear about what you want so you can discuss it with them.
Choice number two is to have your wedding ceremony at a site that is unique. Sometimes a couple will rent a historical site, or want to hold their ceremony somewhere that is different—for example an art gallery, a vineyard, or your backyard. Sometimes your religious leader will conduct the ceremony outside the church, and sometimes it will be a marriage commissioner or officiant who will have to perform the ceremony. Some religious leaders choose not to hold a ceremony outside their church.
Choice number three is to have your wedding ceremony at the reception site. Usually this takes place in another room at the same location as the reception. Again, your religious leader may conduct the ceremony or you will need to hire an officiant to conduct the ceremony.
Whatever you decide, the checklist will give you the questions you need to ask.