Here is a breakdown of how much a wedding ceremony venue will cost and some smart money saving tips:

• The average cost of a wedding ceremony location is $435, according to The Bridal Association of America.
• For the cost of $100-300, many local public parks offer outdoor spaces or a building on park property for rent.
• For the cost of $300-$1,500, you can rent a space at small art galleries, community theaters, or libraries.
• For the cost of$1,500 to $6,000 or more, you can find a rental space at a botanical garden, historical mansion, or modern luxury loft.

The ceremony venue staff will meet with the bride and groom, and will usually allow multiple visits so that logistics can be planned out for the wedding day.

• In the case of rain for outdoor weddings, backup arrangements should be made, like renting a tent. Depending on the type of tent and the number of guests you have, renting a tent could cost as low as $300 or as high as several thousand dollars.
• Some venues may charge additional fees for the wedding rehearsal.

• Many locations have the ability to be both a ceremony and reception venue, which means you don't have to pay two separate location fees. And guests love when they do not have to drive from the ceremony to get to the reception!
• Some venues offer discounted rates for off-peak times, such as weekday evenings or Sunday afternoon.
• Consider an off-season month, such as November or January, to cut your costs.
• Venues like a botanical garden, museum, or library may offer facility rental discounts for members.
• Some venues offer all-inclusive package, they take care of everything, including the decorations, food, and cake. This could save you a ton because the venue is able to make deals with various services and then pass the savings on to you.
• Make sure that the venue you rent is appropriate for the number of guests that you will have. Do not even look at venues that accommodate 200 guests when you will only expect 100.
• Newly-opened venues might offer lower prices as they are attempting to build up a good reputation and gain some new business.
• Get married in your backyard if you are up for something less formal and more intimate.
• Prices are usually much higher in big cities like New York, so go outside the city limits to get better deals.
• Consider non-traditional venues like a public park or an art gallery.

• Begin your venue search early!
• If you plan to have a wedding at a public outdoor space, such as a beach or park, confirm whether special permits or permissions are required for usage.
• If you plan on having your ceremony and reception at two different venues, factor in the distance that you and your guests will have to travel when making your venue selections.

Featured Cover Image: Buffy Dekmar