Wedding Reception Locations

Discovering that elusive perfect wedding reception location!

The perfect wedding reception location can not, unfortunately, simply be picked out of a magazine! Contrary to what venue advertises the world over will try to make you believe, the answer is without a doubt so personal to each newly wed couple that any article claiming otherwise is simply trying to sell something.

This decision should be the excuse for the loving couple to indulge in flights of fancy involving castles, fairy tales, romance, passion or whatever subject of dreams flutters the butterflies! Twirling together on a moonlight lit mountain top to the sound of fiddling nymphs and ocarina wielding leprechauns might be in the end a far cry from stumbling drunkenly around the dance floor to the sound of Robbie Williams ruining a Sinatra classic, but indulge in this flutter of imagination, its very healthy!

When you come back down to earth, however, there are a few less fanciful points that need to be taken into account. Sorry to be the purveyor of the mundane, but I wish you all the success discovering that idyllic wedding reception location.

Reception Location

Factors affecting the reception location:

First and foremost, the reception location will likely be affected largely by the location of the ceremony. Ideally they will be in the same place. A nice mountain top retreat might be romantically idyllic, but the guests may be very disgruntled if they have to travel hundreds of miles to find it! Where are your guests coming from? Will it be expensive for them?

Secondly, the venue must be easily accessible for all guests. Is the venue disability friendly? Is there provision for children? Is there accommodation available? How much will this be and don’t forget to ask if breakfast is included. What time do the guests (after a late night) have to check out in the morning? 

One key distinction that can be made is; city centre or outside of the city. City centre venues will probably be more expensive and smaller and there may be problems with parking for guests. There may also be issues with noise in the evening, particularly if a residential area is nearby. Outside of the city locations may have better views, cleaner air and more spacious areas, but the cost of services such as caterers and musicians might increase, if they have to travel long distances. The links below lead to information on related considerations after choosing your reception location.