A wedding venue can mean the world to you without having to cost the earth!
I’m not going to lie to you I don’t think I truly appreciated until I got engaged a few years back how overwhelming it can be to make those first key steps and decisions about your wedding. Choosing your venue is probably the biggest decision and the most expensive, it’s difficult enough for couples to decide on the style of wedding let alone consider the logistics of whom to invite, the ease and accessibility of travel, working out where everyone will stay, finding out of it has a child-friendly vibe. Oh yes, I almost forget, can we afford this?
So just when you thought it couldn’t get more confusing, I’m going to throw a curve ball into the mix and offer you a very different style and tone of setting and wedding ceremony, something you might never have considered or realised was an option.
What I’m going to share with you will not tick everyone’s wedding boxes but it’s something different, charming, and natural, and would be a lovely alternative for couples looking for an alfresco wedding or a small intimate wedding ceremony that won’t break the bank.
So, what is it I hear your shout, tell me you big tease! Well, earlier this week whilst taking my lovely dog Tilly for a lunchtime walk through the local woodland I looked up and thought how delightful the blossom looks as it catches the light and gently meanders like confetti to the ground creating a soft white carpet of petals.
As I stopped to take this video, I thought this archway would be perfect for any bride to walk down a beautiful natural aisle. It wouldn’t take much to decorate it for a wedding, the logged seating area could be transformed with bunting, lanterns, and seats or rugs, people could even stand if they prefer. At Christmas, I know the local resident decorates the trees with baubles which look very festive and rather magical for the kids and big kids alike. The beauty of this woodland glade is that it’s very accessible being on the outskirts of York city centre. There would be no issues with parking, and you could even get the bus from the train station or city centre and then just a 2-minute walk down to the wood. As the glade is right next to the river, you could have a reception on the local river cruiser, picnic by the park, or head back up the path to the local pub; it’s also easy enough to head back into York where there’s an abundance of amazing spaces for a reception. This wedding ceremony offers an alfresco charm we all love with the local amenities that would meet your guest’s needs with a very modest price tag.
So, as you know a celebrant like me can deliver weddings wherever the bride and groom so wish. Of course, you will need to do the legal aspect beforehand which is very straightforward and very reasonable, your celebrant could assist and advise with this. What’s great about a celebrant-led wedding is you’re not restricted to saying your wedding vows or exchanging rings at a licensed venue. You can choose a place that you feel reflects you and that you feel really connected to.
I’m not necessarily suggesting you come to my woodland glade but it’s worth looking at places that have meaning to you or places locally that might be the ideal wedding setting for you.
Let me know what you decide, why not share your venue pics with me at @transend_ceremonies.
Happy hunting!
Ruth x