Wedding ceremony Venue Concepts for Your Complete Wedding ceremony Weekend Itinerary


When planning your marriage ceremony day, there’s way more to consider than simply your ceremony and reception. Whereas these components are completely the primary occasions and the rationale why everyone seems to be becoming a member of collectively, most engaged {couples} determine to go all out and plan a whole marriage ceremony weekend to have fun their nuptials with household and mates. 

Whether or not a hometown celebration or a vacation spot marriage ceremony, most fashionable weddings embrace a welcome occasion to kickstart the festivities, a rehearsal dinner for shut household and mates, a full of life cocktail hour between the ceremony and reception, an after-party to maintain the marriage night time going, and infrequently a morning-after brunch to bid farewell to family members. You could determine so as to add some or all of those occasions to your marriage ceremony weekend itinerary – the selection is yours! 

Study extra about every of the assorted occasions to your marriage ceremony weekend itinerary, and be impressed to host your marriage ceremony occasions at a number of the greatest marriage ceremony venues throughout North America!

Wedding ceremony Welcome Social gathering

Whereas historically weddings included solely a rehearsal dinner and a marriage celebration, {couples} at the moment are discovering extra methods to have fun with their friends. Whether or not or not you’re having a vacation spot marriage ceremony, the primary occasion on the marriage weekend itinerary that each one friends are invited to attend is usually a welcome occasion – normally a dinner or cocktail occasion that begins off the marriage weekend. 

Whereas not everybody will attend, it’s vital that you just invite every of your attendees to this pre-wedding occasion, which as of late, have grow to be fairly extravagant! Brides and grooms can lean right into a design scheme that previews their marriage ceremony décor or create a completely recent look with a enjoyable theme that will not have labored for the nuptials themselves. 

The timing of your welcome occasion is as much as you. Some {couples} can have a Thursday rehearsal dinner, adopted by a Friday welcome occasion for all of their friends, whereas others will do the alternative. As with something associated to your marriage ceremony day, do what feels best for you!

Venue Thought: JW Marriott Orlando, Grande Lakes 

In the event you’re internet hosting a marriage in Orlando, Florida, think about JW Marriott Orlando, Grande Lakes to your welcome occasion! Whereas the resort – which options practically 150,000 sq. toes of occasion areas – can actually host a whole marriage ceremony weekend, these planning their ceremony and reception at totally different Orlando venue can invite out-of-town friends to remain on the lush, 500-acre property and host a marriage welcome occasion at one of many property’s stunning indoor and outside areas.

wedding venues courtyard at jw marriott orlando grande lakes sunset cocktail tables
JW Marriott Orlando, Grande Lakes; Picture courtesy of Marriott Worldwide

Following a multi-million-dollar renovation, friends staying on the resort will get pleasure from the brand new Grande Lakes Waterpark that includes a lazy river, three waterslides, and luxurious cabanas, in addition to an 18-hole golf course designed by PGA legend Greg Norman, and farm-to-table fare at Whisper Creek Farm – a 7,000-square-foot fruit and vegetable backyard with an adjoining 11,000-square-foot outside occasion area, which may additionally host marriage ceremony occasion occasions!

Rehearsal Dinner 

The rehearsal dinner sometimes takes place instantly following the ceremony rehearsal the night time earlier than the marriage; nevertheless, if that schedule doesn’t work, you may alter it to suit your marriage ceremony schedule. This dinner ought to present gratitude to your family members and infrequently occasions, it’s a possibility for shut mates, cousins, grandparents, and so forth to present speeches. 

At a minimal, these concerned within the ceremony (the marriage occasion and officiant(s) in some circumstances) and their important others needs to be invited, alongside together with your rapid households. Past that, you may prolong the invitation to out-of-town friends and extra. In the event you embrace prolonged household, it needs to be equal on either side – if the bride’s aunts and uncles are invited, the groom’s needs to be invited as properly. We recommend creating a transparent guest-list cutoff and sticking to it to keep away from damage emotions. 

Whereas much less formal than the marriage itself, many marriage ceremony planners encourage making a seating chart for this dinner so that each visitor – lots of whom are seemingly assembly for the primary time – can get correctly acquainted earlier than the marriage day. Just like the welcome occasion, be happy to design the celebration to enhance the marriage day or select a completely new feel and appear.

Venue Thought: SLS, a Luxurious Assortment Resort, Beverly Hills 

{Couples} internet hosting their marriage ceremony in or close to Beverly Hills, California, are inspired to incorporate SLS, a Luxury Collection Hotel, Beverly Hills of their marriage ceremony weekend occasions. The attractive venue gives 15 occasion areas good for a rehearsal dinner or the large day itself, with customizable experiences all through your marriage ceremony weekend – and even pre-wedding occasions, similar to engagement events, bachelorette weekends, bridal showers, and extra.

rehearsal dinner wedding venues SLS a Luxury Collection Hotel Beverly Hills long tables with greenery runners
SLS, a Luxurious Assortment Resort, Beverly Hills; Picture courtesy of Marriott Worldwide

Friends staying on the SLS in Beverly Hills will relish within the five-star lodging and facilities, similar to California delicacies served on the Vista Rooftop, collaborating in dawn yoga and lounging in cabanas on the sunny rooftop pool deck with panoramic views of Los Angeles, or indulging in facials and therapeutic massage remedies on the luxurious Ciel Spa, which might even be a stunning setting for a bridal-party spa day main as much as the marriage weekend.

Venue Thought: Residence Inn Large Sky – The Wilson Resort 

Locals and guests alike are heading to Large Sky, Montana, for snowy winter weddings or gorgeous spring and summer time fêtes. {Couples} looking for cozy lodging for his or her family members, in addition to the proper rehearsal dinner location or marriage ceremony venue, will love Residence Inn Big Sky – The Wilson Hotel. With capability for as much as 150 friends, the Wilson Ballroom gives breathtaking views of the mountains to create a romantic backdrop.

rehearsal dinner wedding venues Residence Inn Big Sky - The Wilson Hotel historic barn vibe in montana
Residence Inn Large Sky – The Wilson Resort; Picture courtesy of Marriott Worldwide

As one of many latest resorts in Large Sky, The Wilson will deal with your friends to pet-friendly studios and suites for a house away from residence as they discover the pure fantastic thing about the world, in addition to get pleasure from Montana-inspired fare on the onsite Copper Whisky Bar & Grill. The property can be simply steps away from native outlets, eating places, and bars in Large Sky’s City Heart, so there can be no scarcity of issues to do whereas attending your marriage ceremony weekend!

Wedding ceremony Ceremony 

Though the marriage ceremony is often the shortest a part of your entire marriage ceremony weekend, additionally it is the important cause why you, your fiancé, and your family and friends are gathered to have fun: to honor your love and your marriage as you change vows. 

Regardless of what number of family members are attending your nuptials, create an intimate ceremony that looks like simply the 2 of you by personalizing the service. Many brides and grooms choose particular music, write their very own vows, select particular readings, or incorporate their cultural traditions to make sure the ceremony is exclusive to them. 

When seating your family and friends for the ceremony – whether or not held in a church, chapel, or temple, outdoor on a terrace or manicured garden at a surprising resort, or inside an impressive ballroom, the custom of the “bride’s facet” and the “groom’s facet” is now not obligatory; nevertheless, you will need to reserve seats within the first one or two rows for the mother and father and grandparents of the bride and groom. {Couples} are additionally now internet hosting in-the-round ceremonies so all of their friends have an awesome view of the proceedings.

Venue Thought: JW Marriott The Rosseau Muskoka Resort & Spa 

Brides and grooms welcoming friends to Muskoka Lakes in Canada’s Ontario province will fall in love with JW Marriott The Rosseau Muskoka Resort & Spa. The attractive lakefront location gives the proper place to host your marriage ceremony ceremony. The Lakeview Garden overlooking Lake Rosseau gives breathtaking views for a memorable vow change, and an extra 16 venues all through the resort are good for extra marriage ceremony weekend occasions.

ceremony wedding venues JW Marriott The Rosseau Muskoka Resort & Spa view of lake white chairs
JW Marriott The Rosseau Muskoka Resort & Spa; Picture courtesy of Marriott Worldwide

Although the property gives quick access to Muskoka’s famed outside actions, family members might not even need to go away the resort. With award-winning eating places and bars, a rejuvenating spa, a year-round indoor-outdoor pool, and two non-public seashores providing water actions within the summertime, there’s one thing for everybody to get pleasure from simply 2 1/2 hours from Toronto.

Venue Thought: Le Méridien Delfina Santa Monica 

Situated simply 4 blocks from the seashore, Le Méridien Delfina Santa Monica is a boutique resort providing the proper residence base for friends who need to discover all that Los Angeles has to supply. From the top-floor Delfina Penthouse Ballroom with scenic views of the Pacific Ocean and the Santa Monica mountains to attractive outside venues, there’s no flawed place to say “I do.”

ceremony wedding venues Le Meridien Delfina Santa Monica california ceremony entrance
ceremony wedding venues Le Meridien Delfina Santa Monica california outdoor wedding ceremony
Le Méridien Delfina Santa Monica; Photographs courtesy of Marriott Worldwide

From the second your marriage ceremony friends are provided glasses of Champagne on arrival, they’ll be given a red-carpet expertise whereas staying onsite to your by-the-beach marriage ceremony. Friends will get pleasure from coastal-inspired resort rooms with modern décor, craft cocktails and California-inspired delicacies at Longitude Bar + Restaurant, an out of doors pool and bikes accessible for rides alongside the pier or seashore, and extra.

Venue Thought: Sheraton Fairplex Resort & Convention Heart 

{Couples} on the lookout for a ceremony venue in East Los Angeles will discover Sheraton Fairplex Hotel & Conference Center to be an enthralling place to say “I do.” With gorgeous outside occasion areas, marriage ceremony friends can benefit from the California sunshine as you change vows.

ceremony wedding venues Sheraton Fairplex Hotel & Conference Center pomona california outdoor ceremony on stone
ceremony wedding venues Sheraton Fairplex Hotel & Conference Center pomona california outdoor ceremony on grass
Sheraton Fairplex Resort & Convention Heart; Picture courtesy of Marriott Worldwide

The picturesque property in Pomona gives suite lodging with enhanced facilities to your family members, in addition to entry to the resort’s signature restaurant, McKinley’s Grill, showcasing native elements from the onsite Farm at Fairplex.

Cocktail Hour 

Whereas some {couples} have determined to modify issues up and begin the marriage with cocktails and hors d’oeuvres earlier than the vow change, cocktail hour is most frequently held between the ceremony and reception. Whether or not to present the couple and their marriage ceremony occasion an opportunity to take pictures, permit friends time to journey between the ceremony and reception venue, or present sufficient setup time if the identical area is used for each the ceremony and reception, cocktail hour retains family and friends occupied till dinner is able to be served. 

When individuals consider cocktail hour, alcohol and hors d’oeuvres instantly come to thoughts; nevertheless, there’s way more that happens inside that brief hour between marriage ceremony occasions. This can be a time for friends to socialize, maintain their starvation, and put together for the festivities. It’s additionally the couple’s likelihood to captivate attendees by creating a way of pleasure. 

To make the cocktail hour one to recollect, transcend background music, some appetizers, and libations, and usher in components that friends wouldn’t anticipate till later within the night. Some solutions embrace reside music, dancers and performers, garden video games and actions, caricature artists, magicians, interactive lounge areas, picture stations, or distinctive meals shows. You need this portion of the night to fly by, however at all times go away your friends wanting extra!

Venue Thought: Marriott Marquis Washington, DC 

For {couples} getting married within the nation’s capital, Marriott Marquis Washington, DC is a perfect property to begin the festivities at your cocktail hour and past. With over 100,000-square-feet of occasion areas throughout 80 venues, we love the scenic outside terrace venue providing aerial views of Washington, DC, making for an awesome cocktail hour location when the climate permits (or a tented possibility for a stress-free planning expertise).

cocktail hour wedding venues Marriott Marquis Washington, DC tented wedding party event space
Marriott Marquis Washington, DC; Picture courtesy of Marriott Worldwide

After your elegant metropolis marriage ceremony, friends can retreat to their fashionable visitor room or suite, savor the delicate flavors at onsite eating places, or step outdoors to get pleasure from historic native sights, full of life nightlife, and world-class purchasing – all inside strolling distance from the property.

Wedding ceremony Reception

Your marriage ceremony reception will seemingly be the a part of the marriage weekend that friends are most trying ahead to. In spite of everything, it’s the occasion that features a scrumptious dinner, customized cocktails and high quality wines, heartfelt speeches and toasts, and naturally, loads of dancing and revelry! 

Whether or not you determine to host your marriage ceremony reception beneath the celebs or choose indoor areas similar to a chic ballroom, one of the best marriage ceremony venues for memorable receptions embrace sufficient area to seat your friends, in addition to have loads of room for a number of bars, a dance ground, and even lounge areas for friends to mingle with these not seated at their tables. 

Whereas gorgeous backdrops and distinctive décor assist to create an unbelievable atmosphere for this celebration, what your friends will keep in mind most is how a lot enjoyable that they had – and that begins with the bride and groom having enjoyable as properly!

Venue Thought: La Posada de Santa Fe, a Tribute Portfolio Resort & Spa 

Santa Fe is a magical vacation spot year-round, which is why we’re anticipating the placement to grow to be much more well-liked for weddings. La Posada de Santa Fe, a Tribute Portfolio Resort & Spa gives the proper place to have fun. From outside venues beneath the celebs to Spanish Colonial-style ballrooms, friends can be overjoyed with the award-winning chef and catering choices you choose, in addition to the structure and nature surrounding the property.

reception wedding venues La Posada de Santa Fe, a Tribute Portfolio Resort & Spa bride and groom outdoor reception
La Posada de Santa Fe, a Tribute Portfolio Resort & Spa; Picture courtesy of Marriott Worldwide

Situated on six acres, this Southwestern-style desert marriage ceremony venue is simply steps away from Santa Fe’s historic plaza showcasing museums and artwork galleries. Once they’re not exploring the vacation spot or collaborating in marriage ceremony festivities, family members will discover respite in casita-style visitor rooms, chill out at Spa Sage, or dine at considered one of 4 full of life onsite bars and eating places.

Venue Thought: The Mayflower Resort, Autograph Assortment 

For practically a century, The Mayflower Hotel, Autograph Collection has been an iconic spot in Washington, DC, making it the proper place to host a quintessential DC marriage ceremony weekend. With spectacular, newly restored ballroom venues, your reception can be wealthy in timeless luxurious. You could even be celebrating with family members in the exact same ballroom that hosted over 70 years of Presidential Inaugural Balls, galas, and different noteworthy occasions!

reception wedding venues The Mayflower Hotel, Autograph Collection wasak ballroom reception dinner
The Mayflower Resort, Autograph Assortment; Picture courtesy of Marriott Worldwide

As Harry S. Truman mentioned, the property is “Washington’s second-best tackle,” so that you’ll don’t have any worries that your friends will get pleasure from their keep all through the marriage weekend. From elegant rooms and suites to wonderful eating, the resort is a no brainer for {couples} wanting a DC marriage ceremony with loads of lodging for his or her family members.

Venue Thought: Marriott Marquis Houston 

Brides and grooms exchanging vows in Houston can be thrilled to have fun their marriage ceremony reception at Marriott Marquis Houston – particularly in the event that they’re internet hosting a big visitor listing. With ballrooms able to seating as much as 2,600 individuals, the resort is a saving grace for {couples} having a tough time discovering a venue that can comfortably accommodate their family and friends. Spacious occasion lawns and rooftop venues are additionally accessible for marriage ceremony weekend occasions.

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reception wedding venues marriott marquis houston ballroom wedding reception decor lounge
Marriott Marquis Houston; Photographs courtesy of Marriott Worldwide

Set within the vibrant downtown district, friends staying on property will adore the deluxe lodging, infinity pool, and the world’s largest Texas-shaped rooftop lazy river at Altitude Rooftop & Pool. Family members also can watch the large sport on the onsite sports activities bar, get pleasure from wine tastings on the wine bar, or savor Texas flavors at regionally sourced eating places.

After-Social gathering 

Your marriage ceremony is without doubt one of the happiest days of your life, so it is smart why {couples} need to prolong it for so long as doable. Whether or not as a result of having an earlier finish time than you’d like or simply wanting an excuse to modify up the vibe throughout your reception, an after-party is a should. 

To excite your family and friends attending the after-party, the occasion ought to embrace upbeat music and leisure (if you happen to had a band to your reception, think about a DJ to create a club-like ambiance), further drinks and late-night bites, and loads of room for dancing. 

Because you’ll need the after-party venue to be near the reception, it’s good to have it in a unique location throughout the similar venue and even on the resort the place most of your family members are staying. In the event you’re internet hosting a marriage weekend at a resort or resort, this can be a seamless transition! For smaller after-parties, you may even e book a set – simply make sure you verify with the property relating to any noise restrictions, so the enjoyable temper isn’t ruined by a go to from safety.

Venue Thought: W Philadelphia 

Even if you happen to’re not internet hosting your marriage ceremony at W Philadelphia, the playful luxurious resort is the proper place to host your after-party – particularly if most of your marriage ceremony friends are staying on the Heart Metropolis property. Host a personal, VIP after-party within the 2,300-square-foot, two-bedroom Excessive WOW Suite, full with a DJ sales space and floor-to-ceiling home windows, for hours of post-wedding enjoyable, or select the WET® Deck bar terrace overlooking downtown Philadelphia for an unforgettable cap to one of the best marriage ceremony night time.

after party wedding venues w philadelphia bride and groom sitting on tub in vip suite
W Philadelphia; Picture courtesy of Marriott Worldwide

When friends usually are not attending your marriage ceremony occasions, they’ll have a lot to maintain them busy at this resort within the “Metropolis of Brotherly Love.” With dynamic eating choices, a year-round heated pool, and delightful Away Spa, the property can be close by to the historic Previous Metropolis, critically acclaimed eating places, the Philadelphia Museum of Artwork, and extra.

Morning-After Brunch 

Although actually not obligatory, the morning-after brunch is an more and more well-liked pattern for the last word marriage ceremony weekend. In spite of everything, it’s an effective way to spend a little bit extra time together with your family members earlier than they head residence and also you jet off in your honeymoon. 

Whereas some pairs merely invite their friends to a post-wedding brunch by utilizing the breakfast possibility on the resort the place nearly all of friends are staying, many {couples} select to plan a way more particular, non-public event. Examine with the resort to see if an space of the onsite restaurant could be reserved, or work straight with the catering supervisor to customise a brunch to your liking – from the décor to the menu – in one of many property’s occasion areas. 

Given numerous journey schedules and even hangover ranges to your friends, it’s seemingly that most people you need to embrace in your farewell brunch gained’t need to arrive at a set time – particularly if it’s early. Thus, it’s really useful that the post-wedding occasion is a extra informal brunch with a buffet versus a plated service, so family and friends can drop by once they’re prepared. This can be a time to chill out together with your family members within the glow of your new married standing.

Venue Thought: The Westin St. Francis San Francisco on Union Sq. 

Whether or not you hosted your nuptials at The Westin St. Francis San Francisco on Union Square or most of your family members are staying on the resort whereas attending your San Francisco marriage ceremony, the downtown property is a superb setting to bid adieu to your friends with a morning-after brunch. Select from 35 spectacular occasion venues wealthy with historical past for this particular send-off – and the ultimate occasion of your marriage ceremony weekend!

farewell brunch wedding venues The Westin St. Francis San Francisco on Union Square ballroom daytime event
The Westin St. Francis San Francisco on Union Sq.; Picture courtesy of Marriott Worldwide

Since opening in 1904, friends have cherished the property’s stately class and turn-of-the-century European model. As the one resort straight positioned in Union Sq., your family and friends can have the privilege of viewing San Francisco’s iconic cable vehicles simply outdoors the doorways, in addition to entry to the town’s greatest purchasing, theatre, nightlife, and eating sights.

Vacation spot Wedding ceremony Venues 

Increasingly more {couples} are selecting to host vacation spot weddings in lieu of hometown celebrations. Since most brides and grooms lately develop up, meet, and reside in numerous cities throughout the US (and even the world) from their family and friends, even a marriage near the place they at the moment reside can find yourself being a vacation spot marriage ceremony for many friends. 

As a result of must journey, nearly all of vacation spot weddings have a smaller visitor listing, which can permit for extra high quality time with the couple throughout the celebration and extra occasions all through the marriage weekend, similar to excursions, a enjoyable welcome occasion, and so forth. 

The fantastic thing about a vacation spot marriage ceremony is it permits you and your fiancé’s households and mates to return collectively for as much as a whole week. Don’t really feel obligated to plan each minute to your family members. Give friends sufficient to do to get a really feel to your vacation spot, but additionally permit them sufficient time to chill out and plan actions on their very own. Ship a marriage weekend itinerary together with your invites, share it in your marriage ceremony web site, and put one other copy in welcome luggage!

Venue Thought: Orlando World Heart Marriott 

Whether or not you and your loved one need a part of your marriage ceremony weekend to be celebrated at Walt Disney World® otherwise you’re simply on the lookout for an awesome vacation spot marriage ceremony location in Florida, Orlando World Center Marriott has every little thing you and your friends will want. That includes 102 venue choices – together with the Harvest Terrace, a variety of expansive ballrooms, and outside venues with lake and golf course views – the 200-acre property is provided to host every of your marriage ceremony weekend occasions and guarantee all of them have a novel look.

destination wedding venues orlando world center marriott drone view of resort pools and waterpark
Orlando World Heart Marriott; Picture courtesy of Marriott Worldwide

Particularly ultimate for kid-friendly occasions, the resort features a free shuttle to Walt Disney World, a waterpark full with a lagoon-style pool, a children’ splash zone, three waterslides, and a lazy river that friends of all ages will love. A lot of bars and eating places, a calming spa, 18 holes of golf at Hawk’s Touchdown Golf Membership, and extra facilities will affirm there’s no scarcity of actions for friends to get pleasure from all through the vacation spot marriage ceremony weekend.

Venue Thought: The Ritz-Carlton Maui, Kapalua 

In the event you’re one of many many {couples} who has at all times dreamt of a vacation spot marriage ceremony in Hawaii, The Ritz-Carlton Maui, Kapalua is a dream marriage ceremony venue. With 466 visitor rooms, there’s actually sufficient area to have all your family members keep onsite all through your vacation spot marriage ceremony weekend. For the entire marriage ceremony occasions, you’ll work with a marriage planner to convey your Hawaiian marriage ceremony imaginative and prescient to life all through the 54-acre property.

wedding venues the ritz carlton maui kapalua sunset outdoor wedding reception on lawn
The Ritz-Carlton Maui, Kapalua; Picture courtesy of Marriott Worldwide

Whereas staying onsite, friends will get pleasure from beachfront eating at eating places serving up recent native flavors, sip cocktails from luxurious poolside cabanas, and bask in Hawaiian spa remedies for the last word island escape. Friends also can go to the seashore or e book a tee time at considered one of two 18-hole golf programs surrounded by a historic pineapple plantation. Aloha! 

Regardless of which of those marriage ceremony occasions you select to have throughout your marriage ceremony weekend, an important factor is to make every a part of your marriage ceremony day mirror you as a pair. Have enjoyable with the planning course of, and sit again, chill out, and benefit from the marriage ceremony of a lifetime!