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Five Unique Wedding Venues to Say ‘I Do’

July 2, 2009 by Christina

Hillsdale Inn

Aside from your ability to really splurge on the things that matter, a small wedding opens up the doors to a variety of venue options.

What better way to have a ‘wow’ wedding than in a charming setting? Here are five intimate wedding venues that are sure to charm:

Restaurant - Are you a foodie? Do you have a favorite bistro, or fine dining restaurant? Why not find out if the venue can host your wedding? Restaurants and lounges are becoming an increasingly popular choice for couples looking for small wedding venues. Although all restaurants are different, many have intimate surroundings that are ideal for small guest lists. And they can save you money. Having a restaurant reception means not having to rent tables, chairs, tableware and glassware. Some venues will also provide linens. And as far as convenience goes – there’s no need to hire a caterer. The chef is already in the house! Read about Diane and Doug’s dazzling restaurant wedding.

Inn or Bed and Breakfast – Inns and bed and breakfasts are ideal small wedding venues. Whether you want a small decadent indoor wedding or a simple garden wedding on a budget, there’s sure to be an inn or bed and breakfast to suit your needs. Although many couples choose inns that they have previously stayed at to get married, some couples choose small wedding venues they’ve never visited. It might be an inn just a few blocks away, or one on the other side of the country – or even the globe. Read about Alex and Scott’s east coast inn wedding.

Art Gallery – Are you an artsy type? Why not have your wedding reception at an art gallery? A few years ago, art gallery weddings were about as fringe as Mohawk hairdos. But as popularity of more personalized and intimate weddings has risen, so has the need for unique venues. Art galleries across North America have quickly caught on and many are now marketing themselves as ideal places to hold a wedding reception. Both large and small galleries offer rental space for weddings – and many offer full blown wedding packages. If you are more the DIY type, there are plenty of galleries that will let you ‘have at it’ for your wedding day.

Winery - Miles of rolling hills strung with lush green grapevines that are ripe with plump, sweet grapes. It’s no wonder that so many brides and grooms head to wine country to tie the knot. A vineyard is a gorgeous setting to say ‘I do.’ Whether you are looking for an outdoor ceremony amidst the vines, or an intimate wine themed reception indoors overlooking the vineyard, wineries are ideal small wedding venues for couples wanting to add the splendor of nature to their nuptials. Wineries not only provide a picturesque setting, many are equipped to meet a couple’s wedding day needs from start to finish.

At Home – The words wedding and home don’t always go together, especially if you are having a big guest list. However, if you have opted for a small wedding the two can be a match made in heaven. At-home weddings are becoming increasingly popular, especially for couples who want to add a personal touch to their weddings. With 60 percent of couples living together, many already own homes and love the idea of tying the knot there. Others couples may choose to get married at the home of a relative or friend. Read about Sherry and John’s backyard wedding.

Remember that just because you choose to have a small wedding, doesn’t mean that you shouldn’t start your search for a venue early. Places can book up over a year in advance – especially if they’re high on charm. So go ahead, sit down with your spouse-to-be and make a list of potential sites. Is there a place that has special meaning to you? Maybe it’s the bed and breakfast you stayed at last summer or the restaurant on the corner. Or maybe it’s your own backyard.

NY Wedding Venues that are Perfect for Themed Weddings

June 13, 2009 by Christina

Whether you are looking for fabulous NY wedding venues for a destination wedding in the Big Apple, or you are a New Yorker who is hungry for some unique NY wedding venues to check out, read on – especially if you are considering a theme wedding.

Here are four unique NY wedding venues and four themes that are the perfect fit:

Library Hotel for a Library Themed Wedding

A few weeks ago I blogged about a couple who had a library themed wedding. (Check out the library slip invitations!) New York’s Library Hotel would be the perfect spot for a library themed wedding. The Library Hotel in New York City is the first hotel ever to offer its guest over 6,000 volumes of books organized throughout the hotel by the Dewey Decimal System.* Each of the 10 guestroom floors honor one of the 10 categories of the DDC and each of the 60 rooms are uniquely adorned with a collection of books and art exploring a distinctive topic within the category it belongs to.

The Gallery Bar for an Art Themed Wedding

Are you and your sweetie artsy types? Consider an intimate wedding with an art theme at The Gallery Bar! This venue, which is both a bar and a contemporary exhibition space for artists, has two levels for private events.

Merchants House Wedding for a Romantic Tea Party Wedding

Why not have a romantic tea party wedding at the Merchants House Museum? The Merchant’s House Museum is New York City’s only family home preserved intact – inside and out - from the 19th century. Built in 1832 just steps from Washington Square, this elegant red-brick and white-marble row house on East Fourth Street was home to a prosperous merchant family for almost 100 years. You can have your elegant tea party in the house or in the garden.

The Old Stone House for an Historical Themed Wedding

Love history? Have an historical themed wedding at The Old Stone House. The lovely Great Room on the 2nd floor has pale yellow walls, an open timbered ceiling and excellent acoustics. The first floor gallery commemorates the Revolutionary War’s Battle of Brooklyn and is included in rentals during non-public hours.

Say ‘I Do’ in New York: NY Wedding Venues for Contemporary Couples

May 28, 2009 by Christina

ny wedding venues i love new york for weddings

Want a contemporary NY wedding with lots of flair? Want an intimate NY wedding in a ‘wow’ setting? New York has plenty of ‘raw spaces’ that can be magically transformed for your wedding day.

Check out these unique NY wedding venues:

The Foundry

In the 19^th Century it was a foundry, now it’s on the list as one of the most interesting NY wedding venues. One look at the photos and you’ll see that it has been meticulously restored to retain its industrial character. Stunning proportions, adaptable to many uses, and available to rent for weddings up to 125 people for a seated meal.

The Foundry also has an adjacent courtyard, as well as a terrace, which features views of the Queensboro Bridge and Manhattan skyline.

Scandinavia House

When it comes to unique NY wedding venues, Scandinavia House has of the most ideal settings for an intimate event.

Designed by the celebrated American architect James Stewart Polshek, Scandinavia House is a stunning modern building that puts Scandinavian culture on display with design materials and furnishings representing the five Nordic countries. Detailed with exquisite care, the cultural center reflects Scandinavia’s reputation for excellent craftsmanship and sophisticated design.

The building is located in mid-town Manhattan and is close to major New York landmarks.

Scandinavia House has a list of preferred caterers including Smörgås Chef, which manages a full service restaurant on our main floor.

Brooklyn Artists Gym

Brooklyn Artists Gym is an artist studio and gallery facility in the Park Slope/Gowanus area of Brooklyn, New York. The Brooklyn Artists Gym Gallery is available to rent for small weddings. The Gallery is approximately 900 square feet, with over 125 running feet of wall space. There are over 60 adjustable lights, and the ceiling is 11 feet high. There is also an adjacent 500 sq. ft room that can be used along with the gallery space for weddings.

Galapagos Art Space

This art space, located in Brooklyn has 1,600 square foot lake complete with island seating on the lake, a wrap around mezzanine with operatic ‘box-style’ seating is as romantic as they come.

Winner of a 2009 Building Brooklyn Award, and current nominee for the Municipal Art Society’s MASterwork Award, Galapagos Art Space in DUMBO is on target to become New York City’s first LEED certified ‘green’ cultural venue.

Spoke the Hub Re:Creation Center

spoke the hub ny wedding venues Spoke the Hub Re:Creation Center, located in the heart of residential Park Slope, Brooklyn, serves as the company’s headquarters and main teaching center and its available for weddings.

Occupying two full floors of a typical Brooklyn brownstone, the main studio is approximately 16′ x 38′ and sports a sprung maple hardwood floor, mirrors, ballet barres, and a sound system that accommodates CD’s or iPod.

Ramscale

ramscale ny wedding venues Ramscale is a 3,500 square ft. penthouse loft with a terrace that overlooks the Hudson River. It has 12 9 ft. x 4 ft. windows that offer breathtaking views of the harbor and lower Manhattan.

Divine Studio

If you’ve been looking for NY wedding venues that will wow your guests, check out Divine Studio. Divine Studio is a 300 square foot studio in the heart of Noho. The white expoxy floors, floor to ceiling arched windows and south and west daylight exposure make it a magical setting for a wedding. The space is like a blank canvas and can be transformed for intimate events.

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The Loft Wedding: Raw Spaces Rule

May 14, 2009 by Christina

In my early twenties, I yearned for a loft lifestyle. I envisioned myself riding home from an artsy job, on an artsy bicycle (with a basket on the front to hold a paperback and fresh flowers) to my loft in the warehouse district of Toronto. I envisioned my loft to have high ceilings and massive windows letting in loads of natural light. Kinda like this (except with lots of colorful art on the walls):

Loft living never materialized for this chick, (I’m a suburban gal with a lawn full of doggy doo and dandelions) but I’m still in love with the look of these open spaces. And I think they make a superb setting for a wedding.

Raw spaces, such as lofts and warehouses (they can also include yoga studios, ballrooms, gymnasiums and exhibition spaces) are like a blank canvas. Although they can require work to transform for a wedding, they’re perfect for creative couples who want to create a one-of-kind event. Check out the following picture which is the above space transformed for an event:

And according to Kate Harrison’s The Green Bride Guide, raw spaces are ideal for couples who want an eco-friendly event because generally you will be able to hand-pick all of your vendors.

Here are a few more images of raw spaces that offer rentals for weddings and other events.

Photo One: Divine Studio, New York; Photo Two: Divine Studio, New York; Photo Three: Galapagos Art Space, New York; Photo Four: Ramscale, New York; Photo Five: The Richmond, Toronto

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Art Gallery Wedding Ceremony

March 15, 2009 by Christina

art gallery wedding in Calgary

Having a small wedding? Love art? What about an art gallery wedding? I love the fun, contemporary look of this ceremony layout at the Art Gallery of Calgary. Decor by Wishahmon Wedding Creations, a wedding decorating company based in Calgary, Alberta.

Filed Under: Small Wedding Venues, Wedding Ceremony, Wedding Venues | 5 Comments

Small Wedding Venues: Say “I Do” at an Art Gallery

March 1, 2009 by Christina

Art Gallery Wedding Peabody Essex Museum Are you an artsy type? Why not have your wedding reception at an art gallery?

A few years ago, art gallery weddings were about as fringe as Mohawk hairdos. But as popularity of more personalized and intimate weddings has risen, so has the need for unique venues. Art galleries across North America have quickly caught on and many are now marketing themselves as ideal places to hold a wedding reception.

Both large and small galleries offer rental space for weddings – and many offer full blown wedding packages. If you are more the DIY type, there are plenty of galleries that will let you ‘have at it’ for your wedding day.

Christian and Elizabeth found a gallery near their hometown that was a perfect spot for their 64-guest Christmas-themed reception.

“I am very big into the arts,” says Elizabeth.

The Historic Arts Centre of Tolland in Tolland, CT is not just a home to some great local art, the building itself is a feast for the eyes.

“The museum was unbelievable the first time we walked into it. It has huge windows … the tin ceiling was spectacular and also original to the building. The wood floors were perfect for dancing and the two huge colonial chandeliers were the perfect centerpiece for the room,” says Elizabeth. “To top it off, there was art from local artists throughout the building. Many of the pieces were landscapes of the towns we grew up in.”

Elizabeth says the cost of renting the space was only $500. However, the couple had to handle all of the reception essentials like chair, table and linen rentals. They also decorated the venue themselves – which was easy because of the Christmas theme.

“The night before my wedding we had our rehearsal dinner at the art gallery. My wedding party, parents and Christian’s aunt and uncle all worked together to decorate the hall. We had pizza, beer and goodies as well as Christmas music to make it a fun atmosphere,” she says. “Aside from catering and flowers, we did everything ourselves. I believe that is one of the reasons my wedding was so special. I knew exactly the amount of effort that went into everything.”

Elizabeth says that prior to dinner, guests toured the gallery space, canapés and cocktails in hand.

“People really enjoyed it … It added a personal touch. A few of the guests were even inquiring about purchasing some pieces,” she says.

If you are looking for art gallery space to have your reception, contact local art galleries to see if they are available. Even if a gallery doesn’t advertise rental space for weddings, it doesn’t necessarily mean that they’re not open to the idea.

Some questions to ask:

· How many guests can the venue accommodate?
· How many washrooms are there?
· Do you supply tables, chairs and linens?
· What about a caterer?
· Is alcohol allowed?
· Can we have music? What about a live band?
· Will guests be allowed to tour the venue? What if they want to make a purchase?
· How many hours are included in the rental?
· Is there ample parking?
· Are there any limitations on decorating the venue?
· Do you have pictures of past weddings held at the gallery?

Photo: Peabody Essex Museum – East India Square Salem, MA

Filed Under: Small Wedding Ideas, Small Wedding Venues, Wedding Planning, Wedding Venues | 2 Comments

Ice Hotel Weddings: Unique Venues for your Intimate Wedding

February 25, 2009 by Christina

ice hotel quebec weddings

Tonight, while you are sleeping snuggly in a comfortable bed, a couple is sleeping on a slab of ice. With their thermal sleeping bags pulled up to their chins, you might say they resemble a couple of modern mummies.

The couple is spending their wedding night at the Ice Hotel in Quebec, Canada.

”Has anyone here ever froze to death,” the bride silently wonders, as she watches her breath vaporize in the cold hush of her icy room. Then she pokes her partner, just to make sure he’s still alive. “We paid almost $4,000 to get married here and freeze our hinnies off, honey. Do you think we are nuts?” she asks.

”Yes, dear. And I wouldn’t have it any other way,” says the brand-new groom.

She reaches for the flask of frigid vodka beside and takes a swig. Suddenly the chill disappears and she realizes that she’s just experienced one of the best days of her life.

The Ice Hotel in Quebec, Canada has become a hot spot for couples looking for a unique wedding – and a sense of adventure.

The venue has an ice chapel for wedding ceremonies and a cool (no pun intended) night club. Wedding couples have the option of staying overnight or spending the night some place warm.

Want to learn more about weddings at the Ice Hotel in Quebec, Canada? Check out the Ice Hotel website.

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Is an At-Home Wedding for You?

February 1, 2009 by Christina

At home wedding indoors The words wedding and home don’t always go together, especially if you are having a big guest list. However, if you have opted for a small wedding the two can be a match made in heaven.

At-home weddings are becoming increasingly popular, especially for couples who want to add a personal touch to their weddings.

With 60 percent of couples living together, many already own homes and love the idea of tying the knot there. Others couples may choose to get married at the home of a relative or friend.

For many couples, have a wedding at home means a small guest list. Stephanie and Mark, for instance, had only 25 people at their farm wedding.

“They live in a great heritage farmhouse. An artist lived there in the 1940′s and painted spectacular murals on the walls in the living room and dining room, so it is quite a backdrop for a wedding, especially combined with all of the flowers we had,” says Stephanie.

Julie and Mike got married in the home Julie grew up in, surrounded by only eight guests.

“I had lived my entire life there until I was 21, when I bought my own house an hour away. My dad was the original owner of the house, and I remember how proud he was when he made the last house payment. To be married there made me feel closer to my dad,” says Julie. “It added to the intimacy that there were few guests and the house is somewhat small. It just felt right.”

Although the words wedding and home can be a match made in heaven for many, they are not for everyone. Depending on how elaborate the wedding is, they can be more costly and stressful than a wedding elsewhere.

If you are having your wedding outdoors at your home or the home of a friend or relative, chances are you will have to rent a tent, as well as tables, chairs, and linens – which can add quite a bit to your costs. Even if you are having the wedding indoors, there’s a chance you won’t have enough tables and chairs to accommodate everyone. Unless you are making dinner yourselves or having family do it, you will also have to hire an outside caterer.

There’s also the stress of getting your home ready for the Big Day. (Trust me. I know all about this one. We had our outdoor wedding at our home and it was a lot of work getting our digs ready!) To reduce your workload, enlist friends and family (we sure did!) to help get your house ready. Also, have them help decorate, which can reduce your costs.

Last, but not least – make sure your bathroom facilities can handle the wear and tear of frequent use. If not, consider renting portable restrooms. The last thing you want on your wedding day is an overflowing toilet! You don’t want the words wedding and home to spell disaster!

Photo: Our Labor of Love Photography

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Inn Weddings: What You Need to Know

December 30, 2008 by Christina

As you browse the wedding venues at IntimateWeddings.com, you’ll notice that many of the venues are inns and bed and breakfasts.

Inns and bed and breakfasts are ideal small wedding venues. Whether you want a small decadent indoor wedding or a simple garden wedding on a budget, there’s sure to be an inn or bed and breakfast to suit your needs.

Although many couples choose inns that they have previously stayed at to get married, some couples choose small wedding venues they’ve never visited. It might be an inn just a few blocks away, or one on the other side of the country – or even the globe.

If an inn piques your interest, there are things you need to discuss with the innkeeper before choosing it as the venue to have your wedding.

Here are some essential questions to ask an innkeeper before you say “I do”:

How many guests can the Inn accommodate?

How much will it cost?

Do you have all inclusive package deals?

Where is the ceremony held? Is it indoors or outdoors?

If the ceremony is outside, is there room inside in case of inclement weather? If not, will a tent be provided?

Where is the reception held? If the reception is outdoors, is a tent provided?

Is there a wedding coordinator on site the day of the wedding? What about a florist? A photographer?

Is there an onsite caterer?

Who performs the wedding ceremony? Do we need to hire our own minister?

Is alcohol permitted? Can we bring our own?

Can we bring our own cake or other food items?

What type of reception meal is available? Is it buffet or plated? Can I have a brunch reception? What about a cocktail reception? What about a seated dinner?

Do you have a dance floor?

Do you allow music? Can I hire a deejay or a band?

Can we rent out the entire inn?

Do you have a changing room for the bride and bridesmaids to get ready in? What about a changing area for the groom and his attendants? If not, will we have to rent a room in the inn for this purpose?

How far in advance should we book our wedding?

Are you open year round?

Can we save money by getting married off season?

Do we have to stay overnight at the inn to get married there?

How much time is allotted for our wedding if we are only renting the space for the day?

Is there a group discount available to my guests if they stay overnight?

Is there ample parking for wedding guests?

Photo: Outdoor wedding at Jenner Inn, Jenner, CA.

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Small Wedding Venues: Choose the Perfect Location

December 30, 2008 by Christina

foundrythm1

One of the biggest decisions you’ll make on your wedding planning journey is where to have it. Because there are so many unique small wedding venues, the decision can be difficult.

When it comes to choosing a location, two heads are better than one. Sit down with your spouse-to-be and make a list of potential sites. He might think of places that didn’t even cross your mind.

Keep the following in mind when deciding on a location:

Size

Ideally, you should visit a venue beforehand to get a feel for its size.

Because you are having a small wedding, you might feel dwarfed in a venue that is too large. Conversely, if you are having several dozen guests, you want to make sure that you don’t feel cramped.

Budget

Chances are, not all small wedding venues will fit into your budget. If you’re on a tight budget and the venue you want is beyond your price range, think about having a brunch or cocktail reception at the venue instead of a plated dinner.

Meaning

Is there a place that has special meaning to both of you? Maybe you have a favorite bed and breakfast or a restaurant that is special to you. Choosing a meaningful location will help personalize your wedding.

Practicality

Would you rather get married inside or outdoors? If an outdoor wedding sounds more appealing, keep in mind that it can be more stressful (you are at the mercy of the elements!) and more expensive than an indoor wedding. If you’re the adventurous type and your idea of a perfect wedding is on the side of a mountain, don’t forget that your guests might not appreciate having to hoof it up the mountain in their Sunday best.

Availability

You might have the perfect spot in mind for your wedding, but are you sure the venue hosts weddings? If so, you’ll also have to find out if it has noise and alcohol restrictions.

Flexibility

If you are flexible with the time of week, and the time of day you want to get married there will be more small wedding venues available to you. There’s a greater chance that your chosen venue will be available on a Sunday night, than on Saturday. Remember that no matter what you choose for your wedding date, it’s best to start your search for a venue early. Places can book up over a year in advance.

Ideas for Small Weddings and Small Wedding Venues

The following list of ideas for small weddings is a good place to start. The linked items will take you our venue finder and a list of venues that match the venue type. It’s a great place to browse for venues and to get venue ideas. It might help you remember some unique and interesting venues in your own home town or somewhere you’ve visited in the past.