Planning to say “I do” this year? Ask anyone knee-deep in wedding prep and they’ll tell you how overwhelming it can be. Toss budget concerns into the mix and stress can quickly spiral.
Even if you’re not aiming for the flashiest celebration, even modest weddings aren’t the simple city-hall ceremonies they once were. According to a recent The Knot report, couples in 2021 spent an average of $34,000 on weddings, and roughly 30% of that total (about $10,700) went toward the venue alone.
If that sounds excessive (and a bit much for a single day), relax — you don’t have to drain your savings. A bit of creativity can significantly lower your wedding tab. It’s absolutely possible to find a venue that won’t equal a down payment on a house. In fact, several of the options below can be free venues.
10 Places to Get Married — Some Won’t Cost a Dime
If you’re eager to cross “book venue” off your list, read on. Here are ideas for budget-friendly and no-cost wedding locations to help you celebrate without breaking the bank.
1. A Friend’s Picturesque Property
Having pals with land is the modern-day equivalent of having friends with concert tickets. And if they’re close friends, they may let you exchange vows and host the celebration on their grounds.
Maybe they own a wide meadow that could accommodate a rented tent, an old barn you can transform into a charming rustic spot, or a pond or pool that’d make lovely photo backdrops.
If you want to use a friend’s property as a free wedding venue, go over logistics with them — things like parking, restrooms, catering and seating. Consider renting portable toilets to avoid guests using their house facilities. Think about where guests will stay afterward; while camping might suit some, great-grandma may not want to rough it. And most importantly, confirm your friends are truly comfortable hosting — you don’t want venue savings to cost you a friendship!
Pro tip: Don’t have a friend with space? Contact local Airbnb hosts — you may find a cost-effective rental that works beautifully for your day.
2. Your Own Backyard
There’s something special about getting married at home — and the cost can’t be beat. While not feasible for apartment dwellers with minimal outdoor space, it’s a great option for new homeowners.
Many of the same considerations apply as when using a friend’s land: rent chairs and tables, create a spot for catering (if the reception’s at home), plan parking, and decide which bathrooms guests will use. Also be mindful of noise and whether it could upset neighbors.
Pro tip: If you only need a place for the ceremony, you could exchange vows at home and reserve a favorite restaurant or bar for the reception.
3. Striking Public Landmarks
People flock to public landmarks for photos because they’re often stunning, offering memorable settings for a wedding ceremony. Using one of these locations can be an inexpensive and unforgettable choice.
The trick is to research first. Once you and your partner have a shortlist of local landmarks, contact the responsible agency. While larger gatherings or receptions with food and alcohol may require permits, small ceremonies with just a few witnesses are often allowed without a fee.
4. A Favorite Beach
Like public landmarks, beaches make great low-cost (or free) wedding sites. If you live near the ocean or an attractive lake and want a relaxed outdoor vibe, the shoreline could be the ideal spot.
Contact the local authority that manages the beach early on. Some beaches require reservations or fees, so getting on their calendar before another couple beats you to it is wise.
5. Nearby State Parks
Want an amazing outdoor venue without a huge price tag? Consider reserving space in a state park. Fees for pavilions or private areas vary based on location, date and guest count, so plan ahead.
For instance, a small New York park pavilion might rent for as little as $25, while a popular Colorado park’s larger area could reach $300.
Pro tip: If you’re thinking of a low-key elopement, consider hiring an elopement photographer first — they often know the best local spots for dramatic outdoor ceremonies.
6. Gorgeous Botanical Gardens
If you want an outdoor venue with a more refined feel (and can spend a bit more), botanical gardens offer beautiful scenery for photos and mingling. Guests can wander through lush grounds and toast the couple amid blooms.
This WeddingWire list showcases botanical options, with many venues starting around $2,000 to $5,000 depending on season and guest list size. Since gardens are popular, book well ahead.
7. Your College Campus
Met your partner at school? Ask your alma mater if they’ll host the ceremony. Campus lawns, pavilions and athletic fields can be lovely event sites, and universities often appreciate the publicity — sending them photos for marketing might help your case. Getting approval could involve administrative steps, but schools frequently support alumni events.
Because camps are an unconventional venue choice, reach out early to determine permits or event insurance requirements. This option tends to suit couples looking for a relatively low-key reception, or who are happy to continue the party at a favorite campus hangout.
Pro tip: If you love a nearby college that isn’t your alma mater, you may still be able to rent space. For example, Gardner-Webb University in North Carolina lets couples wed in several picturesque spots for a modest housekeeping fee ($40–$200 depending on location), according to a spokesperson.
8. A Notable Street Corner
If you reserve a restaurant for the reception, some cities will let you close a section of the street for a ceremony — though this usually means a permit and possibly a fee.
Letting officials know ahead of time can even generate local press coverage, which would be a fun keepsake to show future generations.
We know a couple who married in front of a Florida courthouse near lively restaurants. They had a simple ceremony, then crossed the road for dinner and followed with drinks at a nearby brewery.
It’s inexpensive for you and boosts local business exposure. Just remember municipal costs vary widely, and many cities charge hourly rates for public-space use like streets or sidewalks.
9. A Charming Farm or Ranch
With the rise of glamping and land-rental platforms like Hipcamp, more landowners are open to renting their property for events. If you spot a farm or ranch that would make a dreamy venue, ask the owner if they’ll rent space for your wedding.
If the owner is inexperienced with events, outline logistics clearly — parking, catering, restrooms, music — so everyone understands how the land will be used. If they already host guests via Hipcamp or Vrbo, you might negotiate lodging for out-of-town guests on-site.
10. Community Halls & Churches
If you want a modest reception and a church wedding, many houses of worship allow use of their fellowship halls for post-ceremony gatherings. Often being a member or paying a modest cleaning fee secures the space. You may also need to sign a rental agreement and designate a point person to help coordinate the event. Recruiting a family member to lend a hand can cut costs further.
Fees for churches and meeting halls vary, so if your top pick is pricey, keep searching — comparison shopping can pay off.
Contributor Jenna Morris frequently covers personal finance, real estate and lifestyle topics for Savinly. Writer Kelli H. Clevenger contributed to this piece.
