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Dedicated October 2022

Where Should We Have Our Ceremony?

Alexa, on January 27, 2021 at 2:10 PM Posted in Wedding Ceremony 0 17
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My FH and I’s venue is a modern, rustic barn. It is located on a beautiful property & has a gorgeous patio overlooking a stunning field. We absolutely love our venue & the area in which our ceremony could take place, but we are conflicted on whether we should wed at the venue or at a church. The church we are looking at is about 40 mins from the venue, but it is so stunning and gives that traditional wedding feel with it’s stain glassed windows & rustic pews. We are worried the drive would be too long for our guests/out of the way. However, if we wed at our venue, we worry about the weather. We are getting married in early October and we are nervous about rain, wind, and possible snow/cold temps! If the weather is an issue, the ceremony would have to be done inside (which isn’t ideal). I also want to note that the bridal cottage is next door to the venue, meaning I’d have to sneak over to the ceremony site & hope I’m not seen! So, the dilemma is: take a chance & hope the weather cooperates (if not, settle for an indoor ceremony that would take place in the dining area - aka the chairs/tables would all have to be moved & then put back) OR have it at our church which is 40 mins away. Any thoughts?

17 Comments

Latest activity by Bri, on February 1, 2021 at 6:15 PM
  • Michelle
    Rockstar December 2022
    Michelle ·
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    A 40 min drive is not bad and is common. If you don't want the ceremony at the barn then go with the church.


    Check almanac.com for weather
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  • Meghan
    Master October 2019
    Meghan ·
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    This is a tough choice. I would choose to have the ceremony at the venue and hope the weather cooperates. I would not worry about being seen during your walk over. I am sure the venue has a way around that.

    As a guest, it is nice to not have to drive from one location to another. Especially a drive that far.

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  • Cyndy
    Master May 2019
    Cyndy ·
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    You need to do whatever makes your and your FH happy. Guests will drive the 40 mins if that’s what you choose. I personally like everything in one place so you don’t lose time traveling but that’s just my preference.
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  • SLY
    Master January 2022
    SLY ·
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    While a 40 min drive isn't too terrible, as a guest I would appreciate not having to make that long of a drive, especially if I'm already traveling far for the wedding itself.

    Like Meghan mentioned, the venue most likely has a plan for the bride not being seen, so if you have both there, ask them what they suggest for that situation.

    As a bride, I personally prefer the ceremony and reception to occur in the same place. I show up to the venue, get ready, and don't have to worry about leaving until the reception is over, and everything is in one place.

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  • Ally
    Dedicated June 2021
    Ally ·
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    I agree with some of the others. 40 minutes isn’t a terribly long drive and some guests will be okay driving that if you decide to go with the church. Personally, as a guest and a bride, I would prefer everything to be in one place, but I understand your concern with the weather. Our ceremony location is outdoors in June and I’m a little worried about weather too as it’s in the mountains and weather can change very quickly. Our backup location is definitely not ideal but I’m just going to hold out hope that the weather cooperates because I don’t have the budget to book another ceremony location and I’ve always wanted my wedding outside. If your partner and you both agree that you want to book the church, then I say go for it and I wouldn’t worry about the 40 minute drive too much. Best of luck to you!
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  • A
    Dedicated October 2022
    Alexa ·
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    Thanks for your response! I’ll check out the link. Smiley smile
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  • A
    Dedicated October 2022
    Alexa ·
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    Thank you for responding! Definitely hoping there is nice weather on our big day regardless of our ceremony choice haha
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  • A
    Dedicated October 2022
    Alexa ·
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    Good point! Thank you Smiley smile
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  • A
    Dedicated October 2022
    Alexa ·
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    Very true! It would be nice to just stay in one place from morning until night. I’ll definitely have to ask about a game-plan in regard to me not being seen! Thanks for your input Smiley smile
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  • A
    Dedicated October 2022
    Alexa ·
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    Thank you so much! Definitely praying the weather is nice regardless of what we choose haha. Best of luck to you too Smiley smile
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  • H
    Devoted August 2023
    Hhh ·
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    That is a long drive, and once you add in parking/walking time, it will eat up about 20% of your guests time with you and each other (assuming a typical 5hr wedding).



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  • A
    Dedicated October 2022
    Alexa ·
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    Good point! Thank you!
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  • Mrs. Spring
    Master April 2021
    Mrs. Spring ·
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    Woah 40 mins is a long drive to me. If you're sure your guests dont mind then go for it.
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  • A
    Dedicated October 2022
    Alexa ·
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    A majority of my family lives near the church, however, that’s not the case for my FH! Definitely trying to keep everyone in mind though. Thank you for responding Smiley smile
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  • B
    Savvy April 2023
    Bri ·
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    This is definitely a tough one! I love the idea of outdoor ceremonies and I think a 40 min drive is a bit much for guests. I know I would not be too keen on driving 40 minutes between events. Is it possible to try to find another gorgeous church within about 20 minutes? Also, could you put a tent on reserve if you choose to have the ceremony outside? I know that’s also not ideal, but may be another option as a back up. I plan to have church pews as seats for my outside ceremony to kind of bring the church feel outdoors.
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  • A
    Dedicated October 2022
    Alexa ·
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    We have looked at other churches nearby, but the church we were looking at (the one thats 40 mins away) is the one I actually attend (so it’s meaningful to me plus it’s got a beautiful rustic feel that fits our whole wedding vibe). Who knows maybe we will settle for one that’s closer! I love that you’re having church pews as seats for your outside ceremony; that’s so sweet ☺️
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  • B
    Savvy April 2023
    Bri ·
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    If the church is meaningful to you, then I think that’s a different story.
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