Planning a wedding reception venue is one of the most expensive parts of getting married. The average cost of a wedding reception venue alone is over $10,000. However, there are plenty of affordable options for couples trying to plan a wedding on a budget. The key is getting creative with non-traditional spaces that are beautiful, accommodating, and more budget-friendly.
Outdoor Spaces
Outdoor wedding receptions spaces tend to be more affordable to rent than traditional indoor venues. Outdoor spaces also allow you to save money on decor since the natural scenery provides a beautiful backdrop. Here are some great outdoor spaces to consider for wedding receptions on a budget:
Public Parks
Many public parks have indoor and outdoor facilities that can be rented out for private events like wedding receptions. These spaces tend to be very budget-friendly to rent. For example, renting a public pavilion costs a fraction of what a hotel ballroom would. Public parks also offer beautiful natural settings with gardens, lakes, floral landscapes, and more.
Make sure to check if the park requires purchasing liability insurance or permits for events. You’ll also want to have a backup rain plan if you host the reception outdoors. Providing your own decor, tables, chairs, and catering can also help lower rental facility costs.
Botanical Gardens
Similar to public parks, botanical gardens offer gorgeous outdoor landscapes and greenery perfect for photo backdrops. These spaces are specifically designed for hosting events and weddings. The indoor and outdoor facilities typically have adequate lighting, parking, restrooms, and electrical outlets for DJ equipment and catering needs.
Rental fees are usually very reasonable, especially if you host the reception during their off-peak season on a Friday or Sunday. Most botanical gardens allow you to bring in your own food and drinks too.
Rustic Campgrounds
For a laid-back wedding reception, consider booking an outdoor pavilion at a local campground. Prices are very budget-friendly, usually a few hundred dollars to rent the space for a full day. Some campgrounds even allow BYOB options to save on bar costs.
The rustic, woodsy setting also means you can save significantly on wedding decorations. Simple mason jar centerpieces, string lights, and wildflower arrangements are all you need to decorate the space. Having fun outdoor games and activities can also add to the casual campground vibe.
Beaches
Beach wedding receptions are a romantic and affordable option for couples on a budget. Public beaches typically only require small permit fees to host events and ceremonies. Setting up the reception right on the sand surrounded by sweeping ocean views creates a memorable backdrop too.
Some things to note are that public beaches do not provide amenities, facilities, or electricity access. You’d need to bring in generators, lighting, tables, chairs, and even restrooms. Work with your caterer to serve food that doesn’t need electricity or extensive equipment. Setting up tents is also a good idea in case of rain or wind.
Community Spaces
Community centers, places of worship, museums, and other public spaces often have event rooms and halls for rent at very affordable rates. Here are some great community venue ideas for wedding receptions on a tight budget:
Places of Worship
If you belong to a church, temple, mosque, or other place of worship, consider using their hall or activity center for your wedding reception. Most places of worship have large event spaces to accommodate services as well as community events and programs. These spaces usually have their own tables, chairs, lighting, audio equipment, and more.
Rental fees are also very minimal for members, usually a few hundred dollars at most. Some places of worship even allow their own members to use the spaces for free. Catering rules can be restrictive though when it comes to alcohol, so make sure to ask.
Community Centers
Parks and recreation centers are another great option for affordable wedding reception venues. Like places of worship, community centers have spacious halls, ample parking, tables/chairs, lighting, restrooms, and A/V equipment already onsite.
These spaces are designed specifically to host special events for the public. Rental rates are typically just a few hundred dollars for a full day rental. Some community centers even have backup kitchens and allow outside catering for maximum flexibility.
Museums & Galleries
Hosting your wedding reception at a museum or art gallery is a unique idea that can also save money. Many museums have special event rooms and open gallery spaces that can be rented out affordably. Pricing is usually around $1,000-$2,000 to rent a museum space for a wedding reception for the entire evening.
Museums and galleries also provide beautiful and interesting surroundings that can make decorating easier. For example, having the dinosaur exhibit as your ceremony backdrop or cocktail hour in the Egyptian tombs room. Some museums will even give you special guided tours or access to exhibits as part of the rental.
Restaurant Spaces
Having your wedding reception at a restaurant is an convenient, affordable option. Here are two budget-friendly types of eateries to consider:
Banquet Halls
Banquet halls and ethnic cultural centers provide all-inclusive wedding reception packages at affordable rates. Typical packages provide amenities like tables, chairs, linens, food/drinks, servers, setup/cleanup, and more all in one price. This makes planning super simple without having to coordinate dozens of individual vendors.
All-inclusive wedding reception packages often start around $30-$50 per guest. Having your ceremony, cocktail hour, and reception all at the banquet hall can help save substantially on rental transportation too.
Backyard BBQ Restaurants
For a really casual, budget-friendly wedding reception, consider local restaurants with backyard BBQ areas. Having a laid-back barbecue dinner and lawn games is an affordable way to host all your guests. Backyard spaces at more upscale farm-to-table restaurants can also provide a charming, romantic reception venue on a budget.
The backyard reception spaces typically only charge a small rental fee since you must use their in-house catering services. However, BBQ catering menus tend to be cheaper with simpler, customizable options like burgers, hot dogs, bbq chicken, and sides. An affordable restaurant buyout combined with casual backyard games creates fun, memorable weddings that guests love too.
Tips for Saving More on Your Wedding Reception Venue
Aside from choosing an affordable, non-traditional venue, here are some extra tips to save money on your wedding reception:
- Have your wedding on a Friday or Sunday instead of Saturday
- Host the reception during non-peak seasons like winter
- Schedule a brunch or lunch reception instead of dinner
- Stick to simple decorations from craft/dollar stores
- Serve beer, wine, and signature cocktails only to save on full bar costs
- Have a friend or family member become ordained to officiate for free
- Make your own playlist instead of hiring a DJ
- See if friends/family can help DIY flowers, centerpieces, etc.
Choosing an affordable wedding reception venue is possible even in expensive metro areas. Get creative with outdoor locations, community centers, restaurants, and public spaces. With clever saving tips and non-traditional wedding venues, you can have your dream wedding on nearly any budget!
