You don’t have to get married in a church or a stately home. For those looking for a more unique and memorable venue, here are a few alternative options to consider and the pros and cons that come with them.

On the beach

Beach weddings can offer an idyllic setting. If it’s a public beach, you may not have to pay anything – a permit may be all you need. Private beaches and resort-owned beaches can be easier to work with as there could be less restrictions but you will need to pay to rent them out. You’ll need to factor in the weather – a summer wedding will increase the chance of sun. You’ll also need to factor in the tide. A beach wedding may also make certain dresses and footwear impractical.

On a boat

Getting married on a boat could be another option for those that want the sea setting. Alternatively, you could get married on a river. The cost of boat hire can vary depending on the size of the boat you need and the time you wish to rent it out for. There are lots of different boats to consider from luxury yachts to barges to historic ships.

On a bus

It’s also possible to get married on a bus. This could be a double-decker open-top bus and you could arrange to drive past a certain special place as you’re taking your vows. Hiring a bus isn’t likely to cost too much compared to other venues. Your biggest limitation is going to be the amount of guests you can invite – a bus may not be appropriate for lots of guests.

In a castle

A castle could offer a historic fairy-tale-wedding setting. You could even put on a medieval theme to match the setting. Castles generally contain large halls capable of containing lots of guests and they may even double as accommodation. A disadvantage is that they are often very expensive and may involve taking long flights if you don’t live in Europe.

In a cave

Getting married in a cave is certain to be a magical experience. They can also be fairly cheap venues. A cave could come with certain restrictions, which could be worth looking into beforehand.

In the forest

A wedding in a forest can also offer that fairy tale feel. You’ll want to find a suitable forest spot to hold the ceremony and you’ll need to check who own the land and whether a permit/fees will be needed. As you’ll be outdoors, you’ll also want to get married at the right time of year, although the trees may be able to offer some cover from the chance of rain.

On a mountain

Choosing to get married on a mountain could also make for an unforgettable experience. Mountains can get cold and blustery, so take this weather into account. You may be able to find a hotel or a church positioned at the top of a mountain giving you the option to go indoors if needed.