Having photographed over 70 weddings, stood up in 3, and planned 2…I’ve got some tips to all future brides when choosing a venue, more specifically, when choosing a one stop venue. (Ceremony and Reception in one place). First, let me just say that I fully understand that not all couples opt for this, but if you are on the fence about it, take a read and shoot me a note if you want to know more about how to turn your wedding into a one-stop venue. 

So, you’ve decided to have your ceremony and reception all in one place. That’s wonderful!! There are many benefits and I’m glad you’ve found them. Now that the decision has been made, how do you go about choosing the perfect location. Here are some tips. 

Tip 1: Choose a Location that offers your guests something interesting to do in-between the ceremony and reception. For example, Discovery World in Milwaukee is an amazing place. You have your ceremony, and then immediately afterward, your guests are ushered down to discover…Discovery World. They get to spend the cocktail hour browsing the aquarium, checking out the petting areas (super fun) and exploring the exhibits. Talk about a super fun place for your guests to hang out while they prep the room for your reception and dinner. 

Another very cool location is Mulberry Lane Farms. The time between your ceremony and reception, your guests can entertain themselves with the entire farm and the petting zoo. How cool is that?

Tip 2: Choose a Venue that offers some beautiful photo locations. This way, you don’t have to spend time and money on transportation costs. This also gives me (your photographer) extra time to really capture some amazing images of you and your hubby. Don’t get me wrong, you’ll still get amazing images if you choose to go to another location, we just won’t have as much time to spend capturing extra portraits. Some of my favorite places that have stunning photo areas are The Paine Art Center and Gardens in Oshkosh and Green Bay Botanical Gardens. Both of these locations have stunning backdrops for photography and make it near impossible to choose your favorites to hang on your wall, because you will end up with SO many favorites!!

Tip 3: Choose a Venue that offers close proximity to lodging. Having the closeness to lodging makes it easy for out of town guests to stay longer, not have to worry about their own transportation, and…if they need to take a quick break before dinner, they can just hop to their room or cottage and be right back. This is why I have much love for The Heidel House in Green Lake and Gordon Lodge in Bailey’s Harbor, Door County. Both of these locations have rooms right there for your guests. It makes it super easy. I know that as a guest…I will often wear super uncomfortable shoes…because they are pretty. But then after the ceremony, boy do my feet hurt. And wouldn’t it be so nice to just hop back into my room, rest me feet again before hitting the dance floor? You bettcha!

These are the three tips that I think you should definitely consider when booking a one-stop venue. I’ve shared some of my favorite locations and have loved working at each and every one of them!! Enjoy the 2016 wedding season everyone!!! Maybe when you are invited to a few weddings this summer, you’ll start to think about these things as you sit there enjoying the union of two people 😉