There are pros and cons to having one-venue weddings. You have to ultimately decide what is best for you and how this decision pairs with your ideal wedding day. That said, 2024 couples overwhelmingly prefer one location for their entire day.

A Seamless Flow

Just imagine it. As a bride, you are on the property starting your day, let’s say, at The Great Marsh Estate in Virginia. You are getting your hair and makeup done with your favorite people, and the gentlemen are in the groom’s lounge downstairs.

You are tingling with excitement, and the butterflies are getting stronger, but you don’t have to stress because when it’s time for your ceremony, all you have to do is descend the back stone staircase of the Manor House.

While your guests enjoy cocktail hour immediately after you say, “I DO!” you get to sneak away and take advantage of the gorgeous natural light at sunset. When it’s time for dinner, you and the love of your life will walk right over to the Stable Reception Hall and celebrate. The flow is seamless and enjoyable for everyone involved, but most importantly for you.

Additional Pros: One-Venue Weddings

Now that you have imagined a seamless wedding day, we will explain why we recommend hopping onto the One-Venue Wedding bandwagon.

• Avoid Commuting + Extra Stress: Why add stress to your wedding day? Traffic, accidents, and cars not starting sound like an absolute nightmare. We do not recommend even taking the chance!

• More Time for Little Moments: Traveling to multiple locations on your wedding day takes a toll, and before you know it, your wedding is over. Stay in one area to embrace and appreciate the things that happen in those little moments when you stand still and take it all in!

• Upcycled Decor: Whether you are throwing a budget party or a luxurious celebration, you will repurpose your decor. Stay in one location to easily utilize your florals and signage throughout multiple parts of your day!

• Vendor Coverage: Each vendor is different, and of course, each wedding budget varies, but the more driving you have involved in your wedding day, the longer your vendor coverage will be, making your investment more expensive while diminishing the coverage they can offer. Stay in one location to maximize the memories they can capture and the support they can provide.

• Guest Attendance: Wedding attendance for elderly family members can be difficult. They want nothing more than to celebrate your day with you. Having multiple locations can make it tough on them. Staying in one area may allow Grandmom to be a part of getting ready and sharing that family heirloom with you while also seeing you cut your cake and dance with your dad.

Tips for Separate Wedding Locations

With all that being said, you may have a reason why traveling between multiple locations makes sense for your wedding day. It is ultimately your decision whether you have a one-venue wedding day, and we support you! Here are some tips to keep it as stress-free as possible.

• Maps + Signage: Be sure to show guests the way by providing beautiful maps and detailed information in your invitation suite or website. This will eliminate pain points for your family and friends and allow them to enjoy their experience thoroughly.

• Keep Travel to a Minimum: I have seen blogs suggest keeping travel time between thirty and sixty minutes. I have to say, I respectfully disagree. You may need more travel time if you have an epic destination ceremony on a cliff. Otherwise, do yourself and your guests a favor! Pick venues that are within fifteen to thirty minutes of each other. In reality, and with any sort of traffic, this time frame can double for a couple and their bridal party. Add portrait time to that, and you will scramble to capture all the moments you hoped to. Or you are stressed about getting to the next spot. We have captured Catholic masses where the reception is an hour away from the ceremony, and the ceremony is an hour away from the getting ready location. We DO NOT WANT THAT FOR YOU!

• Budget for Additional Coverage: Travel adds time to your wedding day. To ensure that you have photography and videography coverage, be sure to budget for a higher investment.

and don’t forget to…

• Consider the Gap in Time: Inform your guests of the time gap between your ceremony and cocktail hour. You want guests to be able to plan accordingly and enjoy their day. Provide your guests with nearby activities where guests can kill time but still have fun. Maybe a scavenger hunt? Either way, keep the gap of time sixty minutes or less.

• Mind Parking: Parking can be minimal and even precarious if you are having a ceremony off the beaten path. Be sure to prepare your guests with information on parking and designate spots for them. If it’s in your budget, book a shuttle service to assist!

• Make Lists + Build-In Time: Be sure to have a list of must-haves. Each location needs a separate list of what you must take from one location to the next. Ask someone you trust to ensure these items get to the ceremony and reception. Gathering items takes time! Build extra time in your timeline to collect your items and get to and from the car. Even if the walk from the parking lot to the venue is short, it takes time!

Need Suggestions for Luxury Inclusive Wedding Venues?

Our favorite one-venue wedding locations are listed below:

For more inspiration and wedding day wisdom, check out other blog posts.