Choosing Your Wedding Venue: The Five Most Popular Settings

The first big dilemma: finding the right place for the wedding

As you start thinking about the exact running order of the day, along with the look, smell and taste of your big wedding day, the very first thing you'll need to work out is which location suits it best. There are a few classics, and going through all the beautiful options can become quite exhausting. Certainly, a wedding in a church can be tempting, especially if the family is religious. But you might also dream of an outdoor ceremony or a large, lively venue.
In the following paragraphs we look at the five most popular wedding settings and their pros and cons:

1. Church

Especially for couples who met in a church and come from religious families, the church is a sacred place that is perfect for entering into, blessing and strengthening your marriage.

PROS

• If you are religious, the church offers a special, distinctive atmosphere and meaning that other places simply cannot have
• For traditional families, a church wedding means a great deal, and other places cannot live up to that expectation
• Most places of worship are beautiful and especially grand. This makes them a perfect setting for wedding parties. There is usually a lovely spot for a drinks reception after the ceremony too.

CONS

• Alcohol and general celebration are frowned upon
• Religious people may love the church as a wedding venue for precisely this reason; non-traditional free spirits less so
• Not all family members and friends feel comfortable in a church

2. The Great Outdoors

This is a classic image: a wedding on the beach, in a garden, or in a colourful field or park. An outdoor wedding feels open, modern and free, and offers a wonderful backdrop. If you have a nearby green space, a river or another spot with personal meaning close by, a wedding there is a great choice. The natural surroundings can then take care of half the decoration for you.

PROS

• You can rely on nature to provide enchanting beauty. An indoor ceremony always means a lot of cleaning and decorating to make everything look lovely and please the eye. The right spot in the fresh air offers this without you having to do anything special.
• There is a natural feeling that feels just right. When the wind blows through the bride's hair and the little children play together in the grass, a very special atmosphere arises. The sense of togetherness is simply immense.
• The choices are virtually endless. There is an extremely wide variety and the most diverse landscapes.
• In terms of cost, open-air settings are often cheaper than enclosed spaces. There are expensive outdoor venues too, but there is no shortage of very affordable spots either.

CONS

• The weather is unpredictable. It could rain on the wedding day and you might have to take cover under tarpaulins. A storm could even force you to postpone the wedding.
• If you dine outdoors, things can quickly get messy. Bugs, dirt and grass are part of nature and can spoil the enjoyment of the wedding feast.
• If the rest of civilisation isn't far enough away, unwanted noise and commotion can disrupt the festivities.

3. Hotel

Choosing a luxury hotel as a venue is tempting. It is excellent for accommodating guests and is usually already decorated. After a few extra touches, the venue is ready for the wedding in no time at all.

PROS

• The guests already have somewhere to stay overnight. For guests travelling from far away, a lovely room can be booked right next to the venue.
• The drinks reception can be held here too.
• And speaking of the drinks reception: you can also hire hotel staff for the reception, so that everything runs smoothly and is presented to perfection.
• Everything takes place in the same location. Guests can drink alcohol freely and don't have to worry about getting home or travelling to the venue.

CONS

• A hotel is not as finely customisable as other event venues.
• It may not be ideal for children.
• It can be extremely expensive, especially when rooms are booked for guests.

4. Holiday Destination

People often dream of getting married at a famous holiday destination. Mallorca or the Bahamas are frequently mentioned. Many couples wish to marry in the place they have always wanted to see.

PROS

• It is absolutely stunning! Let's be honest – if you celebrate your wedding at an extraordinary holiday destination, there is absolutely no doubt that it will be unforgettable and that your guests will be thoroughly delighted.
• The possibilities are limitless. At any holiday destination, the guests will be wonderfully entertained throughout their entire stay.
• The wedding and honeymoon can take place in the same location. While some couples prefer to travel after the wedding, others don't want to lose any time and would rather enjoy their honeymoon straight afterwards. So if you celebrate the wedding right at the holiday destination, the honeymoon has practically already begun!

CONS

• Once again, the cost.
• Not all guests may be able to come.
• Organising it from home is difficult. We recommend a wedding planner on site.

5. At Home

Your flat or house as a wedding venue? Why not! What could be cosier and more meaningful than a wedding in your own home? Especially with a particularly beautiful home and a magnificent garden, a wedding at home can be the best choice. From the ceremony to the reception, it's the right place. Your guests might even be able to stay over right there with you.

PROS

• The setting is very familiar
• Particularly attractive in terms of price
• It feels like home – because it is
• You can control every last detail, however small – there are no limits

CONS

• It may not feel special. Some people want to celebrate their wedding in a new place.
• A wedding within your own four walls often leads to lax planning.
• Without outside help, it's a great deal of work.
• You need a really smart home to pull the wedding off properly.

On the page Wedding venues in Mallorca you'll find all the details of our top locations.