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The Chapel of Love
If religion is a big part of your life, or if you just love the theatrics of a traditional religious ceremony, then it's likely you'll want to be wed in a church, synagogue, or mosque. Do you or your parents belong to a religious congregation or parish? Often these places set aside wedding time slots just for members. Again, you'll have to contend with the fact that most Saturdays are booked in advance. If this is the case, see if there's not a neighboring church that's available or ask for a weekday or weeknight instead. Many facilities include kitchens and banquet halls where you can celebrate after the ceremony.

Memory Lane
Couples rarely meet in a place as romantic as the one where they eventually get married, but that doesn't mean the place where eyes first locked, hands first touched, or saliva was first exchanged isn't special. Marrying in the bar where you first bumped into each other or at the dog park where your pups introduced the two of you can be very meaningful, not to mention fun. If it's a public place, make sure to check with the city for restrictions and permits.

Unlikely Locales
Your local nursery may have never hosted a wedding, but that doesn't mean the owners won't be willing to, if you ask nicely. Galleries, schools and clubs can all provide excellent backdrops for your event. In cities, interior decorators often doll up unoccupied houses as showcases for their work, which can then be rented out for events. Lavish private mansions are often maintained by holding weddings and bar mitzvahs. Often they advertise only by word of mouth, so be sure to ask around.

Packages
Many hotels and popular destinations like Hawaii and Las Vegas offer all-inclusive wedding packages. Fort he couple that's short on time and not terribly picky, it can be a wonderful time-saver to get your flowers, cake, food, officiant, even music all from the same place. Personal touches can be added to things like favors or clothing.

Restaurants
If your wedding is going to be on the smaller side, a nice restaurant can be a perfect setting for your reception (and even ceremony). If the establishment doesn't have a private room or courtyard, plan your party for hours when the restaurant is usually closed, so you don't have to pay a staggering buy-out fee (which basically covers what they would be making if regular customers were there). Check with your local chamber of commerce and visitor's bureau for lists of restaurants that are available for special events.


Excerpted from Instant Weddings From "Will You?" to "I Do!" in Four Months or Less by Jennifer L. Shawne. © 2003 Chronicle Books

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