Wedding Ceremony + Reception: Same Place or Two Different Venues?

One location or two separate venues? THAT is the question.

All-in-one wedding venues for ceremony and reception | The Griffin House on the Columbia River Gorge

The Griffin House on the Columbia River Gorge


There's no question that all-in-one venues are preferred by the vast majority of today's wedding couples for the obvious reason: It's so much easier! Exchange vows in the garden or out in the vineyards or up on the rooftop, then move on to the ballroom or barn or terrace for cocktails and reception.

While this sequence of events has become the wedding norm, many couples are still opting for two separate event venues—especially those that want a more specialized ceremony space!

If your wedding fantasy has always included saying "I do" in front of the crashing surf, or on a mountaintop, or in a soaring redwood forest, then your perfect all-in-one venue options will be more limited—and maybe even more costly. In this case, booking two different event venues may involve a bit more effort, but sometimes it's the only way to get exactly what you want.


Oceanfront wedding ceremony at Terranea Resort in Rancho Palos Verdes, CA.

Terranea Resort | Von Jackson Photo


So...should you commit to one wedding venue for both your ceremony and reception, or do you book two? There are pros and cons to each, my friend, so consider the information below and then choose which option is best for you.




There are several perks of hosting your wedding ceremony and reception in the same place:

A lovely little wedding ceremony chapel: Juliette Chapel and Events in Dahlonega, GA.

Juliette Chapel and Events


While same-venue weddings have become the norm, you may have good reasons for mixing things up. (And for couples with a strong spiritual background, having a ceremony at a place of worship may be non-negotiable!)


Here are some tips in case you DO opt for separate ceremony and reception locations:




Looking for the perfect wedding venue? You've come to the right place.


Photos: The Lodge and Club • CelesteThe Inn at Round Barn Farm


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Some clients may have paid to be placed in our editorial and some of these links may be affiliate; however, we never include a venue, vendor, or product unless they have a proper place here. This is part of our Core Values. We create our website first and foremost to be good for the couples using it to plan their Big Day. We won't stray from that for a few advertising dollars. #scoutshonor

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