Help, my Google-fu is busted: How to turn Google into your wedding venue search engine

Posted by
MakingTheMoment_DG_136
Sara got married at a vintage movie theater!

I know there are already lots of suggestions on Offbeat Bride for unique venue ideas. What I really want to know is HOW DO YOU FIND THEM?!

Be sure to check our Vendor Guide for unique venues in your area…
Be sure to check our Vendor Guide for unique venues in your area…

I'm convinced I could save some money if I could find a venue not typically used for weddings. I started on Google, of course, but gave up after several hours. I can't get a search engine to pull up any options like that because they aren't typically considered a wedding venue, and if I search for anything that includes the word venue, I just get the places I can't afford. It's like I need a special wedding venue search engine!I tried talking to family and friends. Then I went to Craigslist. Both were dead ends.

Does anyone have any creative suggestions for finding that perfect secluded park, hidden gallery, or plot of land? I can be completely flexible about the TYPE of venue as long as it fits our budget. I just don't know how to search or where to look for spaces that don't market themselves as a wedding venue!
-cdhsarah

We totally hear you on this. While we feature some of our very favorite affordable venues in the Offbeat Bride Vendor Guide, we don't have every region covered. It's hard to know what to search for, and the word “venue” will immediately get you results that are mostly spaces focused on weddings that can therefore be more expensive.

A few ideas to get your Google-fu juices flowing… we can help you turn Google into your own wedding venue search engine

Indoor options

  • Schools: not just universities, but junior highs and high schools, vocational, music schools, dance studios, culinary schools, etc.
  • Museums and art galleries
  • Concert venues
  • Vintage or antique shops in small towns
  • Dance studios and ballrooms
  • Community centers
  • Theaters and playhouses
  • Libraries or city halls
  • For smaller weddings, try AirBnB

Outdoor options

  • City & County Parks
  • Summer camps
  • Ask around at Farmer's Markets
  • Public gardens
  • Ranches
  • Fairgrounds
  • For smaller weddings, try AirBnBs with large backyards!

We'd love to hear from y'all: how'd you find your unusual wedding venue?

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