When it comes to alternative wedding destinations, many couples love the idea of an outdoor wedding. What’s not to love about getting married whilst being surrounded by breathtaking natural scenery? However, there’s a myriad of reasons why an indoor wedding may also be a great idea. 

Aside from the fact that you don’t have to worry about rain, there are so many charming and unique indoor venue choices to consider. Think about historical country homes, castles and palaces, barns, ranches, and even pubs and breweries. Even a hotel wedding venue with a stunning ballroom can make your dream wedding come true. 

In this article, we’ll share 7 top tips for choosing and styling an indoor wedding venue. 

1. Let there be light! 

A light-filled venue is imperative not only for creating an inviting and airy setting during the ceremony but also for getting amazing wedding photography. Sure, you can use artificial light or flash photography but nothing beats the power of natural lighting, especially when creating that dreamy and romantic ambiance. 

If you’re planning an indoor ceremony or wedding reception, make sure the venue has white or light-colored walls and large windows with daylight flooding in. Consider the sunset too! Identify when the sun will set on your wedding date and plan the day around it. 

2. Pick a unique alternative to traditional venues

Looking for indoor venues other than churches and hotels? Whether you’re planning a minimalist and intimate wedding or a lavish ceremony, there’s a plethora of unique wedding venues for indoor ceremonies 

• Castles and historic houses 
• Country house or manor house
• Pubs and restaurants with gorgeous interiors or nature setting
• Breweries 
• Barn or ranch
• Art museums
• Poolside venues
• House hotels with gardens or backdrops of the surrounding countryside

3. Consider a venue with striking architecture and interior design

While most couples decide on a theme first before picking a venue, you can also do it the other way around. There are a wide array of historical and elaborately decorated venues that provide you with a solid foundation to work with. 

From majestic castles and manor houses with period pieces to rustic barns and ranches with exposed bricks and wooden beams, there are so many gorgeous choices. If you’re planning a Victorian-style wedding, for example, a lavish manor house with Gothic revival architecture, chevron patterns, and jaw-dropping chandeliers might work in your favor. Just add your floral arrangement and custom decors and you can make it your own! 

4. Look for spaces with neutral backdrops

If you can’t find a venue that fits perfectly with your vision, your best bet is to look for a more neutral space that won’t limit your creativity. 

We’re not suggesting a totally black canvas —think about spaces with neutral tones but with interesting architectural details (exposed brickwork, trim, mold, wood finishes, ceiling design, etc). 

During your ocular visit, check for patterned carpets, wallpaper, or furniture. Make sure these details won’t clash with your choice of flowers or decors, or create a cluttered look. 

5. A venue that can transition from ceremony to reception

While picking one location for both ceremony and reception is easier for your budget and guests, make sure the property offers flexibility. Hotel venues, for example, have separate rooms for different parts of the day, allowing for a change of scenery without the hassle. 

These include: 

• Ceremony space
• Cocktail hour area
• Formal dining room
• Stage and dance floor
• Outdoor and indoor photography spots

6. Work with the best florists and vendors

Choosing an indoor wedding venue means the possibilities of what the space can be are endless. You have the freedom to decorate the space to reflect your personal style, like turning a humble barn into a magical kingdom. 

This works best for couples who plan to go all out and be creative and unique. However, this can be a challenge for those who are seeking a fuss-free wedding. If you’re more of the latter, make sure to work with the best florists and decor vendors. They have the expertise and equipment to turn your vision into a reality. 

7. Check out the surrounding landscape and natural features

Just because you’re planning to get married in a lavish ballroom doesn’t mean the surrounding landscape doesn’t matter. When looking for the best indoor wedding venue, check whether or not they’re surrounded by natural beauty. It can be a ranch with lake and mountain views, a rustic cabin in the woods, or a hotel surrounded by vivid flowers. 

This hotel wedding venue in Kildare, for example, has a beautifully landscaped courtyard that can be set for an outdoor wedding ceremony or photography opportunities.

Author Bio: Carmina Natividad is a passionate lifestyle writer who spends most of her time writing poems, songs, short stories, and informative blogs. She may be a hopeless romantic but she’s got some straightforward pieces of advice about love, wedding planning, hotel weddings, and more.  To know more about hotel weddings and venues, you may visit Osprey Weddings.