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Each is unique and perfect.
By Aly Walansky — Written on Aug 26, 2019
There's nothing wrong with getting married at the church or temple where your parents or grandparents got married. In fact, it's kind of sweet. But each relationship is different and no couple's story is the same.
That means your wedding gets to have its own unique look and feel. And there are some amazing wedding venues and locations across the country that promise to make your big day like no other.
Choosing unique wedding venues not only shows off your particular relationship, but will be a place for your guests to explore (and post some stellar pictures on Instagram too!). The best part is that they are all within the United States and are just a short drive or plane ride away.
1. Sugar Factory, Las Vegas, Nevada
Sitting atop the flagship Sugar Factory American Brasserie at Fashion Show Mall is Sweet Beginnings by Sugar Factory, where couples from all over the world start their journey together in the sweetest way possible. Each ceremony, reception and vow renewal is as unique as the couple.
Couples and their guests can experience the whimsical “candyland” themed carousel surrounded by 5,000 light-up candy tulips, giant cupcakes and lollipops, while overlooking the spectacular views of The Strip. The tulip garden leads to a private gazebo covered in 50,000 twinkling lights, adding more magic to every special event.
2. Sumter, South Carolina
The quaint Notebook-esque town of Sumter, South Carolina literally lets couples shut down its entire historic Main Street for a blow-out block party wedding and reception. Sumter is a charming, quiet and historic Southern town, and may not initially strike a soon-to-be bride as the ultimate destination for a wedding. But its historic Main Street, and the ability to shut it all down for a party reception, begs otherwise.
3. Pine Creek Escape, Illinois
Pine Creek Escape is one of the most unique wedding venues in the Midwest. Located just 90 miles west of Chicago, Pine Creek offers fresh, calming and restorative cabin stays, local events and charming wedding backdrops.
It’s an old abandoned stone quarry of which some of the limestone that was quarried there was used to build bridges, fireplaces and walkways that are all located in White Pines State Park, located right across the street from Pine Creek. The Canyon is full of lush greens, limestone and cascading waterfalls, and offers six ceremony sites.
4. Napa Valley Wine Train, Napa Valley, California
On the Napa Valley Wine Train, couples can have one of the most unique wine country weddings. Inside a restored 1920s train car, couples can have the luxury wedding of their dreams that offers the same incredible amenities as a traditional venue, with a unique vintage spin.
The Napa Valley Wine Train offers the option to rent out any size space from a table to the entire train. The wine train allows couples a refreshing take on a traditional Napa vineyard wedding for an alternatively beautiful and under-the-radar venue.
5. Magical Adventures Balloon Rides, Palm Desert, California
Magical Adventures Balloon Rides in Palm Desert offers weddings in a hot air balloon soaring above California’s desert region. Balloon pilots are ordained officials who can legally perform your wedding ceremony while in flight. If the wedding party exceeds the balloon’s capacity, the company can fly multiple balloons alongside the couple and broadcast the ceremony to all guests.
The package includes a champagne toast, a personalized banner, cheese and chocolate plates, flight vouchers, and more to ensure this Palm Desert wedding venue is the most unique yet.
6. Yosemite National Park, Yosemite, California
Nothing makes a more beautiful and unexpected wedding backdrop than the iconic Half Dome, or a nearly 2,500 foot waterfall in Yosemite National Park. Upon obtaining a permit from the National Park Service, couples can choose from a variety of stunning natural spots for their venue, including Tuolumne Meadows, Lower Yosemite Falls, Tenaya Lake, Glacier Point overlooking Half Dome, and many more.
Not only is a national park wedding an out of this world spot for guests, it provides a secluded and intimate ceremony for any outdoor-loving couple.
7. Mt. Shasta, California
Say “I do” on a volcano at 6,000 feet up the iconic Mt. Shasta in California’s north, with thick forests, blue bird skies, and a panoramic view of the surrounding mountains. This spectacular venue offers the perfect rustic Alpine setting with one of the most unique views in the America for your wedding.
You can even have your guests enjoy a beautiful chairlift ride up to their seats before making your way to the altar.
8. Lewes Ferry, Cape May, New Jersey
Believe it or not, the Lewes Ferry, which crosses the Delaware Bay, connecting travelers from NYC down through DC, is a wedding venue and ultimate nautical destination in and of itself. From "tying the knot" on the pier overlooking the boat and bay, to the reception at the Terminal, it's quite a unique experience.
And the grand exit via the Ferry enables couples to start their journey right after the celebration ends!
9. Lone Mountain Ranch, Big Sky, Montana
The historic ranch sit on 148 acres surrounded by the Yellowstone ecosystem, offering incredible scenery, locally sourced and unique menu options, and activities galore, including naturalist guided tours of Yellowstone National Park. Lone Mountain Ranch offers wedding buyout options and turns the ranch into a magical intimate getaway for just the wedding party, family and friends.
10. XV Beacon, Boston, Massachusetts
XV Beacon, a historic boutique hotel in the heart of Boston, elevates its high level of service and luxury with two of the most distinctive and intimate hotel wedding venues in the city. The unique, rustic venue complete with a fourth-century Roman mosaic is perfect to host an intimate wedding celebration with availability to seat 36 for a seated dinner, or up to 75 for a reception.
The Roof Deck, XV Beacon’s intimate 2-tier outdoor setting, is Boston’s best kept secret for sweeping views of the cityscape and iconic landmarks such as the Charles River. The space is the hidden gem of Beacon Hill with views from the 11th and 12th floors of the hotel overlooking Boston’s skyline.
11. The Wigwam, Litchfield Park, Arizona
Brides seeking the perfect setting for their nuptials need look no further than The Wigwam in Phoenix’s West Valley. The historic 440-acre resort is celebrating 90 years of welcoming guests in 2019 and has been hosting fairytale weddings for the past decade.
The property offers six outdoor venues for an iconic, uniquely Southwestern setting to say “I do.” The resort has it all covered to make each couple’s special day everything they dreamed of and more, offering several wedding packages that cover both ceremonies and receptions.
12. The Westgate Hotel, San Diego, California
Located in the heart of downtown San Diego, The Westgate Hotel offers elegant European venue options from their paneled French ballroom to their sleek and chic secluded terrace. Catering Sales Manager, Kristen Dawson, knows exactly what wedding dreams are made of.
Her attention to detail paired with her experience and passion for weddings of any nature are the leading factors behind her wedding coordination success. Her core qualities of providing the highest level of service and creating an impeccable experience for couples align perfectly with The Westgate Hotel, which makes them the perfect pair.
13. Chapel in the Woods, Memphis, Tennessee
A beautiful spot for the Elvis lover is the Chapel in the Woods. The chapel and the resort offer numerous opportunities for weddings and wedding related events. Plus, the wedding party is photographed in front of Elvis Presley’s Graceland.
The newly-constructed chapel features a grand ceiling and windows throughout to allow the beautiful surroundings of the Graceland woods to be the back drop for couples to be married or renew their vows. Located just steps from the AAA-rated Four Diamond luxury resort, The Guest House at Graceland, the Chapel in the Woods makes for the most iconic and memorable wedding destination.
14. The National Museum of the Marine Corps, Virginia
With shimmering glass and marble walls reaching up to 210 feet, the Leatherneck Gallery in the National Museum of the Marine Corps makes for a unique and show stopping backdrop for your magical wedding night. You and your guests can experience the bird’s eye view of the entire event from overlooks, balconies, and four observation decks.
Events held at the National Museum of the Marine Corps are catered exclusively by in-house catering company, who will work with you every set of the way to ensure a seamless and beautiful evening. The Semper Fidelis Memorial Chapel is the perfect choicel with floor to ceiling windows surrounded by trees it sets the stage for a whimsical wedding ceremony.
15. Brasada Ranch, Oregon
Whether you're searching for rustic wedding venues in Oregon, barn venues, or even a place to host an intimate wedding, Brasada Ranch is a year-round wedding destination, perfect for indoor and outdoor weddings.
The award-winning wedding venues blend modern rustic with the high desert landscape. Inspiring views from every venue, choose from five award-winning venues including the rustic Barn, panoramic mountain views from the Range Lawn, the timeless Trestle Bridge and more.
16. Queens Museum, New York City
“The Queens Museum has an amazing Panorama room that guests walk through from cocktail hour to reception, and has life size panoramic build out of New York City. Plus, the art of the museums adds a truly unique element to each wedding that happens there,” says Daniela Grafman, Owner of Vision Event Company.
The Queens Museum offers spectacular views of the famed Unisphere, contemporary architecture, soaring 40-foot ceilings and flexible floor plans, making this venue the perfect sun-drenched backdrop for weddings. The Museum, which can accommodate seated dinners for up to 600 and larger cocktail parties, offers an incomparable ambiance to any event.
17. Lucky Arrow Retreat, Austin, Texas
Lucky Arrow Retreat is Texas’ newest and most unique boutique hotel and event venue right outside of Austin. Wedding groups could take over the whole property of laid-back yurts and upscale cabins with communal gathering spaces, a pool and beer garden.
The event space features 1,420 square feet of air conditioned space with an additional 1,400 square foot rooftop deck for up to 175 guests. Additional amenities include a covered wrap around porch and a generous 12 foot ceiling.
18. Otesaga Resort Hotel, Cooperstown, New York
From unique baseball themed weddings to elegant lakeside celebrations, Otesaga Resort in Cooperstown offers a breathtaking wedding setting to make your special day truly memorable. Celebrate together in a timeless setting with century-old oak trees and glistening crystal chandeliers, soft moonlight on shimmering waters, champagne and passed hors-d'oeuvres.
Feel the undeniable romance of a luxurious lakeside wedding that's infused with sophistication and charm. Your guests will know that they're in for a treat from the moment they arrive at our magnificent mansion, with soaring columns and an imposing front portico that exude majesty and grace.
19. Boldt Castle, Alexandria Bay, New York
Boldt Castle is one of the most sought after wedding venues in New York. From its very conception, Boldt Castle’s historic halls and grounds were filled with romance. Surrounding the 19th century home are numerous gardens containing thousands of flowers as well as several stone structures of the same era, including the Gazebo, Alster Tower, Dove Cote and the Powerhouse.
Ceremonies are typically located at the Dove-Cote, allowing brides to make a grand entrance out of Boldt Castle itself. This section of the grounds, commonly called the courtyard, also overlooks the St. Lawrence River from three directions. Boldt Castle can provide the fairy tale setting, and unforgettable memories that every bride dreams of on their wedding day.
20. Semper Fidelis Memorial Chapel, Washington, D.C.
Located south of Washington, DC and tucked away on the grounds of the National Museum of the Marine Corps, is a rustic Chapel that is adored and loved by military and civilians alike. The Semper Fidelis Chapel represents the values and leadership traits of the US Marine Corps, with glass etchings of the words.
Built of stone, wood, and glass, the chapel is picturesque in its garden surroundings. It provides a rustic venue without the interference of the elements.
21. Tun Tavern, Atlantic City, New Jersey
This space is a replica of the original pub which was the birthsite for the US Marines. Like the original space, visitors find wooden tables, chairs, and a colonial bar to get a favorite beer in a Tun Tavern beer glass.
This space is a favorite of military personnel and their spouses to spend some time between their ceremony and reception. Some choose to use this as a bridal suite during cocktail hour for their bridal party or for their rehearsal dinner venue. It is a versatile and cozy space for visiting guests.
22. Fossil Rim Wildlife Center, Glen Rose, Texas
What could make such a major life event even more memorable? Tying the knot and then feeding a giraffe, perhaps? A wedding at Fossil Rim Wildlife Center can be your reality. In the spring, the landscape will be green and thriving with baby animals frolicking about. In the fall, the foliage will be turning beautiful colors of maroon, yellow and brown across the hilly terrain.
For one wedding, staff put food out at a nearby watering hole and animals stopped by to eat during the reception. Staff can also attend to any menu needs for a wedding. Whether the choice is barbeque, Italian, Mexican, or something else, they can prepare all or part of the menu.
23. Station 3, Houston, Texas
Get married in a fire station? Yes please! Station 3, otherwise known as "Stonewall," was one of Houston's original fire stations. It's one of the cities historical landmarks, located directly outside of downtown, and its original brick, wood floors, concrete beams, and intricate hand carved exterior stonework all add to its unique and timeless beauty.
Whether you are having a small, intimate wedding or a more extravagant wedding, Station 3 can comfortably accommodate parties of 150 guests in a 5,800 square foot building. In some cases, a maximum capacity of 225 can be accommodated if guests are not all on one floor at one time.
24. The Greenhouse at Driftwood, Driftwood, Texas
Nestled between Onion Creek and Jackson Creek in Driftwood, Texas, The Greenhouse provides an elegant and unique setting for events in the midst of nature. The property has been in the same family for three generations and has been cared for each and every day of its existence.
With lush, native plants, century-old Oaks, and natural open spaces just miles from the Austin city limits, The Greenhouse is not your average venue. Attention to conservation and sustainability is a way of life. The property has been using rainwater collection for primary water use since the 1970s and most of the power needs are met using rooftop solar panels.
25. 1940 Air Terminal Museum, Houston, Texas
Educationally rich and architecturally beautiful, the 1940 Air Terminal Museum has a unique setting and is in the original Houston Municipal Airport building at the present-day William P. Hobby Airport. Educationally rich and architecturally beautiful, the facility has an intimate setting. Fine stucco designs, limestone panels, cool marble floors, and an elegant chandelier testify to Houston’s bygone Art Deco era.
Exhibit rooms filled with artifacts, photographs, uniforms, vintage aircraft, and airline memorabilia chart the triumph and progression of both private and commercial flight in Texas history. The Museum also affords a front row vantage point to Hobby Airport's diverse airport operations. Between airline traffic, business aviation, and frequent fixed wing and rotary wing general aviation traffic, the Museum has its own private air show every day.
26. The Quixotic World, Dallas, Texas
The Quixotic World is nothing short of unique. It's a 5,000 square foot space and full bar capability. It features a full sound system, PA, microphones, great lighting, silhouette shadow dancing screen, and 2 large screens with Blu-Ray players and projectors.
It also includes gorgeous Throne Furniture, tables, black tablecloths, Eiffel Tower centerpieces with red/black feathers, chairs with black chair covers and red ribbon sashes.
27. Ghost Light Inn, New Hope, Pennsylvania
Ghost Light Inn on the New Hope Waterfront is next to the iconic Bucks County Playhouse. Stella features local ingredients from the region’s best farmers and artisans and a rotating seasonal cocktail list with theater-inspired names. Boasting an outdoor patio displaying sweeping views of the Riverfront, the restaurant also features private dining and an event space perfect for weddings.
28. The Broadmoor, Colorado
Imagine walking down the aisle of a fairytale Spanish Mission-style chapel at the AAA Five Diamond, Forbes Five Star Broadmoor Resort, high in the Colorado Rockies. At the Pauline Chapel, you’ll be enveloped in an intimate church with tall white pillars and arches, dark wooden pews, and religious art and artifacts collected by The Broadmoor’s founder, Spencer Penrose, and his wife, Julie, during their travels through Europe in the early 1900s.
The beautiful artwork represents the rich history and tradition of the early Catholic Church, making the chapel, which celebrates its centennial in 2019, perfect for those seeking a traditional Catholic wedding.
29. Sea Island, Georgia
The Cloister Garden at Sea Island is only one of many storybook settings at the world’s only resort, in the world, to earn four Forbes Five-Star awards 11 years in a row. You can also tie the knot at the ivy-covered Cloister Chapel, where up to 100 guests can watch you say “I do” amid stained-glass windows, chandeliers, and an arched-beam ceiling.
Whether indoors or out, on the beach overlooking the Atlantic or underneath the historic Avenue of Oaks, by candlelight or twilight, simple or sophisticated, Sea Island offers a setting for every couple’s taste and fancy.
30. Windstar Cruises
Love the romance of the sea? Then tie the knot on a small cruise ship that feels like your own private yacht. Let a Windstar Cruise captain perform a ceremonial marriage on one of the line’s small luxury sailing ships, or all-suite power yachts that carry just 148 to 310 guests.
In fact, you can charter the entire yacht for your wedding and bring your entire guest list with you to celebrate.
31. Old Sturbridge Village in Sturbridge, Massachusetts
Old Sturbridge Village is the largest outdoor history museum in the Northeast. Ceremonies set against a backdrop of more than 50 historic buildings and spread across 200 acres of land and village in a quaint, historical New England setting.
Two gazebos, several gardens and a covered bridge that provide a beautiful backdrop for pictures. Horse-drawn carriage rides through the village for the bride/groom and as wedding transportation for guests. With more than 40 original buildings and homes, meetinghouses, a district school, country store, bank, working farm, three water-powered mills, and trade shops, the full village is situated on more than 200 scenic acres.
32. Houston Hall Beer Gardens, New York City
Houston Hall is a Manhattan beer garden by day, wedding venue by weekend.
Says Grafman, “On a Thursday night, it's flowing with people watching sports games and downing beers. But once we take out a few tables, rearrange the space, add candles and decor with a family style cocktail reception, you now have the coolest backdrop for a wedding celebration. And the best part is that you can come back for anniversary drinks on a weekly basis.”
33. The Skylark, New York City
The Skylark offers a true New York City experience for your wedding ceremony and reception. With dramatic views of the Empire State Building, Times Square and Hudson River, this unique rooftop venue boasts a year round rooftop experience featuring full-length, sliding glass doors and a seasonal open air terrace.
The Skylark is perfect for traditional celebrations with a seated ceremony and dinner for up to 80 guests. For larger celebrations, they offer an exciting alternative experience that features a movable “dinner-by-the-bite” feast. Your guests will enjoy an abundant menu without the constraint of formal seating.
34. Keeneland Race Course, Kentucky
Couples seeking to infuse elevated rustic elegance into their big day can choose from one of Keeneland’s nine venue options on the course, from The Kentucky Room, which offers sweeping panoramic views of the sunset over the racetrack and rolling bluegrass countryside, to the Keene Place Mansion, one of the oldest buildings on the property radiating Southern charm.
The exclusive Clubhouse Lawn makes an exquisite setting for cocktail hour, giving wedding parties the rare chance to take photos alongside the historic track. Executive Chef Marc Therrien, who creates custom wedding menus for each individual couple and experiments with novel ingredients, always incorporates locally-sourced produce.
35. Cornerstone Sonoma, California
Cornerstone Sonoma offers a unique variety of spaces to create beautiful and memorable events, including a grand lawn expanse with a serene lily pond, a rustic barn amongst the architectural gardens, and a grand Sperry Tent surrounded by an abundance of flowers. Cornerstone is truly a place to commune with colleagues or the ones you love to celebrate any occasion.
“This part art sculpture park, part marketplace in Sonoma is such a unique wedding venue. Not only are there multiple event spaces (a lawn, a barn and a tent), but so many fun sculptures that a guest can explore,” says Jamie Chang, owner and Destination Wedding Planner at Mango Muse Events.
36. Middleton Place, Charleston, South Carolina
A National Historic Landmark, Middleton Place is an unforgettable setting and an enduring, vibrant, essential part of the American experience. Its sweeping views of the Ashley River, iconic House Museum, moss-draped, centuries-old oak trees, meticulously manicured gardens bursting with color and sculpted terraces, an array of unique indoor and outdoor spaces for both the ceremony and reception, plus a 55-room Inn make Middleton Place one of Charleston’s most treasured wedding venues.
"The grounds are extensive with beautiful views and serene gardens. And with its elegance and southern charm, it's like taking a trip into the past,” Chang adds.
37. Kualoa Ranch, Kaneohe, Hawaii
Ranch House is a covered air conditioned pavilion with a large lawn overlooking Mokoliʻi Island (Chinaman’s Hat) and Kaneʻohe Bay. Pastures, corrals and a rodeo arena surround this versatile pavilion, creating an open, comfortable and rustic feel.
“This ranch has multiple different venues onsite for you to choose from, ones with epic views to ones right by the water to ones used in movies. The lush landscape and tucked away nature of the venues means your wedding is super private. And the land truly makes you feel like you're in Hawaii,” says Chang.
38. Conservatory of Flowers, San Francisco, California
The Conservatory of Flowers is the most unique historical site in the Bay Area. This historic facility, located in Golden Gate Park, boasts five exhibit spaces with exotic plants and flowers from all over the world. Each gallery showcases unique plants and flowers, custom metal work and architectural beauty throughout the building.
“This wedding venue located in San Francisco's Golden Gate Park is a beauty. The architecture itself is lovely. But the spaces surrounding and all the greenery allow for a wonderful urban garden mix,” says Chang.
39. Neon Museum, Las Vegas, Nevada
The Neon Museum features two event areas available for a variety of occasions. The 3,572 square foot Outdoor Events Area may be rented for wedding receptions and includes a Boneyard walkthrough, hired security, and setup/breakdown time for your vendors. An additional 3,144 square foot space, the North Gallery, is located adjacent to the Main Neon Boneyard and offers an alternative location with striking visual backgrounds for smaller wedding ceremonies.
“The vast collection of old neon signs not only makes for some great photos, but is a fun place for your guests to explore,” says Chang.
40. Murrieta's Well, Livermore, California
Murrieta’s Well is one of California’s original wine estates. All wines are sourced exclusively from our estate, and they farm the vineyard and plant grape varieties according to the various microclimates on our property. This creates the winemaking palette for blending exceptional wines that truly showcase the unique characteristics of our estate’s terroir.
“Their cave specifically plays host to many intimate weddings and receptions, which is also part of The Barrel Room, originally built in the 1800s,” says Heather Jones of Wente Vineyards.
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Aly Walansky is a NY-based lifestyles writer who focuses on health, wellness, and relationships. Her work appears in dozens of digital and print publications regularly. Visit her on Twitter or email her.