Your Guide to Eloping in America’s National Parks

Are you and your partner seeking a wedding experience that breaks away from tradition while keeping costs in check? Imagine exchanging vows against the breathtaking backdrop of Glacier National Park or alongside the majestic cliffs of Yosemite. Eloping in a national park offers an unconventional, yet budget-friendly, option for couples looking to celebrate their love in the great outdoors. In this blog post, we’ll explore why eloping in America’s national parks is an ideal choice for those seeking a non-traditional and affordable wedding experience.

Why Choose a National Park for Your Elopement?

Natural Splendor

National parks are home to some of the most breathtaking landscapes on the planet, offering a stunning setting for your wedding ceremony and photographs. From rugged mountains to pristine lakes, these locations showcase the raw beauty of nature, creating an unforgettable backdrop for your special day. This eliminates the need for decor since the natural beauty will speak for itself.

Intimacy and Seclusion

Eloping in a national park allows you to escape the hustle and bustle of everyday life and celebrate your love in a secluded and intimate setting. Whether you’re exchanging vows on a remote mountainside or beside a tranquil stream, you’ll have the opportunity to connect with each other and nature in a deeply meaningful way.

Adventure and Romance

There’s something inherently romantic about embarking on an adventure together to exchange vows in the great outdoors. Whether you’re hiking to a hidden waterfall or stargazing beneath the night sky, eloping in a national park offers an unforgettable experience filled with excitement and romance.

What You Need to Know About Eloping in a National Park

Permits and Regulations

Before planning your elopement, research the specific permit requirements and regulations for your chosen national park. Each park has its own set of rules regarding ceremonies, photography, and locations, so be sure to obtain any necessary permits and adhere to park guidelines.

Seasonal Factors

Consider the time of year when planning your elopement, taking into account factors such as weather, crowd levels, and seasonal closures. Spring and fall often offer pleasant weather and fewer visitors, while summer can be busy in popular parks.

Accessibility

Take into consideration the accessibility of your chosen ceremony location, especially if you have guests with mobility concerns. Some parks offer wheelchair-accessible trails and facilities, while others may require more strenuous hiking to reach remote locations.

Vendor Services

While many national parks offer basic amenities such as restrooms and picnic areas, you may need to arrange for additional services such as photography, floral arrangements, and transportation. Research local vendors familiar with the park and its regulations to help bring your vision to life.

Leave No Trace

As you celebrate your love amidst the beauty of nature, remember to leave no trace and minimize your environmental impact. Pack out any trash, respect wildlife and vegetation, and tread lightly to preserve these special places for future generations.

Some of The Best National Parks for Eloping

Yosemite National Park, Yosemite Valley, CA, USA

Yosemite National Park, California

Yosemite is known for its towering granite cliffs, including El Capitan and Half Dome, as well as its impressive waterfalls like Yosemite Falls and Bridalveil Fall. Tunnel View offers a panoramic view of Yosemite Valley, while Glacier Point provides elevated views of Half Dome and the surrounding peaks. Couples seeking a more intimate setting may choose the historic Yosemite Valley Chapel nestled amidst the park’s meadows.

Cost: $150 for a wedding permit + $35 entrance fee per vehicle

Sundown in Grand Canyon National Park

Grand Canyon National Park, Arizona

The Grand Canyon is one of the world’s most spectacular natural wonders, showcasing millions of years of geological history through its colorful layers of rock. Couples can exchange vows at popular overlooks such as Mather Point, Hopi Point, or Lipan Point, where they can take in sweeping vistas of the canyon’s vast expanse and ever-changing colors.

Cost: $240 a wedding permit + $35 per vehicle

Rocky Mountain National Park, Estes Park, United States

Rocky Mountain National Park, Colorado

 Rocky Mountain National Park boasts stunning peaks, alpine meadows, and over 300 miles of hiking trails, making it a paradise for outdoor enthusiasts and eloping couples. Popular elopement spots include Dream Lake, which offers reflections of Hallett Peak and Flattop Mountain, as well as the serene Moraine Park, where couples can exchange vows amidst wildflowers and grazing elk.

Cost: $300 non-refundable fee + $35 per vehicle

Iceberg Lake, United States

Glacier National Park, Montana

Glacier National Park is renowned for its pristine wilderness, rugged mountains, and over 700 lakes, earning it the nickname “Crown of the Continent.” If you’re getting married here, consider locations such as Lake McDonald, known for its crystal-clear waters and mountain reflections, or the picturesque Avalanche Lake, accessible via a scenic hiking trail.

Cost: $125 non-refundable application fee + $35 per vehicle

Acadia National Park, Maine

Acadia National Park is distinguished by its rugged coastline, granite cliffs, and picturesque lighthouses, offering a romantic backdrop for elopements by the sea. Cadillac Mountain provides breathtaking sunrise views over the Atlantic Ocean, while Jordan Pond offers a tranquil setting with views of the iconic Bubble Mountains. Sand Beach, with its sandy shores framed by rocky cliffs, provides a romantic spot.

Cost: $75 non-refundable application fee + $35 per vehicle

Great Smoky Mountains National park in Tennessee Overlooking the Appalachian and Blue Ridge Mountain Range

Great Smoky Mountains National Park, Tennessee/North Carolina

As the most visited national park in the United States, the Great Smoky Mountains offer couples a romantic setting amidst rolling mountains, lush forests, and cascading waterfalls. Couples can exchange vows beside waterfalls such as Laurel Falls or Abrams Falls, or opt for scenic overlooks like Clingmans Dome or Newfound Gap for panoramic views of the mist-covered mountains.

Cost: $50 application fee

Eloping in a National Park

Opting for an elopement in one of America’s national parks offers couples a memorable and cost-effective way to tie the knot surrounded by stunning natural landscapes. From Yosemite’s towering cliffs to the Grand Canyon’s expansive vistas, each park provides a breathtaking setting for an intimate ceremony. With platforms like Honeyfund, couples can easily fund their elopement and help them plan for their honeymoon or future savings goals.

The post Your Guide to Eloping in America’s National Parks appeared first on Honeyfund Blog by Honeyfund.com, the free honeymoon registry.

We know asking for what you want can be tough. But when it comes to sticking to your wedding budget, it’s a must. Negotiating with wedding vendors is a smart way to save money, and after all, you’ll never know until you try

Tips for Negotiating

Do Your Research

Start by gathering multiple quotes to understand market rates better. Sharing other vendors’ quotes during negotiation can encourage competitive pricing.
Pro Tip: Reach out to friends or acquaintances for recommendations and insights on similar services.

Communicate Your Budget

Transparency about your budget from the start reduces back-and-forth. This sets clear expectations and allows for constructive discussions. Vendors might identify areas where costs can be adjusted without sacrificing quality.

Negotiate with Newer Vendors

Newer vendors often seek to build portfolios and gain positive reviews. Being part of this growth can lead to more flexible pricing. In your initial outreach, let the vendor know you’d be willing to let them use photos of their work in their portfolio and that you’ll leave them a positive review after your big day 

Ask for Itemized Quotes

Having a breakdown of costs enables you to identify areas for adjustments. For instance, with florists, you can propose alternatives that fit your budget.

Be Nice and Respectful

Maintaining a positive and respectful attitude fosters a collaborative partnership. Vendors are more inclined to go the extra mile for clients who appreciate their work.

What To Say In Your Negotiations

Our scripts can make this process a whole lot easier. Just ask and you might get what you’re looking for!! Keep in mind, though, not every place will say yes on the first try. You might need to reach out to 12-20 places before finding the right fit for your needs and budget.

Commit to sticking to your budget and get ready to think outside of the box. You’d be surprised what you can get, sometimes even for free!

Negotiating with Non Traditional Venues

Wording to use when you call a park:

“I need a space for a [small/medium/large] gathering sometime in [desired month] Can I make a reservation? What is the cost and how long can we reserve it for?”

Keep calling different parks until you get one in your budget. Some don’t cost anything! 

Savings: potentially save up to $5,000 or more on a venue.

Wording to use when reserving a drive-in location for a tailgate wedding:

“I’m looking for space to tailgate/have an event on [date]. Is it possible to reserve the [lot or building name] parking lot for about xx hours? What is the cost?”

Keep calling until you find a few in your budget, then drive by them and pick the one you like best.

Savings: potentially save up to $5,000 or more on a location.

Negotiating restaurant and venue quotes 

Wording to use when you negotiate a large dinner party with a restaurant:

“I’m looking to host a dinner party/rehearsal dinner for [xx number of people] at your restaurant. Do you have a pre-priced menu including drinks and dessert? We have about $xx in the budget.”

If you can’t find a restaurant within that budget, ask how many they can host at that price. Keep calling different restaurants until you find a match! You don’t have to mention it’s for a wedding reception, but you will want to make sure they will cut a cake that you bring in, how they handle bringing in outside wine (corkage fees?), and any other special considerations. You’ll also want to know if you’ll be the only party at that time, what if any entertainment is booked for that time and any other events happening at the same time.

Wording to use when looking for a wedding venue:

Be prepared to call LOTS of venues until you find a match. More important than the perfect setting is that they can accommodate the number of guests in your budget. After all, the fun of your big day is had with the people who attend.

“I’m looking to host an event for [xx number of people] at your venue. Do you have availability on [date]? Do you require we purchase food and drinks through you or can we bring our own catering and bar? Do you have a pre-priced menu including drinks and dessert? We have about $xx in the budget. How many people can we host for that?”

Negotiation areas may include catering options, liquor choices, and even the possibility of swapping out certain items to better suit your preferences. Remember to Prioritize discussions on restrictions, unaddressed details, and deal-breakers. And, of course, always be kind; your delivery can make all the difference in getting what you want. 

Negotiating with Other Wedding Vendors

Wording to use when looking for a photographer or videographer:

“Capturing our special day is incredibly important to us, and we love your work. However, our budget is limited. Can we discuss a customized package that includes essential moments and perhaps a shorter time frame?”

Most skilled photographers and videographers may have flexible options, and you can negotiate based on your specific needs. You may be surprised by the creative solutions they can offer within your budget.

Savings: Potentially save up to $2,000 or more on photography and videography.

Wording to use when looking for a florist:

“We adore your floral arrangements, but we’re working with a tight budget. Could we discuss more budget-friendly flower options or perhaps a reduced arrangement size while maintaining the overall theme?”

Florists often have various flower options and can suggest alternatives that are beautiful yet economical. Be open to creative suggestions that align with your vision.

Savings: Potentially save up to $1,000 or more on floral arrangements.

Wording to use when looking for a DJ or Entertainment

“We love your music style, but our budget is limited. Can we discuss a scaled-down performance package or explore options like a DJ for part of the event? We want to find a solution that works for both parties.”

Entertainment is a significant aspect of any wedding, and many musicians and DJs are willing to customize their services to accommodate different budgets.

Savings: Potentially save up to $2,000 or more on entertainment.

More Tips to Help You Save 

Efficient Planning for Cost Reduction

Consider consolidating services with vendors offering multiple services. Some vendors may provide a package deal if you hire them for both photography and videography, or catering and decorations.

Savings: Potentially save up to $1,000 or more through package deals.

Exchange Skills for Services

Explore bartering with friends or acquaintances who possess valuable skills. Maybe you have a friend with graphic design expertise who can create your invitations in exchange for another favor.

Savings: The potential for significant savings by leveraging each other’s skills.

Explore Honeyfund for Honeymoon or Wedding Expenses

Don’t forget to check out Honeyfund, where your friends and family can contribute to your honeymoon or wedding expenses. It’s a great way to offset costs and share the joy with your loved ones.

Savings: Honeyfund couples average XX contributed to their account to help offset their honeymoon costs, wedding expenses, or to put towards another savings goal. 

Remember, negotiation is about finding common ground. Stay polite, be flexible, and express genuine enthusiasm for the services you are seeking. The more open and collaborative you are, the better the chances of striking a deal that suits both parties. Happy negotiating!

The post How to Negotiate with Vendors For Your Wedding — and Save appeared first on Honeyfund Blog by Honeyfund.com, the free honeymoon registry.

This entry is from our Expert Guest series where wedding and honeymoon professionals share their best tips on creating memories that last a lifetime. We want to thank our friends at Hilton and the author Kelsey Ogletree for sharing this great content.

At Honeyfund, our mission is to help couples get to happily ever after with money left over. So if you’re considering a destination wedding, we’ve got a tip to make it affordable: Consider an all-inclusive resort. You’ll stick to your budget because everything’s included. And, you get built-in vacations for you and all your guests!

They also make planning a breeze, thanks to:

• Fantasy locations: With stunning scenery and ideal weather, you’ve got a honeymoon destination at your door
• Dream teams: Staff will ensure your wedding goes according to plan, handling everything from photography to decor
• Endless customization: Between individual venues, setups, food and beverage, decor and more, your day will perfectly reflect you as a couple

Say your vows seaside in this wedding gazebo at Hilton Rose Hall Resort & Spa.

Sensational Scenery

From white sand beaches to aquamarine seas, hosting a destination wedding at a tropical resort has decor in droves thanks to nature’s beautiful scenery. But beyond backdrops so perfect they could be a desktop screensaver, many resorts offer one-of-a-kind venues for all your wedding festivities, from the welcome reception to the ceremony and after-party to the post-wedding brunch. Best of all? They’re ready to go so that you can relax.

For instance, at Hilton Rose Hall Resort & Spa in Jamaica, you can host a ceremony against the sweeping arches of a historical 1837 aqueduct, a rehearsal dinner at Three Palms overlooking the picture-perfect Cinnamon Hill Golf Course, or a reception at the restored Rose Hall Great House dating back to the 18th century. The next day, you’ll be post-celebration on the sand.

Planning Made Easy (Sea) Breezy

You may choose to obtain your official marriage certificate at home, then let your all-inclusive resort team source a licensed marriage officiant who can marry you in front of your guests. This way, you’re legally married in the country of your residence but have the luxury of a breathtaking wedding in a tropical location — without the hassle of extra paperwork.

When you work with an on-site team at an all-inclusive resort, no detail is left to chance. The staff works closely with you throughout the planning process to ensure everything is coordinated exactly as you wish. They’ve got years of experience and will know exactly how to keep everything according to plan and on schedule.

You can also choose how involved you’d like the resort to be. For example, Hilton Cancun, an All-Inclusive Resort, offers a range of wedding packages that let you decide how much of the decision-making you’d like to tackle. Up to and including done-for-you packages that can source vendors for everything — from bouquets and wedding cake to linens, chairs, overnight stays, photographer and videographer, live music for the reception and more. All of which adds up to you having more time to relax and enjoy.

From flowers to cake, Hilton’s wedding team can customize decor to your style.

Decor Done Right

Whether you desire an intimate beachside ceremony for close family or a large wedding with all your friends, all-inclusive resorts can help you create the wedding of your dreams. Your wish is their command, from classic white accouterments to Mayan-inspired decor and everything in between.

Depending on the package you select, you’ll have many options for flowers, candles, wedding arches, centerpieces, ceremonial tables, party favors and more. Your resort team can also bring in external vendors to satisfy every decor need on your list.

Kid-friendly or Kid-free ceremony? Hilton La Romana can do both!

Celebrate Good Times For All

When you invite guests to a destination wedding, many will be over the moon to RSVP as the experience will also serve as a getaway for them. This is one reason many couples planning their destination wedding book at sister resorts, which are properties that have both an adult side and a family side. This ensures you can offer guests choices of where to stay that will fit their lifestyle and budgets.

A great example is Hilton La Romana All-Inclusive Resort in the Dominican Republic, which allows families to book a spot where restaurants and activities (can you say water park?) are kid-friendly. At the same time, those who enjoy a quieter, kid-free atmosphere can stay within the adults-only part of the resort. It’s the best of both worlds when guests can choose where they stay while remaining connected to the wedding party and guests.

A Honeymoon to Remember

Any of your recently married friends have probably extolled how exhausting a wedding can be. The last thing you want to do post-event is pack a suitcase, and head for the airport. This is another reason booking an all-inclusive resort makes sense. Once you’ve said “I do” and celebrated your special day with all your guests, you can simply relax into an enchanting honeymoon (and perhaps be upgraded to a suite through your wedding package) without having to board another flight. Sink into a beach chair — piña colada in hand, of course — and soak up that marital bliss and all the oceanside rays at the same time.

Make Your Destination Wedding  Memory

From the moment you say “yes,” turn to all-inclusive resorts across Mexico and the Caribbean to make your destination wedding dreams come true.

Say I Do to Hilton’s All-Inclusive Wedding Packages

Start your honeymoon registry today.

Kelsey Ogletree is a freelance journalist covering travel, wellness and food for national publications like Wall Street Journal, AARP, Midwest Living and Conde Nast Traveler.

The post 5 Reasons to Book Your Destination Wedding at an All-Inclusive Resort appeared first on Honeyfund Blog by Honeyfund.com, the free honeymoon registry.

This is hard.

Holding a wedding during a pandemic is just plain hard. But if you’ve decided to go through with it, there are some important rules to follow to keep people safe. And since not everyone agrees on the rules issued by the CDC, state and local governments, it might feel like stepping over some line to dictate how your guests should behave on your big day. Here we walk you through all the big considerations so you can feel confident you’re doing the right thing.

Asking guests to get vaccinated.

As of November 1, 2021, about 80% of US adults have had at least one Covid shot. Therefore, if you’re planning a 2021 or 2022 wedding, it’s reasonable to ask guests if they have been vaccinated. You might even consider arranging vaccination for your most vulnerable loved ones, about a month before the big day. As of November 8, 2021, everyone age 5+ will be eligible for a vaccine, so it could be as simple as making an appointment at your local drug store or free clinic.

Ask unvaccinated guests to get tested.

It might feel like a sticky subject, but there’s no shame in asking your unvaccinated guests to get tested before attending your wedding. Many drugstores are now offering in store or at-home testing, free of charge with or without any health insurance. Or they can call their local pharmacy, doctor or insurance company for information on getting tested.

Before you put out the word, you’ll just need to decide how you want to handle guests that don’t get tested. Your wedding venue may have requirements and protocols to share, so start by asking. If they are leaving it up to you, you essentially have two choices: require the test results to enter the venue, or label folks that have a negative test so others know who’s safe to approach. More about that in the next section.

Tell guests what to expect.

Regardless of whether or not you ask guests to get tested beforehand, there are some vital protocols to follow to keep everyone attending your event safe. Make sure you’ve consulted your venue about their rules, and then add any that you’d like in addition. Print the rules for your guests and send them with your invitations. Here’s some example Covid wording for an invitation.

We are so excited to see you on our big day! In order to keep everyone safe, we’re required by the venue and local laws to follow these health and safety rules:

• If you have been vaccinated, please bring your records and provide them to the host. They will give you a sticker so others know you’re safe.
• If you haven’t been vaccinated, please have a Covid test done within 48 hours before the wedding. Bring your results with you. We’ll give you a sticker so others know you’re safe.
• Everyone will be temperature checked on arrival.
• Hand sanitizing stations will be provided, please use them liberally!
• Maintain 6-foot social distancing with attendees that aren’t members of your household or who aren’t wearing a Covid-safe sticker.
• Stay home if you aren’t feeling well in any way (especially fever, chills, sore throat, cough, stomach ache). We’ll celebrate with you another time!

Thank you for making our day so special for us, in spite of these unusual circumstances.

What if you don’t feel well?

We know it’s unthinkable to cancel your wedding. However, if you haven’t been vaccinated and are having any symptoms at all, you’ll need to stay home to keep your loved ones safe.  Postpone your big day by at least two months.

The post Wedding Guest Etiquette for a Covid-Safe Wedding appeared first on Honeyfund Blog by Honeyfund.com, the free honeymoon registry.

This entry is from our Expert Guest series where wedding and honeymoon professionals share their best tips on creating memories that last a lifetime. In this post, YouTube influencer and motivational speaker, Carrie Grace shares how she adapted to Covid and saved money with a tailgate wedding.

Just like any 2020 wedding couple, Covid-19 forced us to get creative and completely re-plan our big day. This included cutting the guest list which was devastating to us. We wanted as many guests as we could safely allow to attend but, we also knew we didn’t want to spend a ton on a day that would be much simpler than we had originally planned.

With a total cost of $8,500, a tailgate wedding is definitely something to consider. Here’s what you need to know about planning one:

Get creative with the venue

Big, large weddings are out of the question at the moment due to safety and restrictions. And airbnb now limits the number of people using their properties, so anything beyond 16 people requires owned property or finding a venue that works for what your wedding dreams and goals are. Brainstorm venues in your area that may not be in use during the pandemic. A few examples: comedy clubs, baseball ball fields, and concert venues.

Guests faced their cars into a semi-circle to watch the ceremony from a safe distance from one another.

We found a beautiful and very affordable venue called The Victorian in Youngsville, NC. They were super easy to work with and let us have a tailgate wedding, which allowed us to have a higher guest count but also keep everyone safe. Our idea came from asking another venue we were touring if we could have a car parade come wave to us after we got married. The venue owner said it would be no problem, and then we asked would it be possible to just get married out in the parking lot while our friends watched from afar. After they told us yes, we started touring other venues to assess what parking lot would be best for hosting cars and creating a backdrop for beautiful photos. We were able to make the parking lot super pretty by adding an arbor, wedding chairs, and flowers. Instead of paper invitations, we invited our friends via a website we created and asked them to RSVP on there. We were able to fit: the wedding ceremony, toasts, first dance, and cake cutting all into the parking lot easily so that our friends could enjoy the full wedding experience from a safe distance. We then invited relatives and friends who were too far away to join to watch on a zoom call that our DJ managed.

The best part was after the tailgate wedding, we had a smaller dinner with just family and the wedding party which was catered by a food truck. We had everyone spaced and in their own covid families.

The children of the bridal party snapping shots of Carrie’s wedding dress.

Cut photography costs

Give the kids in your wedding party mini cameras. We found some for $20 which didn’t break the bank. This will keep them occupied and create more fun memories for you after you upload their photos too. The kids took amazing photos and felt included in the wedding day as a result.

Skip the expensive cake

We gave all our guests cupcakes instead of cake, which helped us cut down on costs. We worked with Whole Foods to design cupcakes the same color as the bridesmaids’ dresses. They were $7 for 6 cupcakes and people said they were some of the best cupcakes they’ve ever had. You only had to order with 48 hours and the whole process was smooth from start to finish.

Use awesome wedding registries

We decided to use Honeyfund for ours. We are saving up for a honeymoon so it was great to use a registry that converted to cash that we could put towards items we desperately needed, along with saving up for flight and resort costs. This allowed us to save up more and not have unnecessary gifts taking up room in our house.

Borrow jewelry

You can borrow jewelry from a local shop or a friend. A local jewelry shop called Bailey’s Fine Jewelry graciously let me borrow a pair of beautiful earrings for my big day. Ask around to your family and friends or check out a local shop where you live.

Making the best of it

We did our first dance to a song called: Slow Dance in a Parking Lot by Jordan Davis, who surprised us on zoom, which is still so crazy to us! One of the lyrics in the song says, “making the most of whatever we got, even if it’s just a slow dance in a parking lot.” That has been our motto for the pandemic: looking for the bright side and finding the good even when it feels hard. Our encouragement to any other covid bride: is to make the most of whatever circumstance has been handed to you for your wedding. No wedding is going to be perfect, but choose the things that matter most and make those the priority.

Carrie and John with some of their wedding party and guests.

All photo credit: Mackenzie Kern Photography

Carrie Grace is a former teacher turned motivational speaker. She is on a mission to create more compassionate work and school cultures. She has spoken at companies such a Marriott, Target, Jack Daniels, Coca-Cola Consolidated, and many more. She currently lives in Durham, NC with her husband where they blog at The Savvy Simpsons, helping people save money.

The post How To Save Money by Having a Tailgate Wedding appeared first on Honeyfund Blog by Honeyfund.com, the free honeymoon registry.

Photo by Jesse Mills on Unsplash

This entry is from our Expert Guest series where wedding and honeymoon professionals share their best tips on creating memories that last a lifetime.

Venues play a big role in ensuring the success of any wedding. As such, you should look into several factors, including the location, capacity, and style, to find a suitable wedding venue. However, New York City offers a wide array of wedding venues you can explore. From the cozy restaurants, aesthetic gardens to modern lofts, you might find it difficult to choose the right venue. That said, if you are planning to wed in New York, below are some venues to consider.

620 Loft & Garden

Photo from Wedding Wire

If you have previously dreamt of getting married on top of one of the world’s popular landmarks, the 620 Loft & Garden makes your dream a reality. Situated above the St. Patrick’s Cathedral along New York’s popular Fifth Avenue, the garden boasts a unique space with manicured gardens, a whimsical fountain, and an amazing pool. The lofted ceilings complemented by the wall-to-wall windows provide unlimited, incredible views of the city below.

74Wythe

Photo by 74Wythe

The 74Wythe is another popular and mostly preferred Brooklyn wedding venue for many reasons. It is a great venue for weddings of all types, from intimate to large gatherings, thanks to its flexible floor plans that can be adjusted accordingly. Some of the reasons why 74Wythe can be a good choice include:[

• Amazing rooftop – getting married on the rooftop often brings unforgettable memories. With a rooftop space of approximately 2,300 square feet, the 74Wythe can accommodate more than 150 seated and 400 standing guests. The muraled wall accents, clear Manhattan skyline views, and the natural outdoor light provide amazing scenery. The 74Wythe’s rooftop has a built-in retractable glass enclosure, making it available for weddings all year round.

• Green Loft and Courtyard – another incredible venue within the 74Wythe is the green courtyard. The space can provide additional wedding space or can be used as a private lounge for special guests at your wedding.

• Jbird cocktails – a good wedding venue should have a nice reception area where your guest can dine as they prepare for the wedding after-party. For the 74Wythe, the Jbird cocktail lounge provides a great ambiance for cocktail receptions and dinners.

• The Main room – apart from the courtyard and rooftop venues, the 74Wythe also has a main room, designed with high ceilings and great décor. This makes it a perfect place to host rehearsal dinners and other events before and after the wedding. This room can seat up to 200 guests.

The Brooklyn Winery

Photo by Kelsey Knight on Unsplash

Another excellent venue to get married in is the Brooklyn Winery. The indoor winery, which can accommodate up to 165 guests, is among the most sought after venues in the city for many reasons. The amazing all greenery garden wall, a glass ceiling that paves the way for natural light, and rustic interior finish are just but a few design ideas that make this venue outstanding.

Manhattan Penthouse

Photo from Wedding Wire

Another incredible wedding venue with amazing city views is the Manhattan Penthouse, situated on Fifth Avenue. The 8,000 square-foot space can host more than 200 guests and provides unlimited views of the city. Apart from the wedding venue setup, you will also like the lost design that combines modern appeal with great historic elegance.

Photo by Financial Times

New York Public Library

The New York Public Library provides a classic wedding venue for all types of weddings. The space can accommodate up to 250 seated and 750 standing guests at the Astor hall. Like other incredible wedding venues, the marble columns, sky-high ceilings, and great-looking welcoming staircases make it an iconic spot. The dynamic nature of the library makes it a transformable venue to hold your dream wedding. Similarly, the New York Public Library has several event spaces in the building. Choose a spot that will suit your wedding’s vibe, depending on if you want the ceremony to be a romantic event or an all-free dance party.

Photo from Wikimedia

Glenmere Mansion

The Glenmere Mansion is a good wedding venue of choice for those looking to hold their weddings in the outskirts of New York City. The mansion is approximately 50 miles away from the city and sits on a 150-acre lush landscape. It can host a maximum of 400 guests and allows guests to own the serenity and ambiance for the as long as they want. For instance, you can book the venue for the entire weekend, allowing you to host your rehearsal dinner, the wedding itself, outdoor reception, and the after-party.

Bottom Line

New York City, dubbed the city that never sleeps, undoubtedly has endless beautiful places to get married. However, narrowing down these locations to find an idyllic spot that will host the ceremony, reception, and an after-party can be challenging. However, you can ease your search by choosing one from the sample venues mentioned above.

Maky your New York CIty wedding a reality with a Honeyfund honeymoon registry.

Author Bio: Located on the site of the once popular nightclub Output, 74Wythe is a multi-functional hospitality venue with three stories across four interconnected space that is perfect for wedding and events of any size. Offering rooftop space with gorgeous west-facing waterfront and Manhattan skyline views and retractable roof, spacious internal rooms, and a courtyard, we aim to provide unforgettable wedding receptions whether you want an all-inclusive wedding package or are just interested in the venue.

The post Best NYC Wedding Venues appeared first on Honeyfund Blog by Honeyfund.com, the free honeymoon registry.

Photo by Analise Benevides on Unsplash

This entry is from our Expert Guest series where wedding and honeymoon professionals share their best tips on creating memories that last a lifetime.

Does your dream wedding come with a less than dream budget? You’re not alone! More and more couples these days are having weddings for a fraction of the cost by finding creative ways to save

My husband and I had our dream wedding for less than $5,000 CAD (approximately $3,800 USD) in 2016. The biggest reason we were able to afford to do so was that we saved money by having our wedding and our honeymoon at the same venue.

Since we were on a small budget, we weren’t planning on taking a honeymoon at all. As many other couples do, we promised ourselves that we would save up and postpone our honeymoon until our first anniversary. But in the back of my mind, I knew that wasn’t likely to happen. And it kind of bummed me out.

Thankfully, we live in Northern Ontario, Canada where we are surrounded by beautiful lakes and forests. Tourism is a major contributor to the local economy, and there are numerous venues in and around the city that are popular for weddings and other special events. Which is how we accidentally found our venue. My husband was helping his mother scout locations for a family reunion when he came across a perfect venue. Not for the reunion, but for our wedding and for our honeymoon!

Photo by Marcel Painchaud on Unsplash

How to Find the Right Honeymoon – and Wedding Venue

For most couples, finding the right venue is high on their priority list. A bad location could ruin an otherwise perfect wedding.

Trying to find a venue that fits both your wedding and your honeymoon needs on a budget can be a bit tricky.

Take a hotel, for example. These are pretty common places to have weddings as they are affordable, there are rooms for your guests to stay in, a restaurant and bar on-site, and ballrooms or banquet halls all within the same building. These generally don’t make great honeymoon destinations though, even if you’re staying in the honeymoon suite.

So what are your options?

What Are You Hoping to Do for Your Honeymoon?

There are the basic things to consider when selecting a wedding venue, such as indoor vs. outdoor space, the overall aesthetic you’re hoping for, the number of guests invited, and what else is included with the venue (such as tables, chairs, and linens).

However, you also need to consider what you want for your honeymoon. Are you hoping to kick-back and relax by the pool or are you hoping to get out there and do a lot of sightseeing and activities? Do you want a home-away-from-home where you can do your own cooking or do you prefer somewhere with a restaurant or room service?

How Far Are You Willing to Travel?

People generally have their wedding close to home and then fly to their chosen honeymoon destination. When you’re looking to combine the two, you need to consider how far you and your guests are willing (and able) to travel.

Destination Wedding

If you are considering a destination wedding, using the same venue for your honeymoon is a no-brainer. This is a big reason why destination weddings are growing in popularity.

You will save money on travel because you don’t have to drive or take an additional flight to your honeymoon. Most destination wedding resorts will also give you a package deal or a discount on accommodations if you stay a few extra days after your wedding.

But what if you can’t afford to travel to an exotic resort for a destination wedding?

Photo by Gabriel Baranski on Unsplash

Local Destinations

If traveling is out of your budget or is simply not something you and your partner are interested in, consider what “destinations” are within an hour or two of where you live.

A scenic hotel or resort might be the best of both worlds. It provides everything you need in a wedding venue but also makes for a great honeymoon getaway.

We went this route and found a resort for our venue, located about an hour’s drive away. Because we saved on travel, spoiling ourselves with an incredible venue was something we could splurge on without going over our budget.

This resort had one main building that included a kitchen, serving space, bar, dining room and a 2-level outdoor deck overlooking a lake, which is where we held our ceremony and reception. For accommodations and the honeymoon portion of our wedding, we rented cabins. But these were not your typical log cabins. We spent our first few days as newlyweds in a beautiful lakefront mansion! We enjoyed the fresh air, hot tub, fire pit, dock, wrap-around deck, walk-in shower, king-sized bed, pool table, and some peace and quiet. It was exactly what we wanted!

Once you decide on what you want and how far you are willing to travel, you can start looking for places that meet your criteria and your budget.

Photo by James Baldwin on Unsplash

Where to Search for Your Wedding Venue

Search Online

The internet is a great place to start searching for your perfect venue. You might need to search different keywords to get the full range of options available, such as: resort, retreat, conference center, vacation, getaway, country club, community center, lodge, cabin or parks. We didn’t come across our venue at all until we started searching “family reunion locations” as opposed to wedding venues!

You can also search for affordable and unique venue ideas, and see where that leads you. Some of these ideas include historical sites, adventure destinations, festivals, and yachts or cruises.

Have you considered looking for a venue through sites like Airbnb? As long as the listing is open to events, has enough space, and is okayed by the host, an Airbnb rental could be the perfect place for your wedding and honeymoon.

Ask Around

Don’t be afraid to ask around. Talk to your friends, neighbors, colleagues, or the cashier at the grocery store – they just might know of a hidden gem that is exactly what you’re looking for.

Visit your local tourism center. They would know what venues and attractions are in your region better than anyone else.

Consult with a wedding planner, who would also be an excellent resource to find the perfect venue. You can hire one to help with as much or as little of your wedding planning as you’d like. So if finding a venue is all the help you need, a wedding planner can do just that for you. They can also help you negotiate on costs and might be able to get you a discount if they already have a working relationship with the venue.

With a little consideration and planning, it is possible to have your dream wedding and honeymoon without being left in debt. Using the same venue for both is one great way to accomplish this.

Make your wedding and honeymoon dreams come true with a Honeyfund honeymoon registry.

Biography: Amanda of My Life, I Guess strives to keep the “person” in personal finance by writing about money, mistakes, and more. She focuses on what it’s like being in debt and living paycheck to paycheck, while also offering advice and support for others in similar situations – including how she managed to have the perfect wedding while she was unemployed.

The post Save On Your Wedding And Honeymoon By Using The Same Venue appeared first on Honeyfund Blog by Honeyfund.com, the free honeymoon registry.

Photo by Marc A. Sporys on Unsplash

This entry is from our Expert Guest series where wedding and honeymoon professionals share their best tips on creating memories that last a lifetime.

It may sound cliché, but it’s true; lots of women dream about their wedding day. Maybe not from the time they’re little girls, but at least from the time they decide to marry their partner. Stylish dress? Check. Crew of bridesmaids in matching dresses? Check. Hot-air balloon? Zero gravity chamber? Bungee jumping? What?! Some couples ditch the church and reception hall and go for a wedding venue that they and their guests will never forget. Here are the 10 most-bizarre places people have said: “I do.”

Bizarre Wedding Venues To Say “I Do”

Denny’s Chapel. Las Vegas, Nevada. For just $199, the Denny’s wedding package includes the chapel, an officiant, a photo booth, silk bouquet and boutonniere (in red, white, pink, or yellow), a pancake cake, and two (2) wedding t-shirts. You also get two (2) coupons for an Original Grand Slam. Denny’s calls it “the best union since pancakes and syrup.” Bizarre, but very charming.

Oakland Cemetery. Atlanta, Georgia. Seems like a cemetery wedding is inviting haunting or possession into your life, but this historic cemetery has a Private Events team to help with the planning and execution of weddings.

Photo by Michael Grindstaff on Wikipedia

Spacenet. Moab, Utah. A group of slack liners called the Moab Monkeys created a spider-web net 400 feet in the air, and 200 feet away from the nearest cliff in Moab. They made it for base jumping and relaxing (really?!), but in 2017, Kimberly Weglin and Ryan Jenks got married, accompanied by a crew of base jumpers and professional stunt people.

Treehouse at The Lodge. Loch Goil, Scotland. This charming tree house, right on the banks of Loch Goil in Scotland, is a memorable wedding venue for small parties of up to 24 (standing) people. It has a small wood-burning stove and Wi-Fi for uploading what promises to be stunning pics to Instagram.

Rainbow Ryders. Albuquerque, Arizona. This hot-air balloon company offers sky-high wedding venues (multiple balloons), for up to 75 people. Ceremonies can take place on the ground or in the air, but couples must bring two (2) witnesses into the balloon with them for their ceremony.

Mall of America. Minnesota. There’s a chapel on the 3rd level of the once-biggest mall in America. Over the past 22 years, 7,500 happy couples have tied the knot and then held their reception in the food court (pure conjecture).  It’s a combination wedding chapel and bridal accessory boutique, so forgetful brides can grab their something-new-and-something-blue at the last minute. 

Edel Haus Farm. New Jersey. Rustic barns are a surefire wedding venue, but this one is on a working alpaca farm. Handlers are available to introduce guests to the alpacas and there are adorable opportunities for unique wedding pictures, but no word if the herd may attend the wedding.

Zero-G. Worldwide. For people with a spare $165,000 to drop on their venue, they can book the G-Force One, a zero-gravity flight experience. The plane is always touring around the world, and can fit up to 34 people on a private flight. It makes 15 parabolic maneuvers to create the experience of zero gravity.

The Stanley Hotel. Estes Park, Colorado. If you want to seriously unnerve your wedding guests, recreate “The Shining” during your ceremony. There are plenty of opportunities for spooky references; Dress your flower girls as the Grady girls, or call your signature wedding cocktail ‘RedRum.’ But this is more reminiscent of popular y8 games and not what is mentioned above.

Photo by Harmony-1965 on Wikipedia

Bridal Cave. Missouri. Caves as wedding venues had a real moment in the early part of the last decade. Bridal Cave can accommodate up to 50 guests and provides pipe organ music to accompany the ceremony. The best part? The couple gets lifetime passes to the cave.

More Unusual Venues

Craving even more crazy wedding stories? Check these out!

1.) “9 Most Unusual Weddings”

2.) “10 Weirdest Places to Get Married”

3.) “10 Craziest Wedding Ceremonies”

Make your wedding dreams come thru with a Honeyfund honeymoon registry.

Bio: Guest Post by: Cormick Evans, Freelance Writer for Oddee 

The post 10 Most-Bizarre Wedding Venues appeared first on Honeyfund Blog by Honeyfund.com, the free honeymoon registry.

This entry is from our Expert Guest series where wedding and honeymoon professionals share their best tips on creating memories that last a lifetime.

Met your love in college? If so, getting married at your alma mater might be a good choice.

Many of us can relate to the college experience. We leave for college, one of life’s biggest adventures yet, ready to take on the next four years with eager anticipation, hopeful to become the best versions of ourselves. Sometimes we enter college knowing exactly the path we want to take, and most often we leave having gone on a different journey or path than we could even imagine. We learn about ourselves and experience life in a way that we never had before. We have the freedom to make bold choices, the tenacity to become successful, the naivety to dream without boundaries, and the ability to make mistakes without retribution. We grow academically, sure, but more significantly, we grow personally. We establish meaningful, life-long, relationships. The relationships made in college are unlike any connection that we previously experienced. They are deeper.  They are rooted in growth and they are unapologetically authentic.

This same foundation holds true for couples who meet in college. Their love is rooted in unique experiences, side-by-side transformative growth, and searching for or often finding the answers to many of life’s questions together. Seeking to establish goals and dreams, when unexpectedly, they, too, establish a unique bond, having found their soulmate.  These types of loves are unique. These couples are completely immersed in each other’s daily lives, and especially at a pivotal time of growth internally. The amount of time spent together is substantial, from “hanging out” in between classes, to sharing meals together, to sharing the same circle of friends. When the time comes for these couples to commit to sharing their lives together, it seems fitting, therefore, to finish writing the first chapter in their love story at the place where it all began: at college.

How To Go About Getting Married At Your Alma Mater

There is no doubt that college holds a special place in these couples’ hearts. In addition to the memories and nostalgia that being on campus together brings, here are some more reasons why they, and you, should book your alma mater as your wedding location.

A Built-In Wedding Planner

A generous amount of universities and colleges have a conference and events department that oversee external events on campus, like weddings. An event coordinator will be designated to work with you and your partner to plan an unforgettable wedding from start to finish. S/He will coordinate the logistics of the big day and work closely with vendors to guarantee that your day runs smoothly and seamlessly. Essentially, you have your own personal wedding coordinator, AND often it’s a service that is already included in your booking.

Affordability

It is important to set a budget for your big day. Weddings can be expensive, but you shouldn’t have to start the next chapter of your life in debt. Colleges and universities offer EVERYTHING you need, and it is offered at an incredibly fair price. If they don’t offer a service, they can recommend a local vendor(s) that they have established a partnership with, sometimes at a discounted rate. Another perk? Many colleges and universities offer a discount to alumni to book their wedding on campus.

Incredible Cuisine Offerings

 Colleges and universities do not skimp on wedding fare. The conference and special events department work closely with the catering source on campus to develop a spectacular menu, specifically for weddings, and also provides cultural catering upon request. The creativity in the catering department on campus is top-notch! Many catering departments on campus are flexible and allow couples to make special requests. For instance, I worked at my alma mater’s conference center while attending college and saw first-hand the flexibility when developing catering menus for couples. My favorite was when a bride requested an upscale version of strawberry shortcake in lieu of a traditional wedding cake to surprise her husband because it is his favorite dessert. The catering team went above and beyond and created the most delicious strawberry shortcake I’ve tasted to this day!

Traditional and Non-Traditional Ceremony Locations On-Site

Campuses have so many picturesque locations on campus that provide beautiful scenery and backdrops, making for the perfect photo-op. This is also true when working with your on-site coordinator when selecting a ceremony location on campus. For a more non-traditional approach, your wedding coordinator will be able to point out scenic locations on campus, many outdoors, that can accommodate your ceremony size and needs. If you are opting for the traditional route, there are chapels or religious-affiliated venues on your college’s premise where you can exchange vows.

Hassle-Free Overnight Accommodations

Here is a fun fact: a lot of colleges and universities rent out their residence halls to summer events that require overnight accommodations. If you are planning a summer wedding and need to book a room block for guests that are traveling from out of town, your campus can provide a room block at an amazingly affordable rate. If your alma mater does not rent overnight accommodations, don’t fret! Many campuses have established relationships with neighboring and adjacent hotel properties and can recommend the best options for blocking rooms for your guests.

Colleges and universities love their alumni. I can almost guarantee that any couple planning their wedding on campus, at their alma mater, will have a top-notch planning experience and a very memorable wedding. One that showcases their love from start to finish, from the day they met and started writing their love story, to penning that last exclamation point in the first chapter. Best wishes, the next chapter in your love story is going to be filled with many more memories and growth.

Help finance your wedding dreams with a Honeyfund honeymoon registry.

BIO:Alyson Salem is the Director of Marketing for Unique Venues, a marketing company and lead generating service that promotes unique and non-traditional venues to special event and meeting planners across the United States and Canada. Having experience as a meeting and event planner at her alma mater, planning a variety of events and managing day-of weddings on campus, and currently works directly with unique spaces and places, including college campuses, marketing their venues to planners and couples to book their weddings and events.

The post Back Where it All Started: Getting Married at Your Alma Mater appeared first on Honeyfund Blog by Honeyfund.com, the free honeymoon registry.

This entry is from our Expert Guest series where wedding and honeymoon professionals share their best tips on creating memories that last a lifetime.

From birthdays to weddings, to all the family functions before and after, having a suitable venue to host your events is crucial. Of course, there are plenty of venues to choose from, depending on your preferences. Some love the great outdoors or even the lawn of their residence, while others prefer a restaurant or a more closed environment for a private feel. But going ahead with many venues requires additional preparations such as decor, catering, and more. Outdoor venues also add additional uncertainty with the weather, plus extra preparations to set up accommodations and take food outside.

Banquet halls are your best bet. Why? They save you the extra expenses and efforts as they provide all their services under one roof! Banquet halls are also very popular today because not everyone seems to enjoy events out in open or at home.

Here are some of the wonderful advantages of booking a banquet hall for any occasion:

1. Quality Service and Staff

All customers demand good service today. Most people are educated and have higher expectations than ever before. Banquet halls consist of highly-professional individuals that include managers, coordinates, waiters, chefs, and sweepers.

They are highly-trained and have years of experience. And they know how to attend to all their guests. They manage to efficiently run your event. And in case anything goes wrong, they always have a plan B to execute your event as desired without giving you a chance to complain.

2. Reliable In-House Catering

A banquet hall also offers catering services so that you don’t have to spend time on looking for caterers on your own. You can also choose the menu yourself and customize it the way you like it. Usually, banquet halls charge per head according to the chosen menu so you can easily calculate the total amount. They also hire professional cooks and trained waiters so that you can completely rely on their catering services.

3. Accommodates a Large Group

A banquet hall has the capacity to host anywhere from 15-1,000 guests or more. Imagine if you wanted to celebrate your child’s first birthday with all your extended family and friends. Would you be able to accommodate all your guests at home? Maybe not. A banquet hall easily accommodates all your guests with ease, without suffocating everyone.  This is especially true with weddings, which typically involve 100 people or more.

Booking a banquet hall will give you and your guests plenty of space to dance and you can decide how loud you want the music. What’s more? Large spaces are easier to decorate in a grand manner. So no matter what the occasion, there’s ample space for everyone to move around.

4. Impressive Decor

A banquet hall has in-house event designers who decorate the venue as per your preferences and budget. Whether it’s little details like flowers, ribbons, lights, and table linens, they can personalize every detail. Even if it’s a decoration for a specific theme, you can let them know so that they can put their creativity to use.

5. Cleanliness and Maintenance

Imagine your wedding is going on and you see a filthy stain on one of the table cloths. That can happen if you get services from a random vendor. But when it comes to a banquet hall, their cleanliness and maintenance is unquestionable. From dishes to floors, and table cloths to curtains, everything glitters beautifully.

6.  Lights and Photography Settings

Good lighting and exceptional photography is what everyone desires today. Banquet halls have a knack for delivering the backdrop and lighting you want for ambiance and great pictures and videos. No matter what your event theme may be, the team behind your magical night makes every moment count.

Most well-known banquet halls team up with experienced photographers that get really creative to take the most breathtaking shots. Let’s not forget the addition of impressive lights which bring a ton of glam and shimmer to any event! This lethal combination can make your event pretty memorable!

7. Cost Effective

Booking a banquet hall is cost-effective. How? Spending separately on venue, decoration, catering, and even coordinators can be expensive while a banquet hall provides all these facilities at an affordable price.

Organizing an event is no big deal when you have a banquet hall that takes care of all major concerns when planning an event. It’s an ideal choice for most events today. Hoteliers have gotten creative, bringing the outdoors to the indoors! So make sure you start looking for the right venue early before you end up compromising on one that doesn’t leave you with a happy camper!  

Help finance your wedding dreams with a Honeyfund honeymoon registry.

Author Bio: Rishi Kamra works with Grand Mercure Vadodara Surya Palace. He has over a decade of experience in the hospitality and event management industry which allows him to create value-driven content for his readers. Travelling and photography are his two passions and in his free time, he enjoys working with the youth of his city by volunteering his time and mentoring young adults.

The post 7 Reasons to Book a Banquet Hall for Big Celebrations appeared first on Honeyfund Blog by Honeyfund.com, the free honeymoon registry.