Non Traditional Places for Weddings
You can’t wear a veil for this wedding because it would blow off as you floated earthbound from your skydiving wedding. The minister has to speak fast and even though you have earpieces in your helmet, hand gestures are probably the best to seal the deal. Want to kiss? It’s possible – just make sure you don’t bang your teeth together. Brave bridesmaids and ushers may have made the jump with you, but most of the reception party is waiting on the ground for your safe return. If you believe your love has reached new heights, jumping out of an airplane together may be the perfect start to wedded bliss.
There are other lofty places to get hitched. If your wedding party is small and healthy, you could go on a favorite hike to a mountain top where heavenly blessings seem even closer. “The bride wore denims and hiking boots,” may not seem like a fashion statement but once you’re back down on level ground, more elegant garb can be worn for the celebration reception.
Speaking of mountains, trail rides are also a fun way to reach a mountain meadow to take your vows. Or, if you want a more formal ceremony and the meadow is accessible by cars or horse drawn carriage, everyone can attend.
From the mountains to the sea, wedding venues are as over the edge (or under the water) as you choose. Of course, you can opt for a cruise wedding. The Captain of a ship is licensed to perform weddings; often there is a chaplain onboard as well. What a perfect place to say “I do” and then dance the night away with all your friends. For something a little less ordinary, you can rent a yacht – perhaps get married as the sun sets in Hawaii or Aruba or even San Diego. You can stand on the bow with the sails fluttering along with the silk of your dress – makes for great photo ops. For real water lovers, nothing beats a scuba wedding. Wetsuits come in all colors so the bride can wear white. How long the sealing kiss lasts will be determined by how long you can hold your breath once your face mask is off.
Back on dry land, the plethora of unique wedding sites is amazing. From historic train stations to old opera houses to the Sears Tower, the possibilities are only limited by your imagination and your budget. Ah yes, budget. The mountain top may be free but chances are a meadow that’s part of a public park is not. Historic buildings often cost a bit to rent but they may be cheaper than more traditional wedding halls. Be sure to book well in advance and find out about any permits needed.
You may also want to consider your place of work if it’s especially meaningful to you. A wedding took place in our local humane society. The two employees wanted all the cats in cages in the lobby as their witnesses along with their friends. And they had specific gift requests as well – dog and cat food and they didn’t care if it was gift wrapped.
Whether you decide to get married in your own backyard or by Elvis in Vegas, your wedding will be unique because you are. And no matter how non-traditional the wedding site is, there are some things that remain the same: two people expressing their love and promises to each other. Friends and family applaud and the new life together begins.
