2023 Wedding Venue Trends

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COVID-19 saw the rise of minimonies and micro weddings. Although some couples are choosing to keep their celebrations small, more and more couples are choosing to host big wedding bashes. Wedding planner Jason Mitchen Kahn says, “We spent a while not being able to celebrate, and now that we can, we are going bigger and better than ever!"

Big Bashes Are Back

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That doesn’t necessarily mean your entire wedding day needs to be large. Some couples choose to host a small ceremony and host a large reception afterward. Others plan events on different days. It’s all about making sure you can celebrate your nuptials with everyone you want to have in attendance.

Big Bashes Are Back

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Although it may seem like cozy weddings and big bashes are conflicting concepts, there are ways to have a lot of guests and still provide an intimate atmosphere for everyone. “Even my clients with large guest counts want to create cozy spaces and a sense of familiarity at their weddings, and I’m really enjoying the design challenge," says Lauri Arons, a professional wedding planner. 

Cozy Spaces

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“Building little partitioned nooks in a large space, incorporating dining ‘booths’ in addition to tables and chairs, and designing a series of sheltered lounge areas are just some of the ways we’re making big weddings feel intimate and personal this year.”

Cozy Spaces

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Outdoor weddings have been popular for a while, but they have seen an even greater surge in popularity thanks to COVID-19. That’s because your risk of contracting the virus is greatly reduced at open-air gatherings. There’s a lot to think about when it comes to outdoor weddings, but the biggest one is the weather. Craig Pannozzo, the manager of events specialist at Gazeboshop, says, 

Outdoor Venues

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"Some outdoor wedding venues may offer up a small marquee or a sheltered area for any unforeseen weather disasters." Don’t be afraid to ask the venue how they can accommodate you during bad weather. Many venues offer access to sheltered areas that can be added to your contract. Some may even be able to help you procure things like umbrellas!

Outdoor Venues

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Flexibility is more important than ever. COVID taught us that anything can happen. You don’t want your wedding day to be ruined because of unforeseen circumstances. Many wedding venues have risen to the challenge by offering more flexibility than ever, but it’s up to you to take the lead. Aleah Purcell Valley of Valley & Company Events encourages her clients to dream up three “ultimate” versions of their wedding day. 

Flexible Venues

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That way, if something does happen, you can always go with plan B, or even plan C, if it becomes necessary.

Flexible Venues

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Although venues are more flexible than they have ever been before, it is also more important than it has ever been before to pay close attention to what’s in your contract. Take it from Fortune writer Rachel Lobdell who planned her wedding in 2021. She mentions that, “Today’s contracts almost always include language about cancellations and rescheduling, and sometimes it’s COVID specific.”

More Attention Paid to the Contract

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Will you be refunded if a COVID variant surfaces and you have to cancel? How does rescheduling work? Does the size and type of the event have to stay the same if you reschedule, or can you modify your plans? These are all things wedding venues are increasingly addressing, but you have to dig into their contract to find out.

More Attention Paid to the Contract

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Another big trend we’re seeing is the wedding weekend. This enables you and your guests to relax instead of feeling rushed and overwhelmed, which are common feelings among couples who host single-day weddings. You can plan out the weekend yourself, hiring multiple venues to host your guests. Think a welcome party on day one with a fun activity, the ceremony and reception on day two at a traditional wedding location, and a farewell brunch at a nearby restaurant.

Venues That Can Host Wedding Weekends

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If the idea of coordinating so many venues stresses you out, search for venues that are able to accommodate lengthier celebrations. Festival-style weddings are especially popular, so some venues are willing to accommodate couples who want to plan an entire weekend. Think campgrounds, farms, and nature preserves.

Venues That Can Host Wedding Weekends

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Years ago it was the norm to treat a space as a blank canvas and completely transform it for a wedding. In 2022 and 2023, that concept has been flipped on its head. Instead, brides and grooms are looking for venues that are already beautiful so very little décor is needed. That doesn’t necessarily mean you have to showcase a beautiful beach or a mountain vista. 

Venues That Require Very Little Décor

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Natalia Willmott, Owner of My Billet Doux says, “Beautiful trees, for example, can play a lovely part as a backdrop or as an interactive prop.” Art galleries, industrial warehouses, and historic buildings can also provide the perfect backdrop to your wedding with very little decorations needed.

Venues That Require Very Little Décor

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