12 of the best wedding venues in the U.S.

HE Marketing
November 28, 2024
12 of the best wedding venues in the U.S.

A luxurious ballroom, a stately house of worship, or a charming rustic barn—wedding venue options are as limitless as the imagination, offering couples the perfect backdrop to reflect their personalities and love story.

While nothing outweighs the significance of the couple’s commitment, selecting a setting that embodies their style and values adds an unforgettable layer to the celebration for both the newlyweds and their guests. With destination weddings on the rise, couples can also explore stunning locales far beyond their hometown.

If you’re planning the ceremony of your dreams and are willing—or preferring—to travel, here are some of the best wedding venues in the U.S. to say “I do.”

Factors to consider when choosing a wedding venue

Whether you're envisioning a classic ceremony or a more whimsical fête, choosing the right wedding venue involves more than just aesthetics. The venue sets the stage for your celebration and should align with your vision while meeting practical needs. 

Before putting down a deposit, think about these key elements:

1. Vision

What does your dream wedding look like? Are you exchanging vows in a grand ballroom, a cozy barn, or a lush garden? Clarifying your style and ambiance will guide you toward the perfect venue that aligns with your vision.

2. Location

Even if it’s not a destination wedding, travel logistics matter. Is the venue easy to reach for out-of-town invitees? If the ceremony and reception are in different locations, are they close enough to avoid inconvenience? Also, consider parking availability or whether the venue provides shuttles for guests.

3. Amenities

Some of the best places to get married in the U.S. offer packages that simplify planning while providing customizable options to suit your needs. These can include:

  • Wedding planners or event coordinators
  • Catering, bar services and wait staff
  • Valet parking
  • DJs and photographers/videographers
  • Decor and audiovisual equipment
  • Dedicated suites for the couple to prepare for the ceremony
  • Discounts and specialized accommodations at nearby hotels

Typically, these packages offer flexibility, allowing you to customize them to match your vision. Plus, working with a single supplier helps streamline coordination and minimize both budget strain and logistical headaches.

4. Guest list

A full house is great, but an overfilled house? Not so much. Ensure your venue has ample space for the entire guest list. For accessibility, make sure the site is equipped to accommodate wheelchairs, walkers, and other mobility aids to make the event inclusive for all attendees.

5. Budget

Dreaming big about your big day is easy. Talking about money? Not so much. Chat with your partner (and any contributing family members) to establish a realistic budget before you begin to browse venue options. To help stretch your dollar, look for group discounts and special rates for flights, hotels, and other essentials.

12 of the most beautiful wedding venues in the U.S.

1. The Breakers — Palm Beach, Florida

The Breakers’ Mediterranean Ballroom offers a timeless wedding venue, perfect for couples drawn to the romantic charm of an Italian loggia. With fresco-painted ceilings, Venetian-inspired chandeliers, and 15-foot arched windows, this space exudes elegance. Outside, the lush Italianate courtyard sets the scene for stunning photos or a serene moment under the warm Florida moonlight.

Not quite your vibe? The mansion boasts five other ballrooms and three outdoor spaces, ensuring there’s a venue to suit every couple’s style.

2. Fort Williams Park — Cape Elizabeth, Maine

Perched along Maine’s picturesque Casco Bay, the Portland Headlight lighthouse offers a one-of-a-kind backdrop for couples seeking a unique outdoor wedding venue. Exchange vows under the pavilion, or opt for the charming bandstand or gazebo to set the stage for your ceremony. For the reception, nearby options like the picnic shelter or Ship Cove platform provide equally enchanting settings to celebrate your special day.

3. Boldt Castle — Alexandria Bay, New York

For couples dreaming of a royal affair, why not tie the knot at an actual chateau? Boldt Castle, a stunning wedding venue built in 1900 by George Boldt as a testament to his love for his wife Louise, offers a fairy-tale setting. 

The grounds feature manicured lawns, vibrant gardens, and grand 19th-century structures, including the charming Dove-Cote, originally designed as a picturesque stone tower for housing doves, the Powerhouse, a striking waterside building with a whimsical clock tower, and the Alster Tower, a unique structure inspired by medieval castles with intricate architectural details. 

Perched along the scenic St. Lawrence River, this venue provides an enchanting backdrop for an unforgettable ceremony.

4. Sanctuary Lodge at Kiawah Island Golf Resort — Kiawah Island, South Carolina

Searching for a venue that combines a beach wedding, a ballroom reception, and a getaway all in one stunning destination? Look no further than the Sanctuary Lodge on scenic Kiawah Island.

This gorgeous Lowcountry retreat offers oceanfront lawns and lush courtyards that create the perfect setting for a breathtaking ceremony. Afterward, guests can enjoy cocktails in the elegant foyer and a gourmet dinner in the Grand Oaks Ballroom. The celebration doesn’t end there—wrap up the evening with dancing and drinks under the stars in the Terrace Courtyard.

For added convenience, guests can stay on-site and take advantage of the resort's world-class amenities, including PGA-rated golf courses, tennis courts, luxurious spa treatments, and more.

5. The Guardian Building — Detroit, Michigan

If the glamour of the 1920s is the vibe you and your partner envision, the Promenade in Detroit’s historic Guardian Building offers the perfect backdrop for your big day. This elegant wedding venue boasts a breathtaking art deco lobby, complete with intricate details and a soaring cathedral ceiling that exudes timeless sophistication. The dramatic ambiance of this iconic space promises a ceremony and reception your guests will rave about for years to come.

6. Amangiri — Canyon Point, Utah

Couples drawn to a rugged and natural setting for their wedding will find the untouched beauty of Amangiri Resort irresistible. Exchange vows atop a stunning mesa framed by the striking red rocks of the Colorado Plateau, and celebrate afterward in a scenic open-air space perfectly suited for an intimate cocktail hour or dinner reception.

7. Omni Grove Park Inn — Asheville, North Carolina

The Vanderbilt Terrace at the Omni Grove Park Inn provides an intimate and picturesque setting for your Blue Ridge Mountain wedding. This open-air venue is equally suited for a laid-back or luxurious ceremony, while the 4-star resort offers a wealth of amenities to elevate the occasion. Guests can enjoy shopping, championship golf, and exceptional dining, all set within 408 acres of stunning North Carolina scenery.

8. Thorncrown Chapel — Eureka Springs, Arkansas

Nestled in the heart of the Arkansas woodlands, Thorncrown Chapel seamlessly blends natural flagstone and glass with the surrounding rock formations and tree canopy, creating a venue that captures the enchanting beauty of the Ozarks. For music enthusiasts, the chapel’s renowned acoustics add an unforgettable, harmonious touch to your special day.

9. The High Museum of Art — Atlanta, Georgia

Art enthusiasts seeking a sleek, minimalist backdrop for their wedding will adore Atlanta’s High Museum of Art. This modern and chic venue provides a blank canvas for a stylish celebration, surrounded by masterpieces ranging from nineteenth-century sculptures and contemporary folk art to striking photography and innovative installations.

10. Red Barn Ranch — Hopland County, California

For couples dreaming of a rustic event space, the Red Barn Ranch delivers charm and adventure. The historic red barn serves as a picturesque setting for your wedding and reception, but the celebration doesn’t have to stop there. With site bookings lasting up to three days, guests can camp out and enjoy a full California weekend, from hiking the Great Redwood trails to bass fishing in the nearby pond.

11. Little White Wedding Chapel — Las Vegas, Nevada

If tying the knot in Vegas is in the cards, the iconic Little White Wedding Chapel is the ultimate choice. Famous for its pink Cadillac, romantic Tunnel of Love, and legendary wedding services, this Las Vegas landmark has been a go-to spot for couples to get hitched for 72 years. With a variety of packages to choose from—including a ceremony officiated by none other than an Elvis impersonator—you’re sure to have a wedding that’s as memorable as it is uniquely American.

12. George Peabody Library — Baltimore, Maryland

Calling all bibliophiles! Why settle for a standard estate or hotel when you can say “I do” amidst six floors of 19th-century literary treasures? The Reading Room at the George Peabody Library creates a magical storybook setting for an unforgettable wedding ceremony and reception. Plus, the historic Mount Vernon Place gardens nearby offer a picturesque backdrop for capturing your special day.

Host your dream wedding with Engine

Planning the wedding of your dreams is thrilling—but it can also be overwhelming. Between coordinating the officiant, wardrobe, flowers, catering, and more, managing guest accommodations might feel like one task too many. That’s where Engine comes in to lighten the load.

Whether you’re hosting a lavish celebration for a crowd or an intimate ceremony in a garden setting, Engine makes reserving hotel rooms for your guests effortless. Just enter your wedding details into our platform, and we’ll work with nearby hotels to secure group rates at top locations. From there, you can choose the perfect property via our intuitive dashboard while our dedicated trip manager and 24/7 support handle the logistics.

Article written by
HE Marketing

Meet the Engine Marketing Team, where creativity is combined with strategy to craft engaging and informative content. Our team is dedicated to curating stories and articles that provide valuable insights into the world of travel, accommodation, and hospitality.

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