COVID-19 spurred lots of creativity among couples planning weddings, including some new ideas about venues. But unusual places can also require some creative thinking ahead to ensure your perfect day comes off perfectly. Here are a few options you might not have (yet!) considered.
The gallery wedding
Sarah Fay Waller, principal of Day by Fay, used the 2020 pandemic slowdown to brainstorm her annual style shoot, a mocked-up wedding to showcase and market her design skills. With two degrees in art history, Waller decided to explore the idea of staging an intimate wedding in a museum space—like the art gallery at the Quirk Hotel.
The first question: What were the Quirk’s requirements and restrictions? Luckily, the Quirk’s gallery is part of a site designed for hospitality; it might be different at a free-standing gallery or museum. For example, Waller says, “In some galleries, you can only do white wine rather than red, and in some, dancing is prohibited—loose arms/legs may damage art on display.” To that point, wedding insurance “is almost always required regardless of venue. But [for a gallery/museum] it might be recommended or required to get coverage for $2 million rather than $1 million.” And, depending on the art, you might consider either asking guests with small children to arrange for a sitter, or holding the reception/meal in another space.
Next question: What is the gallery exhibiting? Ultracontemporary art may not fit your traditional style—or, alternatively, what’s on display may provide inspiration for your wedding theme. Waller keyed her design to the Quirk’s exhibit of two contemporary artists (a watercolorist and a photographer), and sought-out vendors whose work would complement her vision.
Waller suggests that, for any wedding plans, couples start out with a list of “non-negotiables—for some, this might include amazing food and drink, or stunning views, or guest experience.” Those requirements can help you determine if a potential venue fits the bill.
The first-time
venue (left)
Katheryn Babineau and Solomon Banjo found their wedding venue because they like Potter’s Craft cider. When they realized the product was made locally, they went to visit the cidery. As they walked up the winding drive, Babineau says, “Solomon looked over at me and said, ‘This would be such a beautiful place to get married.’”
Their wedding would be one of the first held at Potter’s Craft, which meant a lot more planning for Babineau and month-of coordinator Cinda Hoege of White Birch Events. While the Potter’s staff was “very flexible,” says Babineau, some work-around was required; for example, the cidery has no accommodations for guests, and there was no space for the bridal party to get ready. Luckily, Babineau and her family live in Charlottesville, so they could host some of the guests and get ready at home. Banjo’s family comes from Nigeria and Tanzania, so only a few could travel in to attend; the couple rented a house for them.
Another personal touch Babineau worked out with Potter’s staff: She hired a horse-drawn carriage for the trip up that long winding drive.
The mountaintop vows
For Juliana Bueno and Jeff Elias, “simple” was their mantra. It was a second wedding for both; Elias has 13-year-old twins from his first marriage; Bueno’s family from Colombia, Paraguay, and Portugal couldn’t travel due to COVID. “And we had been together for five years,” Bueno says. “Waiting for a big party didn’t make sense.”
The couple, both devoted backpackers, decided to go for altitude instead of size, saying their vows at the Stony Man Point overlook in Shenandoah National Park. Bueno contacted the park to check on its requirements, and arrange for a small wedding dinner and overnight stay at Skylands Lodge.
The park’s regulations stipulate “no permanent installations (e.g., don’t erect a permanent wedding bower), but it only requires permits for groups larger than 15. Not a problem for this wedding party: The couple, Jeff’s twins (as best man and maid of honor), photographer Tom Daly, and The AV Company videographer who streamed the event to their family and friends. On the day, they did have unexpected guests: two hikers who came by on the trail watched from a polite distance, and clapped at the end. Then, Bueno tossed the bouquet to her kids.