Get the venue right and the rest will fall into place

It is now possible to get married just about anywhere take the time to consider exactly what it is you want so

Find the right venue for your wedding and the rest of the big day will fall into place, writes Nora McElhone.

You can get married almost anywhere these days, from the traditional church followed by a hotel reception to a weekend-long bash in a country hotel or resort, so getting the location right will mean you and your guests get the most out of your big day.

Narrow the search a bit by doing your homework on venues in the area you would like the ceremony to be held – you might like the idea of getting married in the bride to be’s local parish church or be after something a little different.

Thanks to changes in legislation, many venues are licensed to perform civil and religious wedding ceremonies and you might not actually need a physical venue at all.

What kind of wedding do you and your fiancé want? Do you have chic city affair in mind or a big bash in a country house? Think about the number of guests you would like to invite – some venues simply may not be big enough or a smaller party might be lost in a big hall or function room.

If you are not into the traditional wedding trappings, then why not consider tying the knot at a favourite location or while doing an activity you both enjoy. Remember however, you will also need a celebrant and witness with the arrangement.

If you are looking at popular wedding venues don’t forget they may be booked up to a year or even longer in advance. If you aren’t planning that far ahead you may have to consider being flexible on dates or looking elsewhere.

The peak season starts in late spring and runs right through to September, with bank holiday weekends a popular choice. Think about a winter wedding or tying the knot in the beautiful autumnal months. You may be able to negotiate a better rate with the venue and, let’s face it, you can have a beautiful clear day in October and choose a day in high summer when the rain pours down.

The advantage of choosing a traditional wedding venue is that you will have everything you need under one roof.

Some places have a dedicated room for ceremonies and a larger space for the meal and party. The staff will have years of experience in arranging other people’s weddings and will be able to help with the organisation of your big day.

All over Courier Country, there are beautiful wedding venues just waiting to help you to make your special day run perfectly. From country houses and resorts to hotels and rustic barns, there will be something to suit your taste and budget. who are happy

Why not consider tying the knot at a favourite location?