Expensive Destination Wedding Venues in The U.S.
Picking a venue is a tricky subject for most couples. The prices and offerings are literally all over the board and if you choose not to splurge on the more expensive option you may regret it later. But can you justify these price tags? That’s right, today I’ll be sharing a list of some of the most expensive wedding venues in the states!
These venues are crazy expensive (especially the last one) and while I can’t recommend that most couples spend this type of money on their venue, if you have the extra cash lying around and you want to host your wedding somewhere truly unforgettable, then go for it! That said, these venues are not going to be for the average consumer, not just because of the insane prices, but also due to some rules put in place by the venues themselves. However, they're still fun to look at, right? So here we go!
Starting off with the cheapest venue on this list, the Joel Palmer House right here in Oregon is anything but cheap. With a starting price of $8,500, this venue provides nice amenities to offset the cost. Specifically, the catering and wonderful grounds. While the catering is included in the price, there is a mandatory 18% gratuity that needs to be calculated into the mix, bringing this location just above the $10,000 starting price. The biggest downside is that they have a 40-guest maximum for any indoor wedding, although they do allow for up to 150 guests at an outdoor wedding. They have some gorgeous grounds, and pristine gardens which will allow for some exceptional backdrops to your big day and the house itself is quite beautiful; providing the space with a vintage look and feel!
Next on our wonderful little list is Orcas Beach Bungalow in Washington. This quaint little venue is secluded from the wider world and provides an excellent location to host your wedding. However, all this wonder comes at a decently high price. Starting at $14,400 this venue can accommodate up to 85 guests (only 50 guests included at the given price however). The food is also not included, and as it's a private location you’ll either have to prepare it yourself or hire a catering team. That said, it’s a beautiful little bungalow on a gorgeous beach and since you’ll have it all to yourself, you can feel free to use it to your heart's content!
Sticking with the beach theme, Hawaii is our next stop; specifically, Turtle Bay Resort in Kahuku. With a location in Hawaii, you might be expecting the price of this venue to skyrocket however, comparatively it’s not all that bad. The package fee will run you $8,500, with a $2,000 dollar ceremony fee and around $8,000 for food and beverages. There is also a mandatory gratuity of 23% which brings us to a rough price of $20,500 for your big day. But what are the benefits to paying that much? Well for starters, you're in Hawaii, the guest limit is 400-800 and to top it all off your hosting your event at a truly remarkable resort. Sandy beaches, warm water and excellent sunsets will make this wedding truly something special. All that to say, don’t forget about the cost of airfare when doing your own research and calculations!
Photo By: Tripbucket.com
While not a beach, we are sticking near the water with this venue. Nonantum Resort in Maine boasts an incredible set of grounds, and a stunning view of the surrounding harbor, however it all comes at a cost. This destination wedding location will set you back a minimum of $29,000 on a Friday or Sunday and $36,500 on a Saturday. This cost includes the venue fee of $3,000-$4,500, the $2,000 ceremony fee and to top it all off an average expense of $20,000-$25,000 for food and beverages. You also must account for the 20% added gratuity. However, when it comes to venues, you often get what you pay for, and Nonantum Resort provides some excellent commodities. They have loads of activities to do before or after your big day, including crabbing, fire pits, group yoga and more! Plus, they host exceptionally well-kept grounds with access to the harbor around the resort. A setting that will make for a gorgeous wedding day!
Photo By: Nonantumresort.com
Our second to last venue on this list takes us to Rhode Island. Here we will be visiting the Preserve Sporting Club and Residences. Venue rentals start at $16,000 with an additional $1,500 for the ceremony and around $20,000 for food and drinks. Add onto that the 22% mandatory gratuity and you’re sitting at a starting price of almost $37,000! This has to be my favorite location on the list however as it is simply covered in amazing grounds, creating a perfect environment for your wedding as a whole! The grounds play host to lakes, waterfalls, ponds, forested spaces, a well-kept golf course and maybe my favorite part, replica Hobbit home restaurants! This brilliant landscape is spread across an impressive 3,500 acres and is guaranteed to make your wedding one of a kind! Their guest limit, while not the biggest we’ve seen on this list, allows for up to 300 people!
Photo By: Theknot.com
At last, we arrive at our final destination. This may just be the craziest venue I’ve ever heard of. We’re traveling to New York with a final resting place of Oheka Castle. This stunning castle will run you into the ground as it boasts the most expensive price out of any of the venues on this list! The venue rental itself starts at $100,000+ with an included 50 guests, however, be prepared to spend far more than that as they require a minimum of 150-200 guests depending on the day you choose to get married. On top of that, they have a $3,000 P/Hour setup fee, and given your guest count and the size of the venue, your total expense is sure to go up! That said, they do have a truly magnificent set of grounds. Along with the castle itself, the grounds hold a large number of interesting and well-kept areas perfect for completing your already over the top wedding!
Photo By: Iloveny.com
When it comes to looking at locations like these, some of you may feel that your small backyard weddings will never be as great as the ones that people host at venues like these. However, those feelings couldn’t be farther from the truth. Your wedding doesn’t have to be the biggest and most expensive one of the season. What’s important is that it’s special to you and your significant other! And besides, the majority of the population of this planet could never afford to have a wedding in a place Oheka Castle (myself included). All that to say, even if you can’t afford one of these venues, they’re still fun to read about!
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