Congratulations, you just got engaged and are hoping to plan the perfect wedding.  Many people think that a country wedding would be ideal, but there are many factors to consider before choosing a rural wedding venue.

 

In the past few years outdoor wedding venues have become more popular.  In many cases, like in our municipality, people have been allowed to set these wedding venues up in residential neighbourhoods which is causing major problems for existing neighbouring property owners.

 

My main suggestion is to do your research.  While the websites may show idyllic settings, don’t book anything until you go and look at the facility and the property for yourselves.  When you go to view the venue look around you.  Are you really in an endless, private forest or are you in fact smack in the midst of residential properties with a major highway in very close proximity.  Where is the closest house?  Is your wedding truly going to be a private affair, or will the neighbours hear every word of your wedding speeches over a loudspeaker when they are sitting on their deck? 

 

You also need to check the local municipal noise by-laws.  In many cases like our own municipality loud music is not allowed AT ANY TIME OF THE DAY!  Yelling and shouting are also not allowed.  Both infractions are subject to large fines.  So unless you are planning to have a very quiet wedding, you may actually be breaking the law.  Even if you don’t plan to have a rowdy affair, often wedding guests do get carried away.

 

You also need to understand that entering any surrounding properties will be considered trespassing.  It might seem harmless to wander out into a flowering canola field and have pictures taken with a backdrop of pretty yellow flowers, but that is a farmer’s field and you are damaging their crop and affecting their livelihood. 

 

If overnight camping is offered, make sure you find out where those sites are.  Are they in a private area or are they in close proximity to neighbouring properties.  If you plan for guests to bring RV’s make sure there are appropriate electrical hookups, as you can’t run noisy generators to power your air conditioning or heating.

 

And while you may be thinking “what’s the big deal” it is only one weekend…for the surrounding property owners… it could be every single weekend for four or five months of their summer.  Our summers are no longer filled with the peaceful tranquility we knew in the past, but instead we have to deal with constant commotion, dogs barking, people yelling and screaming and loud music blasting across our properties.  This is a huge source of frustration and stress!

 

So good luck in finding a suitable venue, but please be respectful of others while you are enjoying your celebration.