After you've picked a date and possibly an alternate date, you are ready to begin searching for a location for your ceremony. Some locations will offer you the opportunity to have both your ceremony and reception in one location. That can save you money and time. Remember, the most popular sites will be booked a year in advance, but it doesn't hurt to check them out anyway.

Where you have your wedding ceremony is a very personal decision that reflects the beliefs and personalities of your and your fianc. You'll want this decision to be the right decision for both of you so that your wedding day is as special as your love. Although personal preference will be a deciding factor, you will need to keep your budget constraints in mind when planning. No matter where the ceremony takes place, what is most important are the promises you make to each other. With a little dcor and creativeness any spot you pick can be exactly what you dreamed.

Before you start your search, you should already have in mind the approximate number of people attending, the time of day you hope to have the ceremony, and an idea of how long it will take for the formal photographs after the ceremony. When counting heads, don't forget to include yourself, your fianc, bridal party, and any children that may attend.

Make sure the site you chose would be able to accommodate the number guests you plan on having, the date & time, and at least one car for every two people invited. Some sites offer an officiant to perform the ceremony and have their own organist for example. If you want to use someone other than who they offer, check with the facility before signing any contract to make sure you can use your own officiant, music, etc. Check into the details of the time frame they allow for setting up decorations, using the site, and photographs afterward. Ask about any additional fees they may charge such as clean up, parking attendants, electricity costs, and if they have a bridal room and the cost. Some locations may have candelabras and other decorations for you to use for a small fee.

Using one location for both ceremony and reception can save time, money (deposits, clean up fees), save transportation costs, and help keep guests from getting lost. Some churches have a hall you can rent and church members can sometimes be hired relatively inexpensively to assist in setting up and decorating. Some restaurants can accommodate both ceremony and reception, which could be a fabulous

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