5 Unique and Non-Traditional Wedding Venues
Totally over traditional wedding venues? Good, ME TOO!
You’re getting married! Heck freaking YASSSS! But LEMME GUESS…you don’t want to get married just anywhere, you want something that feels completely you, has a unique vibe, and helps tell your story? Did that resonate with you?
You want your “venue” to elevate your wedding experience and be something that your closest friends and family can enjoy with you, right? Well I couldn’t agree more and I’m here to tell you that ballroom weddings just aren’t the perfect fit for everyone, and that’s okay! Some couples long for a more personal and immersive wedding experience and that’s what I’m all about as well.
Having been a destination wedding and elopement photographer for the past three years, I’ve learned a lot when it comes to what makes a wedding experience, an experience. I have found that many times, couples simply aren’t sure what options there are when it comes to creating and planning a wedding, let alone where to start planning. And that’s where I come in. I want to help get those creative juices flowing and to help give you an idea of what is an actual possibility when wedding planning! I have put together a list of 5 unique, non-traditional, and experience oriented venues and properties to get you started on your journey to creating your dream wedding experience!
There really are no limits when it comes to planning your best day ever and I highly recommend that you start by envisioning what kind of experience you and your partner want to have. From there, the rest all falls into place!
Posada by The Joshua Tree House - Tucson, AZ
Tucked within the Tucson, Arizona desert is this little Sonoran oasis, and it is a total DREAM! The suites may be booked separately if you are wanting to keep things small and just the two of you (and makes for an amazing getting ready location and overall stay!) or the entire property can booked together if you are envisioning having all your guests stay and gather together throughout your wedding weekend. With Saguaro National Park just around the corner, the Posada is perfect for a desert destination wedding!
They also have an amazing Joshua Tree, CA location and a Marfa, TX location coming in 2023!
*Images courtesy of The Joshua Tree House
2. Amangiri Resort - Canyon Point, UT
The ultimate luxury retreat hidden among desert sandstone rock formations, Amangiri is the perfect escape from tradition. It’s where connection is deeply fostered and a truly unique and wild wedding experience can be created. With an absolutely stunning (and private) property, Amangiri offers the perfect bespoke wedding experience. From their curated dining, to their atmospheric pavilions, group meditation sessions, and thrilling desert adventures, whatever experience you are craving for your day, we can make happen.
Amangiri offers accommodations of several sizes ranging from suites with mountain views and sky lounges, to 1-bedroom private canyon and sunset pavilions, and their most spacious, the 4-bedroom mesa home.
*Images courtesy of Amangiri
AMAN has created artfully and intentionally built properties around the globe! Each unique and specially created to honor and embody its individual location and surrounding cultural heritage. AMAN aims to connect their guests to the spirit of each location through architecture, experiences, hospitality, and wellness. The true immersive experience.
3. A-Frame Flagstaff - Flagstaff, AZ
This is the most perfect, quaint little cabin you will ever see. Nestled among the pines of Flagstaff, AZ this cabin is located next to National Forest land and is perfect for a small wedding or elopement followed by an intimate dinner (or brunch!) in the woods. Centrally located, this cabin also makes for a perfect stay when adventuring or getting married in Sedona, the Grand Canyon, or Page/Lake Powell!
This cabin also has a sister property located right next door, which just so happens to have it’s own private sauna…yessss. Click HERE to view the sister property listing.
*images by me, j.gracie photography
4. Under Canvas - Multiple Locations Across US
Under Canvas is an immersive glamping experience that enables guests to be surrounded by nature’s beauty without leaving the comforts of home. Their safari style canvas tents make for a wonderful wedding and elopement experience, not only as a unique and beautiful getting ready location but also as a fun way to relax after the day with your intentionally invited guests over s’mores at one of their outdoor fire pits! Under Canvas also makes for a unique, experience based stay for you and your partner to enjoy and relax at following your wedding day, especially if you are planning to adventure and explore the surrounding area before heading back to real life!
There are several tent options when booking at Under Canvas, and for couples looking to have the most intimate experience, I recommend either the Suite or Stargazer tents. Both these have private bathrooms, king beds, and a private deck. The Stargazer even has an added night sky viewing window right above the bed which is totally awesome!
Under Canvas has several locations all throughout the US and all are unique and immersive stays! One thing to keep in mind when choosing Under Canvas is that their locations are all seasonal and are closed during the winter weather months.
*images by me, j.gracie photography
5. Yosemite Autocamp - Yosemite National Park
I’ll bet you haven’t thought about renting a luxury airstream for your adventure elopement weekend in Yosemite National Park, have you?! With spa-inspired bathrooms and modern interiors, you’ll forget that you’re staying in an RV! Each airstream is located on its own private pad with a personal patio deck and fire ring.
Just a short drive to Yosemite Valley, AutoCamp Yosemite is the perfect place to relax and enjoy a “Just Us” elopement experience or to spend quality time with intentionally invited guests. AutoCamp Yosemite is a perfect getaway from the hustle and bustle of Yosemite Valley where finding accommodations can be near impossible. It’s a unique way to experience an iconic corner of California!
*image by me, j.gracie photography
*Images courtesy of AutoCamp
AutoCamp also offers numerous locations throughout the US with their newest locations opening in late 2022 and 2023 with Catskills in Upstate New York and Zion in Southern Utah!
BONUS LOCATION - Creekside Hideaway - Clancy, Montana
If you’re a Lord of the Rings fan like I am, you’re likely freaking out that this location isn’t all the way in New Zealand! Who knew Montana was hiding this charming hobbit hole!
With a clean, Scandinavian styled interior this earth home had to make the list of unique and non-traditional locations to get married at! In case you haven’t already figured it out, I’m a big fan of stays that create and foster an experience. Stays that go deep into your planning and ultimately become part of your day. What I love about this property is that it is unlike anything else you will see! It is close enough to town that it isn’t remote, but yet still feels remote. The home backs up to public lands with an extensive trail system for hiking and exploring and offers a private meadow with stream access just across the way.
I can already envision all the whimsical, ethereal magic that could happen with this location!
*images courtesy of AirBnb Listing
Did one of these locations resonate with you?
Let’s chat about how we can make your vision come to life!
I work very closely with each of my couples to help them create an individualized wedding experience that is centered around their story together and centered around expressing themselves freely and fearlessly. I want you to get married in a way that sets your souls on fire!
I’m Jenna!
The girl who is ready to help you create and then capture the wedding experience you have been dreaming of!