Photo by Samantha Gades on Unsplash
It’s no secret that the event planning industry can be remarkably wasteful. Many party supplies and decor are plastic and/or disposable, they get enjoyed for an hour at most, and then most likely end up in a landfill. However, it is possible (and even easy) to have a sustainable wedding without having a negative impact on the environment.
Here are ideas for 6 unique places to have a sustainable wedding for you and your eco-conscious spouse-to-be.
A Locally-Owned Vineyard
Using an idyllic winery as a venue is perfect for your unique, sustainable wedding. A majestic landscape of rolling grape-covered hills makes a classic backdrop for your dream wedding. Vineyards are known for their stunning event venues, and you’ll most likely have excellent service and professionalism during the planning process and the event.
It’s not too hard to look for a winery that hosts sustainable receptions and uses environmentally friendly practices in its wine productions. Plenty of eco-friendly wineries exist, like this one in California which uses solar panels and maintains local wildlands. Plus, you’ll have no problem finding locally-sourced wine.
Depending on the size of your wedding, you could also schedule a vineyard tour for your guests when there’s a break in the festivities. For instance, when the bridal party is out taking pictures after the ceremony and the rest of the guests are hanging back. It’s lovely to get some fresh air walking around the beautiful scenery, and your guests will have a deeper appreciation for the venue.
A Ship
Imagine how romantic and unique a wedding out at sea would be. Take to the water and rent out a majestic vessel for your special occasion. Not many people can say they’ve been to a wedding on a ship, and it’ll certainly be memorable.
If you’re going for a sustainable wedding, however, be wary of which ship you choose. Cruise ships are notoriously awful for the environment, so try to steer clear of these big fuel-guzzling waste generators. Plus, be sure to choose a warm time of year so you won’t need to use climate control.
Only pick this option if you have a relatively small guest list. Any ship capable of accommodating 200+ people is going to create a lot of waste. If you decide to go this route, make sure you do all you can to leave the area as untouched as possible so future visitors can experience it fully. There have been a number of beautiful areas that have been tainted by mass tourism through either pollution or environmental damage.
Related Reading: Sustainable Wedding Trends
Summer Campgrounds
Turn your wedding into an adventurous outdoor outing. A campground in a place of unique natural beauty is a fantastic option for an eco-friendly wedding.
Many national or state parks allow weddings, so you can host your special event in some of the most magnificent scenery in the country. Campgrounds and parks have strict environmental standards, so you can host your special event in a place that respects local wildlife and takes care of the world we live in.
Be aware: most parks do require you to have a special permit and follow certain local laws, so do your research and make your bookings well in advance. For bigger and more popular parks, you may even need a full year in advance.
Photo by Victoria Priessnitz on Unsplash
A Theatre
Dim the lights and start the projector for a fun, unique wedding in a theatre. You could host your wedding at a classic, historical movie theatre or you could shoot for a local theatre where they put on plays. Either way, you have a venue that’s already set up for crowds and entertainment.
This couple had a gorgeous Old Hollywood-themed cinema wedding in a historic movie palace in Florida. They made their own film to show on the big screen, and then replaced the screen with a live performance. There are plenty of super creative ways you can put on this show.
Related Resource: Book Sustainable Accommodation with Social BnB
A Local Farm or Orchard
One of the most sustainable weddings you could possibly have is at a local farm. If you’re after the rustic, cozy, homegrown wedding feel, this unique location is perfect for you.
Celebrate the natural landscape and bask in the fresh air with a farm or orchard venue. You can choose a location that specializes in event planning, or you can put a little more effort into the planning process and set up a venue yourself, perhaps in rental canopies or a barn.
Sourcing food from a local farm means your food won’t have to travel far to get to you, thereby reducing waste at your event. You’ll be able to get seasonal and organic food much easier, too. Having your wedding at a local farm means your food (and your local guests) won’t have to travel far to reach you, reducing your carbon footprint as well.
Botanical Gardens
Botanical gardens are picture-perfect, designed for crowds, and spacious. What more could you want out of a venue? If you do this close to home, you can bask in the beauty of your home environment without having to decorate at all.
While we’re talking about local flora, let’s talk flowers. A big sustainability problem that is often overlooked when it comes to weddings is using exotic flowers. Non-native blooms require a great deal of energy to grow and transport when compared with local flowers, and they do a number on your carbon footprint.
If you source your flowers locally, you’re not only doing a good deed for the environment, but you’re also paying homage to the landscape you’re getting married in.
Tips To Enjoy Your Unique Sustainable Wedding
Here are a few other sustainable wedding goals before we go:
- Opt out of wasteful decor like confetti and balloons
- Ask for useful gifts made using sustainable practices like engraved luggage tags
- Rent formalwear rather than buying fast fashion you’ll only wear once
- Use natural, biodegradable materials for decoration
- Use local resources wherever you can, from catering to florals
- Try to buy only fair trade favors and clothing
- Purchase conflict-free, ethical rings
We hope you’ve gotten some valuable inspiration from these ideas. Have an incredible wedding.