A paved walkway seen through a dark wooden frame leads to a gazebo in a grassy park surrounded by trees.

Josiah's Meetinghouse - Function Room Facility in Epping, New Hampshire

this is the place to start


Being/getting engaged is an exciting turning point in most people's lives, yet it's rather daunting on where to begin once the excitement settles down. The best place to start is, deciding what kind of budget makes sense, type of wedding you both want and what type of venue/location would host that.

this is the place to start


Being/getting engaged is an exciting turning point in most people's lives, yet it's rather daunting on where to begin once the excitement settles down. The best place to start is, deciding what kind of budget makes sense, type of wedding you both want and what type of venue/location would host that.

decide the type of wedding & ceremony


When it comes to figuring out the large pieces, the type of wedding and ceremony can influence location, budget, and even your date. First, we are going to discuss the different types of weddings & ceremonies you could have and if it makes sense for you both.

A small outdoor wedding ceremony takes place under a fabric canopy beside a waterfront with guests in pink and teal attire.

York Harbor Beach at Hartley Mason Reserve - Beach in York, Maine

Pink hibiscus flower blooms against lush green foliage in a garden setting.

the different types of weddings & ceremonies pt. 1


  • elopement - This is just you two, the officiant, perhaps a photographer and any location legally allowed to host a small ceremony. Followed by getting pizza at your local shop.
  • civil/courthouse - This is similar to eloping but it's held at the courthouse. You can follow it by going to a restaurant you haven't tried before.


Rather you elope or hold it at the courthouse, this is the most cost-effective and easy way to tie the knot without all the bells and whistles. This is ideal for those who do not want anybody involved/invited, who want more freedom on choosing without outside influence, or perhaps those who do not have a large budget for anything more. Locations typically range from parks, state parks, museums, the courthouse, and alike.

the different types of weddings & ceremonies pt. 1


  • elopement - This is just you two, the officiant, perhaps a photographer and any location legally allowed to host a small ceremony. Followed by getting pizza at your local shop.
  • civil/courthouse - This is similar to eloping but it's held at the courthouse. You can follow it by going to a restaurant you haven't tried before.


Rather you elope or hold it at the courthouse, this is the most cost-effective and easy way to tie the knot without all the bells and whistles. This is ideal for those who do not want anybody involved/invited, who want more freedom on choosing without outside influence, or perhaps those who do not have a large budget for anything more. Locations typically range from parks, state parks, museums, the courthouse, and alike.

Bright yellow sunflowers bloom in a garden with a red barn visible in the background on a sunny day.

the different types of weddings & ceremonies pt. 2


  • traditional/religious - For those who want to honor their religion, culture and/or everything involved in the wedding world. This includes but not limited to; holding the ceremony at a significant building (church, synagogue, temple or likewise) hosting a wedding party, ring exchange, blessings and typically multi-day event.
  • spiritual - This is similar to a religious/traditional wedding except you are honoring your spirituality with what seems fit.


Hosting a traditional or spiritual wedding is a great way to honor family traditions, learn different cultures & religions, and connect with family members. Ideal for large groups, families, and the traditional folks. Locations usually range from significant buildings, banquet halls, campsites, and alike.

the different types of weddings & ceremonies pt. 2


  • traditional/religious - For those who want to honor their religion, culture and/or everything involved in the wedding world. This includes but not limited to; holding the ceremony at a significant building (church, synagogue, temple or likewise) hosting a wedding party, ring exchange, blessings and typically multi-day event.
  • spiritual - This is similar to a religious/traditional wedding except you are honoring your spirituality with what seems fit.


Hosting a traditional or spiritual wedding is a great way to honor family traditions, learn different cultures & religions, and connect with family members. Ideal for large groups, families, and the traditional folks. Locations usually range from significant buildings, banquet halls, campsites, and alike.

A brass ornament reflects on dark water surface surrounded by pink flower petals and tropical green leaves.

the different types of weddings & ceremonies pt. 3


  • non-traditional/personalized - For those who want to honor their love the way they see fit. Some aspects of the wedding world may be involved but not all.
  • destination - Another form of honoring your love in a completely different region. Ranging from the different side of the country, to visiting the Caribbean, or hosting a wedding in a different continent


These options give you more free range on deciding location, guest count, and all the nitty-gritty. Guest count can range anywhere from micro to very large. Locations typically range from anywhere in the world, down to the nearest country club, castle, or even hotel.

the different types of weddings & ceremonies pt. 3


  • non-traditional/personalized - For those who want to honor their love the way they see fit. Some aspects of the wedding world may be involved but not all.
  • destination - Another form of honoring your love in a completely different region. Ranging from the different side of the country, to visiting the Caribbean, or hosting a wedding in a different continent


These options give you more free range on deciding location, guest count, and all the nitty-gritty. Guest count can range anywhere from micro to very large. Locations typically range from anywhere in the world, down to the nearest country club, castle, or even hotel.

decide your season


Deciding your season will narrow down your thought process to a more focused point. Are you a fan of heat and long daylight hours? Do you like the cold and a more intimate setting? Are you perhaps in-between and want a mixture of things? Does the changing of leaves and early sunsets entice you?

A circular outdoor amphitheater with wooden benches and a central fire pit surrounded by tall pine trees in a forest setting.

Camp Wing Day Camp - South Shore Camp in Duxbury, Massachusetts

Elegant dining hall with red chairs and white tablecloths set for a formal event under ornate architectural details.

Mechanics Hall - Concert Hall in Worcester, Massachusetts

the winter season

The winter season consists of 3 months: December, January, and February. Here is what the winter season can bring to your dinner plate:


  • ideal for the more intimate setting such as a restaurant, banquet hall, hotel, and alike
  • less sought out season for most locations which can lead to discounts on space
  • less venue/location options open during winter, narrowing down the search
  • possible snow to add to the backdrop of your photos
  • cold temperatures for those who do not like the heat/humidity
  • less susceptible to weather changes (such as; downpours, extreme heat, hurricanes and likewise)
  • easier to reschedule (if capable) if weather or otherwise make it impossible/dangerous for travel
  • aesthetic usually ranges from cozy and rustic to festive driven and nature-inspired with deep colors
  • meal options are typically heavy and hearty, diving deep into comfort foods


the winter season

The winter season consists of 3 months: December, January, and February. Here is what the winter season can bring to your dinner plate:


  • ideal for the more intimate setting such as a restaurant, banquet hall, hotel, and alike
  • less sought out season for most locations which can lead to discounts on space
  • less venue/location options open during winter, narrowing down the search
  • possible snow to add to the backdrop of your photos
  • cold temperatures for those who do not like the heat/humidity
  • less susceptible to weather changes (such as; downpours, extreme heat, hurricanes and likewise)
  • easier to reschedule (if capable) if weather or otherwise make it impossible/dangerous for travel
  • aesthetic usually ranges from cozy and rustic to festive driven and nature-inspired with deep colors
  • meal options are typically heavy and hearty, diving deep into comfort foods


Reception hall decorated in rustic style with wooden chairs, blue tablecloths and star decorations hanging from ceiling.

Lovett's Inn & Restaurant - Historic Bed & Breakfast Inn in Franconia, New Hampshire

the spring season

The spring season consists of 3 months: March, April, and May. Here is what the spring season can bring to your garden:


  • warmer temps make it more tolerable for outdoor activities and photo taking
  • this is typically when venues begin their season, more options will be available
  • blooming of flowers make an attractive feature for photo taking
  • guests have higher energy/spirit due to the passing of winter hibernation
  • longer daylight hours make it easier to time events
  • meal options are typically more light, energizing, and fresh
  • aesthetic usually ranges from romantic and garden-inspired to airy and light, with colors ranging from pastel to bright and vibrant

the spring season

The spring season consists of 3 months: March, April, and May. Here is what the spring season can bring to your garden:


  • warmer temps make it more tolerable for outdoor activities and photo taking
  • this is typically when venues begin their season, more options will be available
  • blooming of flowers make an attractive feature for photo taking
  • guests have higher energy/spirit due to the passing of winter hibernation
  • longer daylight hours make it easier to time events
  • meal options are typically more light, energizing, and fresh
  • aesthetic usually ranges from romantic and garden-inspired to airy and light, with colors ranging from pastel to bright and vibrant
A cat rests by large windows offering panoramic views of a misty mountain landscape from inside a modern building.

Cobb Hill Estate - Event Venue in Harrisville, New Hampshire

the summer season

The summer season consists of 3 months: June, July, and August. Here is what the summer season can bring to your grill:


  • ideal for those who love the heat and all that comes with it
  • open choice for venues/locations, including but not limited to: private residence, winery, airbnb, state park, camp site, etc.
  • more open aesthetic that ranges from tropical and cheerful, to vintage-inspired and whimsical, all the way to relaxed & fun
  • colors inspired by this season range from vibrant and bold patterns, to muted and elegant
  • long daylight hours making it ideal to spread out the timing of events, outdoor activities and photo taking
  • guests are more cheerful and ready to party (hard)
  • meal options are typically fragrant, scrumptious, and dive deep into grilling

the summer season

The summer season consists of 3 months: June, July, and August. Here is what the summer season can bring to your grill:


  • ideal for those who love the heat and all that comes with it
  • open choice for venues/locations, including but not limited to: private residence, winery, airbnb, state park, camp site, etc.
  • more open aesthetic that ranges from tropical and cheerful, to vintage-inspired and whimsical, all the way to relaxed & fun
  • colors inspired by this season range from vibrant and bold patterns, to muted and elegant
  • long daylight hours making it ideal to spread out the timing of events, outdoor activities and photo taking
  • guests are more cheerful and ready to party (hard)
  • meal options are typically fragrant, scrumptious, and dive deep into grilling
White wooden ceremony chairs line a stone pathway under blue skies at an outdoor wedding venue.

Granite Rose by Wedgewood Weddings - Wedding venue in Hampstead, New Hampshire

the fall season

The fall seasons consists of 3 months: September, October, and November. Here is what the fall season can bring to your backyard:


  • ideal for those who want the in-between temperatures, leaning towards the colder side
  • typically last season open for most venues and locations
  • the changing of foliage and different plants/flowers make it for great photographic opportunities and views
  • a good combination of indoor and outdoor activities, including bonfires/fire pits
  • decent flexibility on timing events throughout the day
  • aesthetic ranges from elegant and classy, to celestial-inspired and rustic
  • colors inspired by this season range from muted to deep & rich jewel tones
  • meal options are typically earthy and flavorful, diving deep into harvest season

the fall season

The fall seasons consists of 3 months: September, October, and November. Here is what the fall season can bring to your backyard:


  • ideal for those who want the in-between temperatures, leaning towards the colder side
  • typically last season open for most venues and locations
  • the changing of foliage and different plants/flowers make it for great photographic opportunities and views
  • a good combination of indoor and outdoor activities, including bonfires/fire pits
  • decent flexibility on timing events throughout the day
  • aesthetic ranges from elegant and classy, to celestial-inspired and rustic
  • colors inspired by this season range from muted to deep & rich jewel tones
  • meal options are typically earthy and flavorful, diving deep into harvest season

What kind of budget do you want?


We figured out an idea for season, now let's talk about the hardest part which is...BUDGETS. Understanding how much you are willing to spend on this event is going to strongly determine the entire process afterwards. Picking a budget that is reasonable to your income can narrow down options, making it feel less overwhelming when it comes to research.

A curved outdoor walkway leads to a white arched building with an American flag on a hillside surrounded by evergreen trees.

Fruitlands Museum - Event venue in Harvard, Massachusetts

Elegant restaurant interior with white tablecloths, stacked plates, and a decorated Christmas tree in soft lighting.

Mooncussers Tavern - Restaurant in Harwich Port, Massachusetts

budget v. type of wedding


It's hard to picture a budget, type of wedding, and location all at once. Here are types of weddings to consider, standard guest counts, and rough estimates that you could be spending:

  • elopement (the couple + officiant) - $1,000 - $2,500+
  • micro (upwards of 20 guests) - $7,500+
  • small (upwards of 80 guests) - $15,000+
  • medium (upwards of 125 guests) - $30,000+
  • large (over 150+ guests) - $40,000+
  • beyond (over 300+ guests) - $50,000+


Please understand that this is an average guest count and estimate based off the East Coast standards.

budget v. type of wedding


It's hard to picture a budget, type of wedding, and location all at once. Here are types of weddings to consider, standard guest counts, and rough estimates that you could be spending:

  • elopement (the couple + officiant) - $1,000 - $2,500+
  • micro (upwards of 20 guests) - $7,500+
  • small (upwards of 80 guests) - $15,000+
  • medium (upwards of 125 guests) - $30,000+
  • large (over 150+ guests) - $40,000+
  • beyond (over 300+ guests) - $50,000+


Please understand that this is an average guest count and estimate based off the East Coast standards.

decide your wedding date & location


Deciding your venue/location typically leads into deciding what wedding date you may want. Most often choose the wedding date based off what is available for each location, and others choose the date first and pick a location based off who is available for that. However you decide, make the decision before you tackle the challenges of choosing your vendors.

Stone structures and wooden footbridge nestled among evergreen trees and boulders in a tranquil forest setting.

Lakefalls Lodge - Wedding Venue in Stoddard, New Hampshire

White colonial house with columns and wrap-around porch set among tall pine trees on a grassy lawn.

The Pavilion at Pinehills Golf Club - Golf Club in Plymouth, Massachusetts

Here are venues & locations you can consider:

  • private residence
  • barn
  • church, followed by reception (either on-site or different area)
  • country club, golf club, and alike
  • restaurants
  • resorts
  • hotels/inns within & outside the city
  • conference center, community center, and alike
  • banquet hall
  • winery, breweries, and alike
  • garden sites
  • museum, theaters estates, and historical sites
  • parks, state parks, camps, and alike
  • airbnb
  • college/school property

Here are venues & locations you can consider:

  • private residence
  • barn
  • church, followed by reception (either on-site or different area)
  • country club, golf club, and alike
  • restaurants
  • resorts
  • hotels/inns within & outside the city
  • conference center, community center, and alike
  • banquet hall
  • winery, breweries, and alike
  • garden sites
  • museum, theaters estates, and historical sites
  • parks, state parks, camps, and alike
  • airbnb
  • college/school property
Two potted succulent plants arranged on a wooden surface outdoors in a lush green garden setting.

set forth


You have an understanding of what is out there, a clear vision on what matters the most to you, and now is the time to set aside the major stressors and have fun with the remaining details of your day: catering, vendors, decor, and such. Set forth and remember, this day is ultimately about you and your partner.

set forth


You have an understanding of what is out there, a clear vision on what matters the most to you, and now is the time to set aside the major stressors and have fun with the remaining details of your day: catering, vendors, decor, and such. Set forth and remember, this day is ultimately about you and your partner.