A special event calls for a special location, and there's no better backdrop than the lake, the sea, or the ocean to say yes to a new chapter in your life, celebrate coming of age, or toast to 50 years of marriage.
Waterfront venues are becoming increasingly popular locations for any celebration, and they might be just the perfect site for your event.
Whether you are on the hunt for an intimate ceremony location in central Texas or a dream wedding destination in the Bahamas, you have tons of event venues to choose from. Take a look at these excellent waterfront venue options and speed up your planning process.
Private Beach Clubs
Life is a beach, and what better way to celebrate it than throwing a party in a stunning beachfront villa? The breathtaking views, the warm breeze, the sparkling waters, and the white sand are all you need to set the stage for an unforgettable party.
Yacht Clubs
If you are dreaming of an elegant celebration, head down to the marina in Key West, Florida, or check out the exclusive yacht clubs in San Francisco, San Diego and New York and take your pick. Hosting a party in a yacht club is a one-of-a-kind experience. Think exceptional service, incredible views, and gorgeous sunsets. Everything is already taken care of for you to celebrate your special day.
Riverboats
Riverboat parties are fun and come with all kinds of packages. See New York City from a different angle sailing down the river Hudson, or charter a yacht for a unique, luxurious, and unforgettable experience.
Lakefront Properties
Boasting stunning views, lush gardens, and natural beauty, lakefront properties are ideal for waterfront wedding celebrations. With their serene setting, they are the perfect venue for intimate weddings and private receptions.
Some people dream of a historic mansion for a wedding celebration, while others prefer picturesque views, experienced staff and personalized service. What makes the ideal waterfront venue and how to pick the right one for you? Check out these tips.
Location
You may think any waterfront venue is good for throwing a party. An important factor in choosing the right one is location. Ensure your premises are easily accessible and near public transport. If it's a beachfront location, check if there is easy access to the beach and whether it's free or not.
Space
When you know the size of the party, you'll know how big the venue should be. Start by making a guest list and a floor plan, and visit the location on the spot if you need to. Remember, a small space could make your guests feel crowded and uncomfortable, while an overly large one will make your micro wedding look even smaller.
Ambiance
The atmosphere is the spirit of the party. You would assume that most waterfront wedding locations have everything you need to set the right mood, but you have to see it and feel it for yourself before you make a decision. Ensure the wedding venue has good lighting, audio-visual technology, a pleasant smell, and appropriate decor.
Amenities
Most event spaces provide all the amenities and facilities for a party, from power sockets and lights to toilets, kitchen equipment, and sound systems. For an outdoor party, check if the venue provides comfortable seating, tents, and even a walk-up bar if it's a beachfront location.
Waterfront venues require little inspiration for aesthetics as the ideal backdrop are the sparkling waters, whether it's a lake, a river, or the sea. But if you want to take your ceremony up a notch, use these inspiring tips.
Use the stunning views to your advantage and make a fabulous backdrop. For a beach wedding venue, you can add a natural wedding arch with driftwood, twine, blooms and greenery. Plumeria flowers and a lei necklace are inevitable for a Hawaii wedding.
Turn a simple lakeside property into a unique wedding venue with charming photography ops with paddles, Adirondack chairs, and a sky full of sky lanterns. Make your entrance by arriving on a boat, take photos in a canoe, and jump in the lake after the ceremony.
A nautical wedding theme is a must for a yacht club. You can make an excellent photo backdrop with a personalized life preserver ring and use nautical rope wherever possible. Use white and navy color schemes, nautical wedding invitations, and centerpieces, and say thank you with nautical-inspired party favors such as anchor key chains or compasses.
You can turn a scenic riverboat party into a booze cruise, a casino tournament, a quiet and romantic jazz night, or a DJ party till the morning. The options are endless.
When planning a party, every single detail should be accounted for. If you are thinking of a karaoke night but don't have the proper equipment, prepare yourself for some disappointment. Keep this checklist handy if you don't want to miss a thing.
Find a Location
When choosing a waterfront location for your big day, make sure it offers plenty of space for your guests. Apart from that, the location should be somewhere safe and easy to reach, and most importantly, make sure it has the best panoramic views. Don't rush it; there are plenty of waterfront wedding venues out there! Just do a thorough search and compare the venues before you make your decision.
Make a Guest List
Finalize your guest list before picking a location. Send RSVP invitations to see how many of the guests are not going to attend. This will help you plan everything around the event, from picking the right venue to organizing catering, seating arrangements, and party favors.
Entertain your Guests
It's not a party if there's no music, so make sure to hire a reputable DJ or live entertainment. Games and other crowd-pleasing activities should also be on your to-do list.
Set your Budget
Waterfront locations can be expensive, which is why you need to set a realistic budget. Consider more affordable options if you are on a tight budget, such as lakeside property rentals and DIY arrangements, as opposed to costly yacht clubs and private beach clubs. Think of additional expenses for vendors, transport, wedding cake, party favors, food and catering.
A lot goes into planning special events, but if you stick to these key factors, your next event will be a huge success.
Looking for unique venues to celebrate special events with your friends and family? Get inspired with these ideas.
A Romantic Boat Cruise
Boat cruises offer everything you need for the perfect event. Enjoy delicious food and drinks, entertainment, excellent service, and gorgeous sunsets.
Host a Beach Party
A beach venue is the number one party location. Arrange for seafood barbeque, prepare DIY nautical-themed decor, make a stunning wedding arch for the wedding reception and set up a walk-up bar for anytime refreshments and delicious cocktails. And don't forget the loud music!
Charming Lakeside Dinner Party
You can throw a gorgeous party in a lake house surrounded by woods and beautiful scenery. Elevate the surroundings by adding fairy lights, organize camping, jump in the lake, take a ride around the lake in a canoe, and so much more. When the sun sets, set a campfire, play the guitar, and roast s'mores. Sounds like the perfect party!
Many couples dream of getting married by the sea but get disappointed when they find out the prices. The good part is that there are so many non-commercialized waterfront locations you can take advantage of that won't break the bank.
Choose an off-season date for your nuptials. Not only will you save a considerable amount of money on the venue rental, but you may be able to save on accommodations for your guests too.
Hosting private events during the weekends can be costly. Instead, pick a day for your waterfront ceremony on a weekday.
Stick to your budget and save money by opting for all-inclusive packages. These deals won't save you money only, but time, too, so you can concentrate more on yourself and your guests.
Your waterfront party doesn't have to have the latest decoration techniques and trendy photo backdrops. Save money with DIY decorations, wedding arches, balloon garlands, party favors, invitations, music playlists instead of DJs, and even renting the attire.
Looking for the ultimate wedding venue or the perfect space for a family gathering? Whether you prefer a historic hotel, an award-winning yacht club, the marina, or enchanted gardens, with this comprehensive guide, it's easy to find the most stunning venue for your next event.