By Alexandra Dillard | Photo by Ideal Impressions Photography, at The Treasury
When planning a wedding, many couples start with the venue. After all, the space you hold your big day will ultimately influence the mood, logistics and design choices of your celebration. From the rehearsal dinner to the ceremony to the reception, there are a lot of options for what your wedding landscape can be. You can keep things simple and streamlined by planning all of your festivities in one spot, or treat your guests to the experience of several locations. There are so many options! Here are a few of our favorites in the Geneva Lake area:
HOTEL OR RESORT
Wedding logistics are a breeze when you book a hotel wedding. Hosting your wedding at a hotel or resort is a great option if you anticipate a lot of out-of-town guests. On-site accommodations ease the need for wedding-day transportation, and it helps keep everyone in a central locale. Plus, there’s an added layer of guest safety, as no one will need to find a sober driver at the end of the night — they can just go up the elevator to their room! Many of the area’s hotels and resorts offer a variety of celebration locations, from waterfront ceremony spots to indoor ballrooms to grand dining spaces. The value of all the amenities a resort provides is hard to overlook. Locally, options include The Cove of Lake Geneva, The Abbey Resort, Grand Geneva Resort & Spa and The Ridge.
GOLF OR YACHT CLUB
Views and greens abound! Private clubs like country clubs and yacht clubs, as well as public and private golf courses, lend themselves to some stunning panoramic photo opportunities and event backdrops. In addition to the aesthetic appeal, these venues often come with white-glove service, multiple rooms options, and experienced staff and catering. Many country clubs offer events to their members only, so be sure to check before you get your heart set on one. However, this does add extra privacy and security for your special day. Check out Hawk’s View Golf Club, Destination Geneva National and Abbey Springs.
BARN
Rustic charm comes easily at a barn wedding. Barns offer a lot of space, so these are ideal for large weddings, especially if you intend on having both indoor and outdoor festivities as part of your celebration. The outdoor grounds allow space for elements like a fire pit, yard games and maybe even some petting zoo cameos. And don’t feel boxed-in by the rustic aesthetic. These venues are versatile and can be dressed up to create an engaging juxtaposition of glamour and homespun charm. For a breath of fresh air and a step away from the hustle of city life, a barn or farmhouse is a lovely choice for a blissful wedding. Local options for rustic, barn-style weddings include Boxed and Burlap, The Barn at Back Acres and The Landing 1841.
HISTORIC ESTATE OR SITE
Character abounds with a historic site or estate as a venue. By leaning into the past, you can ease up on decor rentals and let the space speak for itself. These venues typically have breathtaking architecture and the irreplaceable richness of historical detail. Local options include the Riviera Ballroom, Maxwell Mansion and The Treasury.
WATERFRONT
Romanticism comes with the territory of a waterfront wedding. No matter your wedding-day nerves, ultimate relaxation comes with getting married by (or on!) the water. The Geneva Lake area offers several options for waterfront ceremonies, including Lake Lawn Resort, The Geneva Inn and Lake Geneva Cruise Line.
