Not every bride dreams of a grand ballroom swathed in organza and sparkling crystals. There are several brides looking for a more unconventional wedding venue that is memorable and, most importantly, unique. The modern bride is more interested in their wedding venue reflecting her personality and tastes than adhering to nuptial traditions of the chapel, hall or ballroom ceremony and reception.

Across the United States, and the world, there are several wedding venues that depart from the standard and provide one of kind wedding experiences that the bride, groom and guests will remember forever.

Georgia Aquarium

225 Baker Street Northwest

Atlanta, GA 30313

(404) 581-4000

Most people would not expect a state aquarium to be equipped with all the bells and whistles that go into throwing a grand wedding event, but the Georgia Aquarium in Atlanta, Georgia certainly does. In-house catering by Wolfgang Puck caterers, space for even a large party and guest list and unbelievable architecture make the Georgia Aquarium perfect for wedding ceremonies and receptions.

San Francisco’s Palace of Fine Arts

3301 Lyon St

San Francisco, CA 94123

(415) 563-6504

California brides will love the Palace of Fine Arts in San Francisco. This amazingly beautiful wedding ceremony and reception venue is located on the water and has both outdoor options, in the rotunda, and an indoor space in the lobby that allow the reception and ceremony to happen in the same place. It is recommended as a summer wedding venue, as it can get chilly close to the water, especially in the morning and evening hours. The price is affordable and the staff is accommodating, which is always important when choosing a venue.

Kakslauttanen Hotel & Igloo Village

Kiilopääntie 13

99830 Sodankylä, Finland

016 667 100

You will want to bundle up while getting married in the striking beauty of the Kakslauttanen Hotel’s incredible snow chapel. There is a warmer indoor wooden chapel, but the trip to Finland to get married would seem less special if you do not take advantage of this once in a lifetime opportunity. The staff at Kaksluttan can make your trip easier, taking care of the legalities of getting married in Finland as well as the superficial details like the decorations and seating. Brides with Finish roots could not find a more impressive traditional ceremony in a less traditional location. Your guests may shiver, but the experience will keep them from minding very much.

When choosing an unconventional wedding venue, it is important to keep your style, personality, needs and budget restrictions in mind. Not every bride and groom can afford a trip to Finland to get married, but your local zoo, museum or library would be less expensive and just as unexpected.