"Blank slate" Outdoor Venue

Sometimes it's even more expensive to bring everything in than it is to rent a place with rentals included. Just some food for thought.

Sorry I'm not more help!

Check VRBO and Craigslist. People will sometimes list their properties as a "rustic wedding venue" or "rustic wedding space". Good luck!

First, put your location in your subject line so people who actually can help you will try.

But I do second Brittany's post. Having been a caterer, I can tell you that starting with a blank stretch of land and essentially building a room, bringing in all your food, staff, rentals and in some cases bathrooms can add $$$ before you know what hit you.

No, Brittany, it is ALWAYS more expensive to bring in everything to rent. (From someone who brought in EVERYTHING to a field for their wedding.)

It depends on your area, but my money is on not finding this at all. You may find private homes, but most don't allow events. You will need excessive insurance. Rentals for EVERYTHING. A full staff (above and beyond what catering would bring).

It's not worth it unless you can get the space for free, and even then...

I'm stumped on this one. State parks was going to be my only suggestion. Does anyone have a nice backyard they'd want to offer up to you?

@Celia I posted this to the Boston area forum! But we will take anything in MA, NH, VT, or Southern ME.

Rebecca, yep. I wanted something like this, and we had it at our friends ranch, who owns the land. In the land of ranches this was almost completely impossible, so I cannot see this happening in Boston, Sorry!

We are having our wedding with 100 guests at a private property that I found on VRBO. I had to look REALLY hard to find it but FH are both absolutely thrilled with it. I do have to bring in all of my own vendors but I get a completely customized wedding and it's costing us a few thousand less than the average wedding venue in our area (I've had to put in A LOT of time searching for vendors with the best value, too).

At the end of the day, you want what you want so if it works for you and it's within your means, go for it :-)

One piece of advice: if you are planning this type of wedding yourself, be prepared to kick your organization and tenacity into high gear. And make Excel your best friend :-)

Hi, NH bride here. I was looking for something like this unfortunately there is usually a steep fee to bring in outside food. My suggestion would be to look at Wineries or Country Clubs with a lot of space, there a few in southern New Hampshire like that. Good luck!

@Mrs.CK good to know! I'm a newbie and didn't realize that. How silly that they even ask lol

@Haley - Any chance you feel like sharing the link to this property with a fellow bride?

I hope you can find a suitable location! I would check all the state and national park land in the area first at reserveamerica.com and recreation.gov Sometimes they have places that are group camping areas that are basically just large fields then have the reception at a nearby space. Just an idea, best of luck! -Cate??