Ceremony Location: Religious Venue vs. Reception Venue

I grew up going to church with my parents but I really don't identify with it. FH is from an Irish Catholic family so in the traditional way, they go to church through confirmation and then never go again (like everyone else in New England!).

So we didn't want to have it in a church. It really wasn't because of beliefs or anything, we just don't have a church home so we didn't feel the need to. We'll be getting married at the reception venue. It's much easier because 1. no gaps 2. All BP, family, and us will be staying at the venue the night before and the night of, so everything we need is there and 3. It's gorgeous!

Catholic church ceremony cons: long gap till reception pros: FMIL won't disown us.

I would never consider not being married in a church.

We are Wiccan and had a traditional Wiccan ceremony outdoors. We chose a reception venue that had an indoor/outdoor space so that the ceremony and reception could be at the same place.

We were raised in different religions, so wanted "neutral" turf. A civil officiant married us outside the reception venue.

We are getting married in the church where FH was baptized. He's been a member there his entire life. I love it, even more than my own church. The cons of getting married there are that guests will have to travel about 40 minutes to the reception venue. Our hotel is next to the venue, though, so I think it will be ok for the guests. We may get transportation for them.

Catholic Church wedding was the only option for us.