Cheap venue spaces that allow outside caterer and alcohol

Where are you located?

She's in South Jersey.

Cheap is relative. Yes, it's possible, but your definition of cheap likely differs from mine.

Have you tried my good friend, Google?

If budget is your issue you need to cut your guest list. 120 is still a big wedding. Not only will you have more options when you find venues that seat 100 or less, but you'll be able to host very well because you can spend more pp

Usually spaces that are specifically event halls will allow outside caterers. It's places like hotels that already have a staff on hand you have to use.

I agree cut the guest list. It makes a world of difference.

Not familiar with venues in your area, but consider buying out the restaurant for lunch or dinner. Have a small reception somewhere beautiful, then meet the bulk of the guest list at the restaurant. Weigh the costs of catering vs a restaurant, you may be surprised. I still have a hard time swallowing the 20% service fee at our restaurant location, but in the end it was still cheaper and more convenient than renting a tent, chairs, tables, linens, tableware, sounds system, paying travel fees, delivery fees, clean up services, etc.

Also, do lunch instead of dinner, you'll save thousands there alone!

My FH and I struggled with this issue too -- it was super hard to find somewhere that allowed outside food and alcohol (though we did manage it!). We're located in Boston so I can't help you with specific recommendations, but I can give you some suggestions on how to search.

I originally started with the knot and weddingwire vendor search tools, but it didn't give me a ton of options. I found the best thing to do was keyword searches in google. Looking through old chat boards of similar topics gave me the most leads. I find it's easier to start the searches on google, even if they eventually lead to the same wedding websites. Once I found a few places, I'd include those in my search to see if I could find boards that included those recommendations and more. Hope that makes sense!

I agree with some of the previous comments -- depending on how tight your budget is, you might want to look at some alternative options. DIY everything venues have the flexibility you're looking for, but they are also a hassle and not even necessarily cheaper. We're happy with our plan, but we also had some wiggle room in our budget to make it work. You need to figure out what makes the most sense for you based on your budget and priorities.

Thank you everyone!!! Sorry for not clarifying before, this is very new to me - we would like to have the location around South Jersey. We are planning a Friday or Sunday wedding, and I actually started cutting my guest list to get the costs down. I've been using Google a lot and it's been my friend so far. As mentioned earlier, chat boards have helped as well. I'll keep all the advice in mind

Carolyn, you may also want to consider a non-Saturday wedding. My venue was $2000 cheaper because we booked on a Friday night. We also considered a Sunday brunch wedding/reception but chose a Friday because our first date was at an event called First Friday at a museum and we wanted to start our marriage the same way, on a Friday. Off days don't work for everyone but it's something to consider in addition to cutting the guest list.

I'd say go for museums, botanical garden spaces, nice looking party halls, etc. We are actually using a museum venue for our wedding and reception where we were able to bring in our own caterer. Now here's the other side to that you should be prepared for. These places will require other insurances that not only your caterer is required to have, but are also required to have. It's not very costly, but I just don't want to be too surprised when it indeed comes up. It protects the venue in case your guests or caterer happen to ruin the space or damage anything.

Museums, women's clubs (many are built in historic buildings) arboretums (the Morris county park system has gorgeous ones), gallery spaces.

But do cut the list; not only will it be less expensive, it will give you more spaces that would be suitable.

Thank you for all the great suggestions!!! I want to be informed as much as possible before going into more venue research. I have heard about the insurance and different policies as well - definitely important to keep in mind! I am currently looking at Women's Clubs, Community Centers, museums, etc. I've found a couple hidden gems so far!

Keep it up Carolyn you'll find it eventually. It's one of the hardest parts as well as cutting the guest list but you're doing both and it will all work out!

Carolyn, try Valley Crest Farms, in Lebanon. I know it's not really south, but it's sweetly rustic, not expensive at all, and you can bring in your own caterer and drinks.

Thank you!! It isn't easy, but I know it will be all worth it. Celia that's a new one I've never heard of before! Thanks so much, I'll look into it! Do you know the rental rates off hand?

I don't but it's reasonable. Also look at Masker's Barn.

Here's the thing. Many, many people here are paying for their own wedding. The first thing that goes is extraneous guests.

So work on that at the same time.

I don't but it's reasonable. Also look at Masker's Barn.

Here's the thing. Many, many people here are paying for their own wedding. The first thing that goes is extraneous guests.

So work on that at the same time.

Try a summer camp. I'm from MA but we looked at a summer camp in Maine that charged a small venue few but you were allowed to bring whatever food and alcohol you wanted in.

Look at parks with pavilions. Some will be a complete building with bathrooms and such. We almost went that route and the pavilion was a gorgeous old train station.