Location

It depends what your total budget is, but I think for that price difference it is worth it to do the closer venue.

View Quoted Comment I’m currently drafting up a “pros and cons” list. I just don’t love the closer venue as much and it’s more expensive.

I don’t think it’s unreasonable to have guests drive an hour and a half. They are adults and would make the decision for themselves if they want to drive that or not or if they want to get a hotel for the night or not. I think $1500 more for a venue you don’t love is too much. Go with the place you love.

The other thing to consider is what type/time of wedding you are having. At that distance, many guests likely won’t book a room and will drive home that night, meaning they may leave earlier and drink less. Totally not a problem if a late night party isn’t your vision, but I’ve seen it kill the mood (as well as the couples’ grand exit) at friends’ weddings when there was a huge exit at 8pm.

I don't think an 1.5 hour drive is that far to drive for someone I care about.

I would do the drive but I think it's kind of an awkward distance where I wouldnt be sure whether to get a hotel or drive home that night. People who were driving home that night would probably prefer an earlier start/end time. Maybe your family or friends can weigh in on what they would do. Also if hotels are expensive near your dream venue, that's something to seriously consider. I've been invited to weddings where nearby hotels are very expensive and that lead me and FH to just drive home early

I don’t think that’s too bad! I’ve driven that far for weddings before

View Quoted Comment Thats true. All of our friends will definitely want to party hard. Thats part of the reason why we wanted to have a wedding instead of elope. We wanted to celebrate with our friends and family.

Our wedding will be about 2 hours and 45 minutes from where we live. We have family all over the place, and many weddings I have been to required about the same amount of travel. I always think it’s more fun to travel for weddings, it makes it feel like a vacation! Guests can make the decision for themselves! I say if you like the farther venue more, just go for it!

That sounds fine. Have it at the location you want. People travel all the time for weddings. As long as it is under 45 minutes driving time between ceremony and reception with no gap, you are fine.

I’d go with the one you love. I would also book a block of rooms at a hotel nearby the venue and let guests know they have the option of booking at the hotel. Many places offer discounts when you reserve a block, and then your guests just call to reserve one and provide their credit card info. Costs you nothing - just make sure they auto cancel any rooms left over that aren’t reserved

That is not far at all! When I was venue searching I looked at places between an hour to 2 hours away. I didn't want it in the city which is more local and convenient, but didn't have the wedding vibes I wanted. It's your special day and you want to love your wedding venue!