Traffic Noise at Wedding - Big deal or no?

Have you tried asking the coordinators at the venue what options they have? They've obviously done a lot of weddings successfully, so they might have a solution you would be happy with.

They said people just deal with it and it's not a big deal. I don't know if I agree with that, though! It's not primarily a wedding venue, it's just a side thing that the owners do. They're primarily a mountain retreat for astronauts. That means that their presentations are usually inside, but weddings are outside. There would be no point to the venue if we did the ceremony inside because the outside is so gorgeous.

I do a lot of weddings along the hudson river which equals helicopters for days.

I think it depends on you. Maybe go and sit there for 30 minutes and see how it feels to you?

@Celia, that's a good idea. In your experience, have the helicopters been a major distraction or are people so absorbed in the moment that they don't really notice?

I think they get used to it, but it's definitely a wakeup call at the beginning.....I don't stop for them unless it's during the vows.

Thanks! I really appreciate your insight.

I officiated a wedding in the yard of a house near our busy airport. Sure enough, a plane flew overhead during the ceremony. I had to pause because even I could not hear myself. I don't think cars on a nearby road would be as bad.

I went with the venue that had more stuff available to me. It ended up being more money, but less work and less stress.

I went to a wedding last year that wasn't on a super busy road, but busy enough that cars did drive by during the ceremony. With the landscaping, you couldn't see the cars at all, but you could definitely hear them and I found it super annoying and distracting as a guest. My guess is the bride and groom didn't even notice because they were so into everything, but it drove me crazy.

@MeantToBeAKennedy, this is exactly what I don't want to happen! The ceremony is the part I'm most excited about. We're putting a lot of work into crafting something both entertaining and meaningful, with traditions from our various heritages. I'm a professional writer and will be writing the ceremony, and I don't want people to be distracted, dammit!

One of my friends got married in my hometown at a nice property, but the ceremony space is about 15 yards from the road, which is usually busy. They did not use microphones and we (guests) couldn't hear any of the ceremony due to the noise from the passing cars, not to mention that more than a few honked their horns in passing -_- I think it would have been fine if they used a system to amplify the sound, so you will probably be okay if you opt to utilize the sound system.

Can you find any videos of weddings performed at the second video so you can see if the traffic noise is noticeable? Maybe if the venue has any videographers on their preferred vendor list, you might be able to find one.

I would go with the quieter options...it will be more relaxing and give your guests the option of staying onsite.