More Than Just a Venue: The Marry Men’s Guide to Finding Your Perfect Ceremony Space
Finding the perfect wedding venue is often the first and most significant decision a couple makes. But what makes a venue “perfect”? It’s more than just a beautiful ballroom or a scenic garden; it’s a space that feels right for your ceremony. At The Marry Men, we’ve had the privilege of officiating in a vast array of venues across the GTA, from grand estates and golf clubs to intimate restaurants and private homes. Through this experience, we’ve come to understand that the right venue is one that not only looks great in photos but also supports the feeling and flow of your unique ceremony.
Here’s our guide to choosing a ceremony space that truly works for you, with insights from our experience as officiants.
1. The Feel of the Space
Before you even start looking, sit down with your partner and discuss the kind of atmosphere you want for your ceremony. Do you envision something grand and formal, or something cozy and intimate? A rustic barn, a chic loft, or a lush garden? The venue you choose should be an extension of your personalities. We’ve seen couples find their perfect match in unexpected places, from historic libraries to trendy art galleries. The goal is to find a space that, the moment you walk in, makes you feel like, “This is it.”
2. The Flow of the Day
The ceremony is the first major event of your wedding day, and your venue should be able to accommodate its flow. Consider the logistics. Is there a separate space for the ceremony and reception, or will it be in the same room? If so, how long will it take to “flip” the space, and where will your guests go during that time?
As officiants, we know that the transition from the ceremony to the cocktail hour can be a logistical puzzle. A venue with a dedicated ceremony space or a smooth plan for transitioning the room can make all the difference. We work closely with venue coordinators to ensure this process is seamless, allowing you to focus on celebrating with your loved ones.
3. Sound and Visibility
This might not be the most glamorous part of venue hunting, but it’s incredibly important. Will your guests be able to see and hear the ceremony clearly? We’ve officiated in spaces with challenging acoustics or poor sightlines, and we’ve learned that a venue’s infrastructure is key.
During your site visit, pay close attention to the sound. Ask about their audio-visual capabilities. Is there a sound system available? Can you bring in your own microphones?
Our theatrical and broadcast backgrounds mean we’re experts at projecting our voices, but a quality sound system is a huge help, especially for larger gatherings. Also, consider the sightlines. Will all of your guests, especially those at the back, have a good view of the moment you say “I do”?
4. The Venue-Officiant Partnership
A good venue is one that has experience working with outside vendors, especially officiants. When you’re speaking with a venue coordinator, ask about their policies for external vendors. Do they have a list of preferred officiants, or are you free to choose your own?
We’ve built strong relationships with many of the GTA’s most popular venues because we believe in a collaborative approach. Before your wedding day, we will reach out to the venue coordinator to confirm all the details, from our arrival time to the setup for the ceremony. This proactive communication ensures everyone is on the same page, eliminating stress and allowing us to focus on what we do best: telling your love story.
Choosing your venue is an exciting step in your wedding journey. It’s the backdrop for the most important part of your day. By considering not just the aesthetics, but also the logistics and the professional support, you can find a space that is more than just a place to get married—it’s the place where your forever begins.
About The Marry Men Wedding Officiants
The Marry Men Wedding Officiants are Jason and Michael, a dedicated duo committed to crafting personalized, one-of-a-kind ceremonies for every couple. With backgrounds in event coordination, journalism, and the performing arts, we bring a unique blend of professionalism, passion, and storytelling to your special day.
We proudly serve couples of all faiths, backgrounds, and orientations, believing that every love story deserves to be celebrated. Find more about our journey and services at our website, www.themarrymen.ca, and follow us on Instagram @themarrymen. Read our glowing reviews on Google Business and Wedding Wire to hear from our incredible couples.