Plan a Wedding in a Public Space

Planning a wedding can be stressful enough, but planning a wedding in a public space can make the process even more frustrating than normal. If you have your heart set on saying your vows in a space that’s unable to be blocked off for a private ceremony, such as a park or museum, you’ll have to be a bit flexible and roll with the punches.

Of course, there are some public spaces that allow marriage ceremonies for a fee. You can decorate, show up ahead of time to set up and enjoy many of the perks that come with planning a regular wedding. If your chosen venue is one of these, good for you. Your primary concerns should be keeping away the stray onlookers and claiming your desired ceremony spot for yourself in advance. These tasks can be delegated to family members or members of the bridal party.

However, a new type of public wedding is popping up, which some affectionately refer to as the “guerilla” wedding. In a guerilla wedding, there are no fees, no setting up beforehand and no time for mistakes. The goal is to be as inconspicuous as possible, as you and a group of however many you like sneak off to your desired location with a photographer and minister in tow. Exchange your vows, get in a kiss and be prepared to make a run for it if and when security guards are called. Security guards and fines are the worst-case scenario; however, though it has happened. Your best case scenario is a happy crowd gathers and applauds when you kiss.

Whether you go the legal or slightly illegal route, both are more suited to intimate gatherings of only family and close friends, along with a few vendors who are willing to go along with your shenanigans.