One of the first decisions every couple makes is “where” they will tie the knot. While barns, beaches, and forests are popular choices, one location certainly checks all the boxes: a golf course.
Why? Because it offers a blank canvas, you can use it to create the wedding of your dreams and ensure it’s precisely how you imagined. Plus, they offer everything you need: professional staff, planned activities, and catering!
Let’s explore how to plan a golf course wedding so everything goes perfectly for your special day.
What’s So Special About A Golf Course Wedding?
If you’ve narrowed down on having a golf course wedding or are considering it, there are quite a few benefits that you may realize.
So, here are the top reasons why a golf course makes an ideal wedding venue:
- Convenience: Everything from the ceremony to the reception, as well as other planned activities, can be held at a golf course, making it highly convenient for you and your guests.
- Extra Activities: You can access specific perks like in-house caterers, professional bar services, and ceremony equipment. Plus, you and your guests can enjoy additional activities at the golf club.
- Professional Staff: The golf club provides professional catering services, bartenders, and staff to ensure a seamless setup and takedown of your wedding.
- Great Value: A golf course wedding is worth every buck you spend because they offer everything you could need, saving you money and eliminating transportation concerns.
- Scenic Environment: Golf courses offer picturesque backdrops, including lush greenery, ponds, and trees, providing a natural scenery for wedding photos.
- Weather Control: Gold courses have built-in backup plans in case of bad weather, as venues often have indoor event spaces available for last-minute switches.
- Less Stress: Selecting a golf course reduces wedding planning stress, as many services and facilities are provided in one centralized location, eliminating coordination with multiple vendors.
How To Plan The Perfect Golf Course Wedding
Now that you know why a golf course wedding is a fantastic idea, it’s time to kickstart the planning process. There’s no doubt that a lot goes into executing a wedding, and there are so many things to keep in mind, so here are eight tips to make it a smooth sailing process:
Set A Realistic Budget
Setting a budget should be your top priority, considering the average cost is around $30,000. When looking for a wedding venue, consider the dining services for guests, as it may be an extra cost. You can also save money by being selective with inclusions and decorations.
You must discuss with your partner to determine a set budget and be mindful of potential additional expenses. Luckily, getting married on a golf course can be advantageous as it provides everything needed in one place, making sure you stick to your budget.
Some golf courses, like the Ventana Canyon Golf & Racquet Club, also offer built-in entertainment and catering packages; this allows you to reduce costs while hosting a wedding you have always wished for.
Prioritize The Must-Haves
Before going head first into planning the wedding, creating a list of your “wedding must-haves” is non-negotiable. Sit down with your partner to discuss all the critical aspects, from the dream attire and decor to the menu and entertainment.
Similarly, consider the setup for the ceremony, the reception DJ, and whether there will be a cash bar. It’s also essential to allocate a budget for priorities, like investing more in a photographer for beautiful, lasting memories.
Start The Search Early
When planning a golf course wedding, finalizing the date and having a rough guest list early on is crucial. Many popular venues get booked well in advance, so contacting the golf course at least a year ahead is wise. This allows time to tour the venue, secure the desired date, and complete all the details.
Planning a wedding involves countless details, and this can be stressful. One primary source of stress is deciding between having the ceremony and reception at separate locations or the same venue. Fortunately, that won’t be the case with a golf course wedding venue because they provide the convenience of hosting both events in one place.
Select The Perfect Golf Course
Golf courses offer various wedding venues, from intimate outdoor settings to larger spaces on the golf course. Some golf courses are tailored for weddings, offering chapel-style buildings and on-staff wedding planners.
Similarly, choosing the right location is crucial, as well. For example, you’re more likely to have a top-notch celebration in San Diego, considering it has 92 golf courses, over a place like Fullerton, which has only 2! You should also communicate your expectations well and consider factors like size, accessibility, and picturesque settings.
Visit the venue to explore different options and consider the time of day for the ceremony to take advantage of natural light and the unique atmosphere.
Ask For Professional Help
Wedding planning is a challenging task that often requires help. Don’t hesitate to seek assistance from a wedding coordinator or planner; this will ensure a successful and stress-free planning process.
Also, consider hiring a wedding planner specializing in golf course venues who can provide valuable recommendations based on the setting. Social media can also be a helpful resource for learning from the experiences of previous brides.
Many couples regret not asking for help because they become burdened with the stress of planning instead of enjoying the process. So, a wedding planner can handle the intricate details and alleviate your stress. Golf courses often have event planners who can also assist with various aspects of the planning process.
Keep Your Guests In Mind
Planning a wedding at a country club or golf course can offer several benefits. Many venues provide discounted rates for guests and pre-wedding entertainment, like a round of golf. Determining the guest list and overnight accommodations for out-of-town guests is crucial.
Look for nearby hotels and negotiate deals you can extend to your guests. Consider a central location for a destination wedding to ease travel and find local hotels for the big day. Additionally, focus on meal options and seating arrangements within the venue to ensure a seamless experience for your guests.
Embrace The Golfing Theme
Considering you’re already at the golf course for your wedding, why not incorporate some golf-themed activities? You could plan a relaxing round of golf for the wedding party before the big day, or treat your guests to a game the next morning.
Embracing the golf course decor and activities that naturally come with the venue can make the experience inclusive and fun for everyone. There are endless ways to incorporate the theme, from golf-themed centerpieces to a mini golf course or putting green for guests to enjoy during the reception.
It’s also a good idea to book a band or DJ to keep the entertainment going throughout the night, and consider offering golfing packages for guests after dinner. Remember to schedule some time for avid golfers on your guest list to partake in the game, as it’s a great way for both families to bond and make the most of the venue.
Have Fun!
When planning your wedding, it’s alright to consider outside opinions but ultimately do what makes you happy. Remember, it’s your special day, so make sure you get exactly what you want while being respectful of those helping you with the event.
On the big day, try to let go of the details and enjoy the moment. A golf course wedding can help ensure everything runs smoothly. Remember to live in the moment, work with your wedding party to organize tasks, and take lots of pictures to capture your dream day.
A Fine, Memorable Golf Course Wedding
Golf course weddings can give any venue a run for their money, considering they have everything on site and are very well-capacitated to host significant events. Not only does it offer a picturesque backdrop to say your vows, but it also ensures everything you need is accessible. So, take advantage of all these perks and have the wedding you’ve always dreamed of.