dilemma: love my venue, but...

kristiwashere

I have fallen in love with a local historic church (dating to the 1880's), a simple, one-room wooden church, only a block from a beautiful waterfall and its accompanying park. It has basic things that I love - space, restrooms and A/C (which may seem like everyday basics, but it is very HISTORIC so these are important) as well as large grounds to accompany parking and a reception. Now, my dilemma: The information I have for this church doesn't allow alcohol on the premises, whatsoever, and that just doesn't work for us. However, there's literally no nearby options for alternate reception sites, because we live in a small town, and this location is 15 mins outside of town anyways! Should I give up and find another venue even though this is my dream one, or is there a possibility I can host my reception at the park down the road... does anyone know the restrictions on alcohol for public parks?Wow, thats confusing. If any clarification is needed, let me know!

handfast4me

You'll need to check on your local board to see about alcohol restrictions. Here in Georgia alcohol can't be served in public parks, but we also don't have alcohol sales on Sundays either--one of the only 3 backwards states that has these arcane laws. 

ellinger84

Can you have your wedding ceremony at the old history church and the reception at your original venue?  A 15 minute drive between the two isn't bad, just provide your guests with directions.  That way you get the historic feel you love and the security of an indoor reception with alcohol!

kristiwashere

Well, that is where he has ALWAYS said he wanted to get married (he's been visiting that church since he was a teenager) but I was always skeptical... then i fell in love with it... The laws here are similiar to Georgia, in  neighboring county (where I grew up) you can't buy any alcohol on Sundays, and in my county now you can only buy beer and wine on Sundays. I was also considering about what my uncle did at their wedding.. at their reception they had a keg (which I'd have to opt out of) but then they also had an after-party for the younger crowd (they're 20-somethings). Since most of my family and his won't be drinking, maybe I should have a basic reception for the food and cake, and later in the evening have a great after party elsewhere?I really didn't want to travel between ceremony and reception.. to me it seems like more hassle than its worth.

lithiea

we're getting married at a park and doing a non-alcohol reception there (no booze in public parks) then after the reception we're going to our favorite restraunt (large patio) for drinks- we've rented out the patio and any guests that want to join us afterwards can.

[Deleted User]

When my cousin got married 15 years ago, his wedding was 2 weeks after his 21st birthday.  Their venue had the ability to provide alcohol, but the liquor license for the event had to be pulled by the people renting the venue, and done at a month in advance.  They had no alcohol at the event, and no one even remembers there was no alcohol.  It was a great wedding, and the alcohol was never missed.  If you really want to have a celebration where you can have some champagne (or whatever drink of choice), planning an after party for those who choose to participate would be a great idea.