In the last two weeks we’ve explored what ceremony is and who it is for. Today we examine where ceremonies are held. Historically, most ceremonies are held in religious buildings – churches, synagogues, or mosques. These ceremonies are often highly scripted, following requirements of the religion.
Today, however, ceremonies are held in all kinds of places. You’ll find weddings in parks, on golf courses, in hotel ballrooms, museums, theaters, art centers and private homes. Baby welcoming ceremonies are often held at home, either indoors or in the yard. Many funeral homes have created ceremony space within their facilities, and memorial services can also take place outdoors, in halls or other venues. Small, personal ceremonies can take place virtually anywhere.
Especially if you are not connected to a religious community a secular venue may be most comfortable for you. Many facilities with event space are opening them up for ceremonies, and can be very good to work with. I’ve personally performed weddings at the Science Museum of Minnesota, the Rochester Civic Theatre, the Rochester Art Center and the Minnesota Arboretum to name a few interesting venues. Our local golf clubs also welcome ceremonies (you don’t need to be a member to rent their facilities) and offer another benefit – one stop celebrations.
If you hold your ceremony and whatever reception or gathering follows that in one location, you’ve simplified the experience for your guests, especially out of town guests who are unfamiliar with the area. With a single venue event you can gracefully flow from ceremony to social hour to dinner, or whatever activities you are including in your celebration.
For smaller ceremonies, your own home may be the perfect venue. A small table can serve as a focal point for the ceremony, guests (if any) can be comfortably seated, and again, the ceremony can flow gracefully with any preceding or following activities. If the ceremony is focused on the home, either a house warming or a house leaving ceremony, home is the most appropriate venue, but being in your own space can also be very comforting for support or transition ceremonies.
When selecting the venue for your ceremony you’ll want to consider the size of your guest list, the facilities available at each venue, accessibility and services offered, and your personal style and preferences. In an ideal world, the venue will have a connection to you or the honorees: perhaps a theater for a performer, a science museum for a couple of scientists, or an outdoor space for campers or hikers. In those situations the ceremony venue becomes an integral part of the ceremony and is another way to personalize and bring meaning to your ceremony experience.