When planning an eco-friendly wedding, a thoughtful approach is required, especially regarding your venue.
You can reduce your carbon footprint by choosing a venue with green credentials, such as solar panels or veggie gardens or on-site accommodation.
Are you unsure where to begin? Continue reading to learn more about eco-friendly venues for weddings. We also have a list of questions you can ask during on-site tours.
Why is it important to choose an eco-friendly wedding venue?
Your wedding venue plays a significant role in reducing the environmental impact of your big day. Your wedding venue is responsible for large portions of the carbon footprint, including electricity and travel.
Your biggest investment is likely to be your venue. Your venue and catering budget will account for 40% of your total budget. It makes sense to make sure your money is going somewhere in line with your eco-friendly values.
The venue will set your guest’s experience. These eco-friendly venues are often renowned for their beautiful gardens and outdoor spaces. This makes them ideal for hosting a “green” event.
Where to Find Eco-Friendly Wedding Venues
It can be not easy to find eco-friendly venues for weddings. Many venues are taking steps to become more sustainable due to growing concerns about climate change and the future sustainability of our planet.
You may be wondering where to start your search for an eco-friendly venue for your wedding. We recommend searching Less Stuff more Meaning for ethical and eco-friendly wedding directories. Or, you can simply Google “eco wedding venues” to find the nearest one. There’s also plenty of inspiration on Pinterest and Instagram using hashtags like #ecoweddingvenue, #ecofriendlyweddings and #sustainableweddings.
What you should look for in an eco-friendly wedding venue
What are the key features of an eco-friendly venue for your wedding? There are many ways that your venue can help you be green, including plastic and waste policies and catering options.
These are the top features to keep in mind when researching and touring potential locations.
Distance from Guests and Venue Location
If you are interested in an eco-friendly wedding, we recommend starting your search near home. Although destination weddings can be memorable, they are not good for the environment.
Local venues will cut down on travel costs and help reduce carbon emissions for you and your guests. It’s a great idea to host your ceremony and reception in the same place.
Optional Eco-Friendly Catering
The carbon footprint of your wedding will be impacted by the food and drinks you consume.
Most wedding venues now offer food and drink packages in-house. It would be best to inquire about the various menu options and whether they align with your eco-friendly standards.
Consider, for example, if the venue sources seasonal produce locally. Are there vegetarian and vegan options? Are they able to grow fresh produce on-site Ask potential venues how they can provide for your guests as sustainably and efficiently as possible?
Recommend Suppliers
Some venues will have a preferred supplier list. However, some venues may require that you work with these suppliers to book your event. You should also check the list of vendors to see if they align with your eco-friendly values.
Plastic and Waste Policy
A good venue will be able to tell you about their policies regarding plastic and waste. It is smart to inquire about potential venues’ stances on single-use plastics, their food and beverage policy, and their policies on food waste.
Event Package Inclusions
An all-inclusive venue will help reduce your wedding’s environmental impact. You don’t have to worry about finding the right items elsewhere, and you can save on transport and fuel costs. All-inclusive venues are often cheaper.
Choices for Accommodation
Are any of your family members travelling from out of state or abroad to attend your wedding ceremony? Accommodation will be an important consideration in your decision-making process.
Look for eco-friendly venues that offer on-site accommodation or nearby options if you are planning a wedding. Many eco-friendly venues offer sustainable accommodation options such as eco-cabins, safari tents, and luxury “glamping” tents.
Environmental Initiatives
Ask about sustainability initiatives and other venue features during your site tours. It would be best if you looked out for solar panels, fruit and vegetable gardens, and composting facilities. Some eco-friendly venues can even be operated “off-the-grid” and have initiatives to ensure completely self-sufficient.