500 Wedding Ideas

How can I find local people who rent out there large homes/backyards for weddings?

How can I find local people who rent out there large homes/backyards for weddings? I know they are out there, I am just not sure how to find them, is it word of mouth only? I am not talking about places with big websites who do this type of thing all the time, but private, smaller locations through local people.

Public Comments

1. Put an ad on Craiglist stating what you're looking for and see if you get any responses.
2. I don't know of anyone who would do this for a total stranger. I know plenty of people who will do it for a close friend or family member, but not if that same friend or family member said they knew someone who wanted to use their place. There is a huge liability risk when you allow people onto your property. If one of your guests trips over a rock and gets a concussion, they can sue the homeowner for negligence. You and your guests will also cause a lot of wear and tear to the property...setting up chairs, arches, aisle runner, maybe even a tent. Then a hundred or so people trample the lawn. And where do they go to the bathroom? You either have to rent portapotties (not such a good idea when you have guests formally dressed for a wedding) or the homeowner has to allow hundreds of strangers into their home to use the bathroom. This opens up a whole other liability issue--things go missing or get broken, so the homeowner has to file an insurance claim and then his premiums go up. And what about a rain option? Are you going to expect this person to allow you and your guests to use his actual home for the ceremony if it rains that day? I think your best bet it to try to find a bed and breakfast that is on an estate that will let you have the ceremony on their lawn and use the dining room or living room if it rains. Good luck!
3. Go to bridal showes and ask there. Do spread the word. Do you have a wedding coordinator? If so ask her. Also call bridal shops and ask them if they know of any place. Something will come up if you plan and prepare. Have a wonderful wedding.
4. What Elsie said is right on. People either generally do this as a business and actively promote it, or they don't do it at all. There is just too much liability involved.
5. check your local yellow pages, city halls, recreational facilities, hotels, colleges & universities