Parks

• During the springtime and summertime, parks become a popular location for wedding ceremonies and receptions. Often, park centers will allow couples to rent out tents or covered picnic areas to host their reception as well as rent out portions of the park so that the ceremony can remain private from the rest of the park-goers. Select a park that has a special meaning to you, as the couple, or even one that is larger in size so that your reception can easily take place without too much of the public getting involved. One popular park location is Central Park in New York City.
  
  

Beaches

• Most people hear "beach wedding" and assume it is a destination wedding, but that is not always the case. Often couples that live in states like California, Maryland, Texas and even Florida have access to beaches that do not require a long haul or travel agent to get everyone to their location. A beach wedding can be secluded and romantic as long as the couple researches the area in advance. Talk to your local beach authority or parks and recreation department about a beach that you are considering. Some beaches have special zoning and require permits for a couple to host their wedding there. A beach wedding does not have to be tropical, but some couples prefer tropical or foreign beach locations. Depending on the theme and size of your wedding party, a beach location can be hosted in the United States at one of the thousands of beaches available, or at a more exotic location.
  
  

Las Vegas and Other Gambling Towns

• The glamorous feel of Las Vegas tends to be nostalgic for most and is a popular wedding location. For those couples that want the feel of Las Vegas without the cost, many will opt for gambling towns such as Atlantic City, Wendover and even Reno for the feel of the glitz without as much fuss. Often couples will select a casino for their all-in-one wedding package. Here a couple can simply show up with their dress and tuxedo and the casino takes care of everything else from the accommodations, food, and ceremony to the decorations.
  
  

Serene Locations

• Though the busy life of a casino can be a glamorous wedding setting, so can the serenely placid nature of places like the Grand Canyon, Mount Shasta, or the canyons of Utah. Many of these locations have their own parks and recreation departments that will require couples to register and get permits to host a wedding there. Though some locations will have cabins and other venues built into the area for wedding receptions, areas such as the canyons of Utah have many wedding locations for which the bride and groom will need to provide their own tents for shelter.