Find the Best Restaurant Weddings and Restaurant Wedding Venues

Restaurant Wedding Venues:

Everything You Need to Know

Sharing food and conversation in a communal setting is often the first step in developing a lasting relationship. Restaurants are common places for people to fall in love and can really set the stage for romance. As a result, restaurant wedding venues are among the most popular options for microweddings and smaller wedding celebrations among modern couples.

Restaurant wedding venues are ideally suited for smaller receptions and may even have accommodations for holding your ceremony in a private hall or room. You can also choose restaurants for wedding dinner arrangements, rehearsal dinners and other events related to your big day. Restaurants that hold wedding receptions typically offer catering, which can streamline your preparation process for your wedding reception.

At Carats & Cake, we can help you find the best restaurant wedding venues whether you want to stick close to home or are planning a microwedding or intimate wedding with close friends and family. Our extensive directory of photos and information on real-life weddings can help you find the perfect solutions and inspiration for your wedding celebration. We can help you answer the question, "Where can I find restaurant wedding venues near me?" and there are plenty of options for a destination wedding too.

Restaurants are located in every part of the country (and world) and offer a variety of price points. By checking out the directory of real-life weddings in your area, you can find all the answers if you are asking questions like, "What are the best spots for restaurant weddings near me?" There are so many ways to transform these spaces into unique venues for the most special and memorable. restaurant weddings.

Why are restaurant wedding venues popular?

Restaurant weddings are as unique and individual as the couples who plan them. There are many reasons to consider restaurant weddings when planning the theme for your wedding. Some of the most popular reasons for choosing a restaurant as the venue for your wedding are listed below:

Variety and versatility: Choosing restaurants for wedding dinner celebrations, wedding receptions, or for your entire wedding day can allow you to fine-tune your plans for a restaurant wedding by selecting the perfect venues for each of these events. Many potential venues for restaurant weddings have private dining halls or other indoor or outdoor areas that can be the perfect location for your upcoming wedding day. Whether you are planning an intimate wedding for close friends and family, an elopement, or a garden restaurant wedding, you are likely to find plenty of answers to the question, "Are there appropriate restaurant wedding venues near me?"
Focus on food: With so much going into planning a wedding, it’s not unusual for the food to be a lower priority. But if you and your partner love gourmet food, planning a wedding around your favorite restaurant can help you to eliminate the need for catering companies and delivery of food to your chosen venue. By selecting a restaurant wedding venue foodies really love, you can streamline your wedding planning process to a considerable degree. This can also allow you to ensure the best possible meal for guests to your wedding from chefs you know and trust. And who wouldn’t want an epic meal on such an important day?
Perfect for smaller gatherings: Intimate restaurant weddings can add a touch of magic to even the most basic wedding arrangements. By selecting the right restaurant wedding venue, you can share great food and wonderful companionship with your partner, your wedding party, and any other guests you choose to invite to this celebration.
Sentimental attachment: One of the most common reasons for choosing a restaurant wedding venue is to recreate a first date or to share a favorite restaurant with your friends and family on your special day. If you and your partner share a favorite restaurant, you can often find the perfect restaurant venues for small weddings by contacting restaurants near you.
Suitable for all types of wedding festivities: The venues you consider for your restaurant wedding can typically accommodate all types of indoor weddings. Some restaurant wedding venue options may allow access to outdoor gardens, patios, or other areas that may suit an outdoor wedding ceremony while allowing you to enjoy the reception in an indoor environment that will provide real comfort for everyone on your guest list.
All the amenities: Restaurants regularly serve customers and offer comfortable surroundings for them. This means that your restaurant wedding venue will already have bathrooms for guests, seating, and basic décor to help you manage these necessities much more easily.
Better time management: Most restaurant weddings can be planned in very little time, which makes them a popular choice for last-minute nuptials. Your restaurant wedding venue can often provide the right décor and comfortable seating to make your wedding special for you and your guests. This can streamline the planning process while allowing you to enjoy the wedding of your dreams without breaking your wedding budget. If it’s a perennially popular restaurant, however, it might be difficult to rent out the entire place or even a small area on short notice.

If you are planning a smaller wedding, restaurant venues could be the perfect choice for you. Convenient and ideal for foodies, these wedding options can make your special day as perfect and intimate as possible. By choosing a restaurant wedding venue that is precisely right for you and your partner, you can create the wedding of your dreams in a location that has significance for you both.

What are the various types of restaurant wedding venues?

Because restaurants vary widely in the type of cuisine they serve, the areas in which they are located and the available space they offer, you have a wide array of choices when selecting your restaurant wedding venue. Some of the most popular options for restaurant weddings include the following:

Restaurant venues for small weddings. Most restaurants have spaces that can be reserved for larger parties. If you are planning a microwedding with only your closest friends and family members, you can often save money and time by opting for restaurant venues for small weddings as your location for your ceremony and reception.
Restaurants with outdoor patios or tents can provide the ideal backdrop for your wedding ceremony as well as your reception. Even if the restaurant wedding venue you are considering does not already have a covered outdoor area, you may be able to bring in your own canopy or tent to provide shelter for your ceremony if inclement weather threatens your wedding plans.
Places that allow full-facility rentals can also be great choices for restaurant venues for small weddings. Depending on the location and the size of the wedding, you may be able to hold your ceremony in a private hall and then spread out to the restaurant itself for your reception, where you’ll be celebrating with friends and family.
Chef's kitchen experiences are available at certain exclusive restaurant wedding venues. These options are typically more expensive than other types of restaurant weddings because of the reputation of the chef, the increased labor costs, and the overall demand for chef's kitchen experiences—not only among couples planning their wedding, but for anyone wanting to take advantage of this service. Additionally, you may want to reserve your preferred chef's kitchen wedding experience early to ensure that you can schedule your wedding on your preferred date or range of dates.
Restaurants that hold wedding receptions may do so in private halls or by a rental arrangement. While you don’t necessarily need to have your ceremony in the same place, your entire party can head over to your favorite restaurant for the remainder of the evening. And if you will need more room, you may be able to reserve space outside the restaurant and set up your own space for your wedding reception while taking advantage of the restaurant's own facilities for bathroom breaks, seating and other options for your reception.
Chain restaurants may be an unusual choice for your wedding celebration, but they can provide a cheeky, heartfelt venue for couples. Chain restaurant weddings can also offer a casual and fun atmosphere that will provide you with the perfect restaurant wedding venue. Keep in mind that all restaurants in a particular chain may offer restaurant weddings to their guests. It is best to check with the specific restaurant you are considering to make sure that they offer these services and that they can accommodate the number of guests you are planning to invite.
Restaurants for wedding dinner or rehearsal dinner events will require reservations well in advance too. Most restaurants that hold wedding receptions can accommodate other events, including your welcome party or rehearsal dinner. You will need to reserve the space as soon as possible, however, if you plan to rent the entire facility for yourself and your wedding party.
Museum restaurants typically offer a selection of options for guests visiting these cultural institutions. In some cases, museum restaurant weddings may be a solid option that can combine your interest in art with your love of good food to create the perfect setting for your upcoming wedding ceremony and reception. That being said, some museums may have strict rules about where food can be consumed. Making sure your wedding plans conform with the restrictions put in place by museum management will allow you to avoid any issues on the day of your event.
Country clubs often offer arrangements for country club restaurant weddings that use the facilities already in place for the club restaurant or kitchen. This can allow you to streamline your wedding planning process and some places can even provide elegant wedding décor too. Requesting information on amenities and pricing for country club restaurant weddings can allow you to determine if this is the right choice for you and your partner.
Bars and taverns that serve food as well as drinks can redefine the idea of an open bar at your wedding reception. While these may not qualify as full-fledged restaurant weddings, a bar or tavern that you and your partner love could be the perfect place to exchange your vows in front of friends and family members too.

Choosing a local or destination restaurant for your reception can make it much easier to manage all aspects of wedding décor and catering. While you will still need to arrange for your wedding cake and other elements of your ideal wedding, you can generally count on your restaurant venue to deliver delicious food for your guests and to provide a special place to celebrate your love.

How much do restaurant weddings cost?

The most important factor in planning for your wedding cost is the venue you choose, which typically accounts for 45% of the overall cost. The average cost of a wedding in the United States is $30,000. With more than 2.5 million weddings each year, finding the perfect venue can be a competitive process. With all of this in mind, considering restaurant weddings can expand the available venue options for you and your partner both locally and at destinations around the globe.

Just as different restaurants have varying menus and charge different amounts for the food they sell, restaurant wedding venues also offer a variety of price points, depending on the size of the wedding, the amount of food you want, and the time at which you plan to hold your wedding. For most venues that offer restaurant weddings, time of day can be a critical element in the amount you will pay for your venue. Restaurants typically do most of their business during what are known as peak hours, which may be on weekends or during the evening. For breakfast and brunch restaurants, of course, the peak hours may be in the morning and early afternoon. Scheduling your wedding off peak hours can often allow you to get a better deal on the cost of your big day and the overall budget impact of restaurant wedding venues.

The time of year you choose can also have an effect on the amount you will pay for your restaurant wedding venue. As with all other types of venues, June is one of the most popular months for restaurant weddings (and weddings, in general). You may pay a premium price for scheduling your restaurant wedding venue during this time of the year. Additionally, if you decide to rent out the entire restaurant for a prolonged period of time, you will generally be charged a premium price that will include the estimated revenue lost to host your celebration (as well as whatever food and drinks you arrange).

The number of guests who receive invitations to your wedding will also determine your cost for catering and space. Restaurant weddings are not suitable for some very large gatherings. So, if you plan to invite 200 or more guests, finding the right restaurant wedding venue may be difficult or impossible in your local area.

Many aspects of your wedding plans can affect your overall cost for restaurant weddings. For example, your wedding dress expenses could cost thousands of dollars. While décor costs are typically a smaller part of the budget for restaurant weddings, your wedding flowers and other expenses can play a significant role in how much you will pay. Big or small, these are all fees to remember as you plan and ultimately book your restaurant wedding venue and vendors.

How much will you pay for your restaurant wedding? Much of the cost of your wedding will depend on your choice of venue, the location of the restaurant, the reputation of the chef, and the extras you decide on for your wedding day celebration. Restaurant weddings can be less or more expensive than weddings held at other venues. If you are planning a destination wedding, you will also need to factor in the cost of transportation and accommodations for you and your partner. Tracking your costs and establishing a wedding budget may be the most important and helpful tips in controlling costs for your upcoming restaurant wedding.

What are the best locations for restaurant weddings?

Many restaurant weddings start with the question, "Where can I find restaurants for small wedding receptions near me?" This simple inquiry can often lead you to find local restaurants that will work for your needs. Whether you are planning a casual and unique pizza parlor wedding or are looking for the most romantic rehearsal dinner restaurants for you, your partner, and your party, doing a little research can help you find the ideal restaurant wedding venues for your upcoming nuptial celebrations. Here are some of the culinary hot spots that can make holding your wedding in a restaurant extra special for you and your guests:

Portland Restaurant Wedding Venues

One of the most popular destinations for modern cuisine, Portland restaurants for wedding dinner celebrations can offer a variety of fare perfect for your upcoming nuptials. The foodie city in Oregon is the ultimate destination for West Coast couples and traveling brides and grooms alike.

California Restaurant Wedding Venues

California encompasses a significant amount of real estate and is a destination for gourmet dining all along the West Coast. Choosing venues for restaurant weddings in California can allow you to find the perfect options for your specific tastes. While San Francisco and Los Angeles are among the most popular restaurant wedding venues Southern California has for couples planning their celebrations, choosing a restaurant wedding venue in other areas can sometimes help you to manage your wedding budget more effectively.

San Francisco: San Francisco venues for restaurant weddings include a wide range of food types and options that may include hotel wedding venues and locations close to scenic landmarks. If you love the atmosphere of San Francisco, you can find the most beautiful restaurant wedding venue for your special day in this part of California.

Los Angeles: Many of the most popular restaurant wedding venues Southern California has to offer are located in Los Angeles, a hub for some of the most delicious food in the state (and world!). Whether you are planning a destination wedding, a brunch wedding or are interested in a specific venue, you can find the most beautiful restaurant wedding venues Los Angeles can boast by doing some research on dining and event planning options in this area. Some of the best restaurant wedding venues Los Angeles has to offer are associated with museums and gardens too, which can make your wedding an unforgettable experience for you, your partner, and all your guests.

Chicago Restaurant Wedding Venues

Located in the heart of the Midwest, Chicago restaurant wedding venues offer easy access to friends and family located in the United States and Canada. Recommendations from loved ones and checking out our directory can allow you to find the most popular restaurant wedding venues Chicago offers. There are near-countless Chicago restaurant wedding venues you can learn more about through our directory of real-life weddings. After looking through them all, it’ll be easy to see that there are truly magical restaurant wedding venues Chicago has to offer for your once-in-a-lifetime wedding day.

Boston Restaurant Wedding Venues

Known for its iconic cuisine, you can select from among a variety of venues for restaurant weddings Boston-style. From classic Italian spots to fresh seafood, you and your guests will love a night at one of the most elegant restaurant weddings Boston can provide for your big day.

New York City Restaurant Wedding Venues

Long renowned as one of the culinary capitals of the world, New York City is an ideal starting point for planning restaurant weddings and receptions. Whether you live in the tri-state area or are planning a destination wedding, we can make it easier to find the restaurant wedding venues NJ and NY couples are looking for to create the perfect atmosphere. Locating the right New York City restaurant wedding reception venue can allow you to enjoy your special day to the fullest.

Philadelphia Restaurant Wedding Venues

Philadelphia restaurant weddings offer the opportunity to enjoy the best food in scenic and historic surroundings. Whether you are planning a destination restaurant wedding to Philadelphia or live locally, this area can offer a full range of options for exquisite restaurant weddings.

Charleston Restaurant Wedding Venues

Southern cuisine is a popular option for many couples planning their weddings. So, choosing from among the many restaurant wedding venues in Charleston and other Southern cities can allow you to enjoy elevated comfort foods and flavors galore that will make your wedding and reception extra special for you and your guests.

Toronto Restaurant Wedding Venues

Finding the best restaurant wedding venues Toronto offers for couples can help you to plan your ceremony and reception much more easily. Our directory can help you find the most appropriate restaurant wedding venues Toronto has to offer for your upcoming celebration.

Dublin Restaurant Wedding Venues

When looking for the restaurant wedding venues Dublin couples love and that culinary experts recommend, you may also want to explore the surrounding communities to find the perfect restaurant wedding venue for you. If you are interested in the most exclusive or elegant restaurant wedding venues Dublin can boast, your wedding planner may be able to make suggestions about restaurants that hold wedding receptions and ceremonies. This can help you manage your destination wedding to Ireland much more effectively.

Other International Restaurant Wedding Venues

These venues are located all around the world, allowing you to create the restaurant wedding you've always wanted. You may have to do a little research to find the best restaurant wedding venues in your chosen destination. It will be worth it, however, to serve up an unforgettable wedding and a reception with food that is memorable and delicious for you and your guests.

What should you keep in mind about restaurant weddings?

A number of important factors will affect the success of your restaurant wedding and the amount you will pay for this major event in your life. Restaurant weddings present some special challenges that must be considered when making plans for your event (and any other arrangements leading up to and after your restaurant wedding). By using the same restaurants for wedding dinner, rehearsal dinner, and reception arrangements, you can often develop a better understanding of the specific challenges that may come up and the ways in which to handle these issues.

Most venues for restaurant weddings have policies in place that should be available upon request. These may include information on available times, number of guests allowed, menu options, and many other aspects of your upcoming wedding celebration. Here are some things to keep in mind when seeking out restaurants for wedding dinner celebrations and the after-party:

Smaller may be better: Restaurants and other facilities that serve the public typically have occupancy limits that must be observed to ensure safety. This will generally put a mandatory limit on the number of guests you can invite. In general, restaurant weddings are best suited for smaller weddings with a limited number of guests in attendance.
Timing is everything: In the restaurant business, profitability depends on serving patrons on a schedule that suits their needs. This means that your chosen venue may only allow restaurant weddings at specific times of day or on certain days. For instance, a restaurant that is generally closed on Mondays may set aside that day for special events like wedding celebrations. It is important to check with your chosen venue and to include the time and date in your contract with the restaurant before handing over your deposit. Your chosen venue may charge additional fees for certain dates, times, or durations of your wedding ceremony and reception. Some restaurants may also have a strict cut-off time after which they cannot serve food or alcohol. All these details must be worked out to ensure that your wedding goes smoothly and that no unexpected problems arise that could affect this special day for you and your partner.
Consider your catering needs: Many restaurants do not allow outside caterers to use their equipment or kitchen space. This may be because of insurance issues or simply because it is against the restaurant's policy. Chances are good, however, that you selected your wedding restaurant because you like the food and the atmosphere. Bringing in catering, even for something like your wedding cake, could be prohibited at your chosen restaurant wedding venue.
Wedding cakes could be an exception: Some restaurants do not have the staff or the expertise to create elegant and beautiful wedding cakes suitable for your celebration. For this reason, venues for restaurant weddings might allow you to obtain your cake from an outside vendor and to have it delivered to their restaurant. If your cake requires refrigeration, it is important to check with the restaurant in advance to make sure that there will be space for your cake once it has been delivered to your venue. Your restaurant venue may charge a cake-cutting fee for weddings held in their location too. Asking all about the cake-related requirements and fees can make you that much more prepared for the overall cost of your wedding.
Manage your menu: While it may be tempting to allow your guests to order anything from the regular menu from the restaurant, this can add up to significantly higher costs for your wedding reception. Arranging for a limited menu and asking your guests to choose from a few options for each course will typically reduce the amount you will pay for meals served at your wedding reception. Be sure to check on vegetarian and vegan options and options for those with dietary restrictions or allergies too. This will ensure that everyone who attends your wedding can receive a meal that works for them and their specific set of needs and preferences.
Note required attire: Depending on the venue you choose for your restaurant wedding, formal attire may be recommended or even required. Making sure that your wedding invitation or website indicates the preferred attire for your restaurant wedding venue will allow you and your guests to avoid unpleasant surprises when they arrive on your big day. You can feature all of this information on your wedding website, plus any other important details about your event.
Dress for success: Your wedding dress can provide the inspiration for your wedding décor and can make a dramatic impact on your guests. Because restaurants are usually indoor venues, you can incorporate the latest wedding dress trends and wedding party attire without worrying about mud, sand and other aspects that can limit attire options for outdoor weddings in some locations.
Check on restaurant policies about photography: While most restaurants that offer services make special allowances for wedding photographers, it is still worth checking to make sure that your plans for wedding photos are in line with their specific policies. If the venues for wedding restaurants you are considering limit photography to certain areas, it is important to keep this in mind when planning for your photos.
Don't forget to dance: For couples who want to include dancing as part of their wedding reception, checking with your venue first can help you make sure you and your special guests can bust a move. Smaller venues may not have the open floor space necessary to allow for dancing. Even for venues with larger seating capacity, you may need to rent and apply a temporary dance floor to protect flooring and to ensure the best possible experience for you, your partner, and your guests.
Make things easy on yourself: One of the best reasons to consider restaurant weddings is the convenience these wedding arrangements offer in terms of catering and décor. Deciding to hold your wedding in your favorite restaurant can streamline catering arrangements and can reduce the stress on you and your partner leading up to your big day. And as previously mentioned, all of the amenities are right there: a bathroom, kitchen, and other necessities that are sometimes brought into wedding venues.

Your wedding is a once-in-a-lifetime event, and restaurant weddings are an excellent way to combine your love of good food with a celebration of the special love you and your partner share. By choosing a restaurant that has meaning to both of you, you can streamline some aspects of wedding planning while ensuring the best food and atmosphere for your wedding and your guests. Your restaurant wedding can allow you to create memories of this special day that will last for a lifetime.

How do you start planning restaurant weddings?

Looking to our directory for inspiration can make the planning process easier and can help you connect with the right vendors for your wedding celebration. With these gorgeous photos of real-life weddings, you can find the perfect venue for your restaurant wedding or any other type of wedding you and your partner want. Plus, you can see which vendors brought these special events to life and contact them immediately. To learn more or to begin your wedding planning process today, head over to our directory and get inspired and excited about your upcoming celebration.