While your friends might dream of garden ceremonies and ballroom receptions, there's only one location on your mind: the 50-yard line. Sound about right? We thought so. But before you start planning, check out these perks and quirks of saying "I do" in a field house or other sports-related location.
Perk: The decor is already in place
"The great part about being at a stadium is that you don't need a lot of extra decor; there's so much here already," says Lauren Neilsen, ARAMARK director of catering sales at Oriole Park at Camden Yards in Baltimore. "Whether the wedding's sports-affiliated or not, the stadium creates an atmosphere all its own."
Quirk: You need to plan a year ahead
"We are subject to availability by the home team's schedule," Neilsen says. "We have to wait until whatever season's schedule has been released so we can contract with them." That means couples have to be a bit more flexible with dates than they would with other locations -- Neilsen recommends booking your space at least a year in advance to be sure there isn't a home game on your date of choice.
Perk: The menu's already set
While many stadiums don't allow outside food for events, stadium caterers can still cover all the bases when it comes to the reception meal. According to Meredith Kennedy, ARAMARK manager of sales at the M&T Bank Stadium (home of the Baltimore Ravens), couples have requested everything from catered mini hotdogs to black-tie affairs with Kobe beef sliders. "There's nothing they're really not allowed to do," Kennedy says.
Quirk: Tradition goes out the door
A couple that weds in a stadium has to be up for something different from the average bride and groom. So even if you or your beloved feels less rah-rah about sports, a stadium can still provide a unique locale for a ceremony or reception. “Usually at least one of them is a fan, but once they get into the building, they realize it isn’t all sports and it’s just a great space,” Kennedy says.
Perk: The outfield can be your aisle
Believe it or not, it’s sometimes possible to have your ceremony and reception right on the field, albeit at a higher cost to set up. Some venues even provide catering, tables, chairs, and a host of other items, so all you have to worry about is showing up with your game face on.
-- Justine Lorelle Blanchard