Little girls dream of their weddings from the time they’re old enough to realize that boys aren’t (always) that bad. But, while many of your classmates envisioned a fantasy land with a white dress, sparkly lights, and church bells ringing in the background, you have other ideas.

Perhaps you’re not much for tradition or you want something that you will truly remember for a lifetime. Whatever the reason, you’re looking for something a little off-kilter.

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Unforgettable Destination Wedding Venues

Here are five unique wedding venue ideas.

Cave

You don’t have to be Batman and Batwoman to get married underground. There are plenty of cavern venues in the United States and abroad that will cater to your every wedding whim and whimsy. If you can’t quite make it to a cave, bring the cave to you. With a few black backdrops and creative lighting enhancements provided by Abell DJ Company, you can make your wedding venue look and feel you desire.

Backyard Bash

Have a tight budget but want a wedding that’s as custom as possible? Throw a backyard bash. There’s no reason you can’t get crafty in the space you already own. You can even make your own church pews for about $60 each using these detailed instructions from the Momma From Scratch blog. Better yet, add a gazebo or covered patio to enhance your home’s value and give you a beautiful backdrop to say “I do.” A quick tip: keep receipts and itemize each improvement in case you plan to sell later. Your appraisal may increase if upgrades are justified.

Haunted Hotel

If you grew up being babysat by Freddy Krueger, Jason Voorhees, and Michael Myers, a spooky wedding may be more your speed. There is no shortage of haunted hotels in the United States, including Thomas House in Red Boiling Springs, Tennessee. If you choose here, make sure to reserve a room in the dark hallway and get yourself up to speed on the history and haunts lurking in these corridors. Jack Osborne dedicated an entire episode of Portals To Hell to this mysterious mansion.

Old West Wedding

Get your giddy-up ready for a Wild West wedding at Paramount Ranch in California. The ranch, which has been the site of many movies since 1923, is part of the National Park Service, so a permit is required. If you want something a little more country and a little less cowboy, you could also consider The Buie Barn in Brunswick, Georgia, or the many dude ranches available for private events throughout the US.

Museum of Natural History

If money is not a concern, you can get married within one of the exhibits at the Smithsonian’s National Museum of Natural History. A minimum of $17,000 allows you to max out the museum’s 3500 guest capacity unless you plan to serve dinner, in which case you’re capped at 350 people.

A Vintage Theater

Do you long for the heyday of theater? Look no further than The Thaxton in downtown St. Louis. Venue Report explains that this quirky, colorful venue for up to 150 guests offers bar service as well as the use of audio equipment and tables and chairs. Abell DJ Company can give you a quote on music, photo booths, and special lighting, just call 314-266-2666.

When you’re ready to tie the knot, there’s no reason that it has to be a cookie-cutter occasion. Whether you want to go spelunking for your rings, wear a black cowboy hat, or have an intimate setting right at home in your own backyard, you’re not limited to tradition. The best part is that most of the above venues won’t cost much more than the average location, so you’ll have an event to remember without breaking the bank (unless you choose the Smithsonian).