Finding your soulmate and deciding to spend your life together is a wonderful thing. True love is priceless; unfortunately a wedding isn’t. According to Costofwedding.com, the average cost of a wedding in the United States is $26,645.
Start your marriage off on the right financial foot by throwing a wedding you can afford – not one that will put you into debt until your 10th anniversary. As a service member or a military spouse-to-be, you are eligible for special military savings at many wedding chapels and venues around the country. These locations are happy to show their appreciation to America’s troops by offering you savings on ceremonies, receptions and entire packages. Below are just a few of the places where you can say “I do” at a discount:
Military Bases with Wedding Discounts
Chapels on military bases or academy grounds are a very affordable (possibly even free) option for wedding ceremonies. Military chaplains also generally perform ceremonies at no charge. In addition, military bases may have wonderful catering facilities, such as these venues at Naval bases throughout San Diego.
ARIZONA
Gilbert
Chapel At The Farm
Free elopement weddings or vow renewals
Every Thursday of the month, Chapel at the Farm offers active military families complimentary elopement weddings or vow renewals at this vintage farmhouse.
CALIFORNIA
San Marcos
Twin Oaks Golf Course
$500 off ceremony rental fee, free night stay, and more
The Twin Oaks Golf Course, an arts-and-crafts style venue in the rolling hills of San Marcos, offers special military wedding packages designed to save you money and accommodate your busy lifestyle. Active duty military can receive $500 off ceremony rentals, complimentary upgrades, a one night stay for the bride and groom, a free round of golf for four, and more.
CARIBBEAN
St. Thomas
Bolongo Bay Beach Resort
50% discount on destination weddings
Bolongo Bay, an amenity-filled resort located along a golden sand beach, offers active duty military members a 50% discount on weddings if you are also staying at the resort. Discount is valid on the “Paradise” wedding package.
FLORIDA
Orlando
Shades of Green at Walt Disney World Resort
Affordable pricing for wedding packages
Shades of Green at the Walt Disney World Resort in Florida is an Armed Forces Recreation center. It is a peaceful, wooded setting just minutes from the Magic Kingdom. It specializes in providing affordable weddings to military members and offers several packages to choose from.
HAWAII
Oahu
Maui’d Forever
A variety of military discounts
Substantial military discounts are available when you create your wedding with Maui’d Forever. There are many wedding packages to choose from in a variety of stunning beach locations.
Maui
LoveMauiWeddings
15% savings
LoveMauiWeddings honors America’s heroes with a 15% savings on its popular “So This Is Love” package. This package includes a beachside ceremony, minister, photography, flowers and more.
ILLINOIS
Gaslite Manor Banquets, Lincoln Inn Banquets & Courtyard Banquets
5% off Saturday weddings, 10% off Friday/Sunday weddings
Aurora, Batavia, Warrenville
These three banquet halls welcome home active duty troops with special wedding discounts. Active military qualify for 5% off Saturday weddings and an additional 5% off Friday/Sunday weddings.
NEVADA
Las Vegas
Mon Bel Ami Wedding Chapel
10% discount
Mon Bel Ami was voted the “Most Beautiful” and “Best Value” wedding chapel in Las Vegas. Choose a traditional chapel, outdoor gazebo or chic modern pavilion. Active duty service members can receive a 10% discount on the “Elegance” and “Exquisite” packages. Both packages include the wedding ceremony, music, photography and more.
Viva Las Vegas Wedding Chapel
Free minister
The Viva Las Vegas Wedding Chapel runs traditional and themed weddings in settings including a gazebo, garden and even a doo wop diner! When you book a wedding with them and show your military ID, Viva Las Vegas will pay the $60 minister fee.
Lakeshore Chapel Wedding
Special Ceremony Pricing
The beautiful and peaceful lakeside Always and Forever Wedding Chapel offers the military a special wedding ceremony package for up to 10 guests for $299.Includes music, flowers and more.
Reno
Grand Sierra Resort and Casino
Special wedding package pricing
The elegant Grand Sierra Resort and Casino offers military members special wedding pricing on several packages. All packages include a chapel ceremony with other features varying by package such as flowers, live music, champagne toast, and more.
PENNSYLVANIA
Pittsburgh
Heinz Memorial Chapel
20% off
Current or former military applicants – Active, Guard or Reserve – can receive a 20% discount at the Heinz Memorial Chapel. This nondenominational neo-Gothic style chapel featuring beautiful stone vaults, repeated arches, and high ceilings is located on the University of Pittsburgh campus.
WISCONSIN
Lake Geneva
Grand Geneva Resort & Spa
Military discount wedding specials
This four diamond resort offers breathtaking views and a variety of military discounts. There are several reception options to choose from including elegant ballrooms, an outdoor pavilion and a rustic chalet.
Milwaukee
Marcus Hotels & Resorts
25% discount on hosted food and beverage
Marcus Hotels & Resorts offers three distinctive locations including the Pfister hotel, Hilton Milwaukee City Center and the Intercontinental Milwaukee. Each of the venues honors the military with up to a 25% discount on hosted food and beverage.
Many other places may also offer unadvertised military discounts, so if you are researching a chapel or venue it doesn’t hurt to ask if they have one.
The information provided in this blog post is for informational purposes only. It should not be considered legal or financial advice. You should consult with a financial professional to determine what may be best for your individual needs. Military discounts generally require proof of military service. See individual websites for details, restrictions, expiration dates, and other information. Offers and discounts can change at any time. Omni Financial does not endorse, recommend or imply affiliation with the listed companies or organizations.
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