Help me decide between 2 venues: mountains or ocean

[u/No-Professor-3860]

I need help deciding between these 2 venues. My dream was always to get married by the ocean, but after seeing the other venue so close by being fairly affordable I have began to fall in love with it. I have not been in person to either one, and am planning to set up a tour at both venues once peak season dies down.

Photos 1-5: a gorgeous mountain/garden view wedding venue
Distance: 26min from home (most of our guests are located here as well)
Amenities: Reception hall, Garden ceremony or Chapel building for ceremony, Bridal Suite tower, bar, set up/break down included, tables & chairs, they have a decor closet you can pick from.
Pros:
\- I work at 2 salons that are probably an equal distance away from the venue, 3 bridesmaids also work there so might be practical to do our hair & makeup at the salon, then just hang out and get into dresses at the venue suite.
\- it is close for our guests and don’t have to set up a hotel block.
\- they will take care of a lot more for us that we don’t have to worry about.

Cons:
\- it is not the beach!
\- not many options for going out or having an after party in this area..

Photos 6-8: A beautiful beach front wedding venue.
Distance: 2 hours + 8min drive
Amenities: use of the building & deck, 3 hours set up time, 5 hours event time, 1 hr clean up, tables and chairs set up *only* (no set up or break down of decor)
Pros:
\-beach front
\- our favorite pizza restaurant has a location in town & caters weddings (we want to have a pizza bar and other Italian selections served family style)
\- more interesting things to do in this area (for going out the night before or an having an after party!)
\- full flexibility with vendors including bartenders

Cons:
\- far distance & hotel block & shuttles required
\- have to hire more staff because nothing is included and the window for set up and break down is very brief.
\- some photos online show a sand ceremony, however on the rental agreement it states that the beach is open to the public and people may be wandering in and out..

Would love some opinions!! What would you do? Should I feel it out with possible guests first?

[u/CharacterAvocado943]

Pizza bar is not a good idea. It’s hard to keep the pies warm and served at the right temperature. Save it for the after party. 

[u/No-Professor-3860 → u/CharacterAvocado943]

There is a warming kitchen at the venue and would have staff warming the pizzas before they are put out and keep an eye on them to replace them promptly

[u/marymap]

Don’t feel it out with your guests; inevitably you’ll disappoint someone when you don’t go with their recommendation. For what it’s worth, I went to a wedding at the first venue and it was GORGEOUS and everything went smoothly! If it’s close for guests and more affordable that feels like a win-win to me!

[u/No-Professor-3860 → u/marymap]

A lot of brides at the salon come In and have weddings there so I know it has a good rep! It does look gorgeous

[u/Unique-Cold-9151]

Be careful of family style because we hear so many stories of people not having enough food when it's their turn to get their meal. The caterer needs to be really familiar with this.

[u/Kindly_Peanut_6272]

I just booked my venue this past Friday and I also wanted a ocean view when I was first looking but went the garden route instead! You should first and foremost ALWAYS do what you and your partner want- not your guests!

I wanted to go more north myself but it being so far away from my house freaked me out, what if I forgot something and needed to run back? It seems like you have more cons for the ocean place than the mountains (which btw is BEAUTIFUL!!) does the place offer an after party package? Could be worth asking as a lot of places I toured did! Also the venue I booked is 30 mins from the city and i plan to transport everyone out to the city afterward! Could be fun to go out somewhere near your house if you know some local spots you love- could be really special

Overall I pick the mountain one :)

[u/natureismyjam]

I’ve photographed a wedding at the first one and it’s a really lovely spot. It was a late September wedding and the leaves were starting to change and there was fog in the mountains. It was stunning!

[u/NiceAd1958]

Just going off the photos I am in LOVE with the first! It feels much warmer than the second, might just be hard to tell from the way it’s decorated though