While driving up Library Hill on Main Street in my hometown, I spotted the below sign. What shocked me was that they book events!! I have passed this building thousands of times and have not given it a second thought for a venue rental. This brick building has been a historical landmark that was once the public library, hence the name Library Hill.
I looked into the rental space and was pleasantly surprised. First of all, the rental fee is only $350.00 and a bridal package (1.5 days) is $500. That is dirt cheap in the wedding world. Second, the space is absolutely beautiful. Arched ceilings, ornate woodwork, wrought iron chandeliers, and almost floor to ceiling windows. Just WOW.
Don’t overlook these historical places in your town or nearby towns. More often then not, they have been restored to their original charm. Be sure to research the restrictions as some may be surprising. These available rental spaces typically do not come up in searches for venues. Refer to the links below for official registered buildings.
A building does not need to be historical to have old charm. There are numerous options in most larger towns. Simply drive around the area where the venue is being considered. Check out nearby towns, too. Look for libraries, museums, concert halls, factories, city halls, etc. Follow the red brick road, follow the red brick road… (in tune of the munchkins in The Wizard of Oz). Plan a leisurely Sunday afternoon drive and end it with an early dinner. How romantic to find the perfect venue this way!
Another tip: just because a building is vacant and has a “For Lease” sign in the window does not mean that it cannot be used for a wedding. Give the phone number a call. Trust me, a real estate owner would likely ponder the idea of making some money on a property that is currently generating zero revenue.
In order for a building to be nominated to be considered officially historic there is a lengthy and formal process. It must be “listing in the National Register of Historic Places provides formal recognition of a property’s historical, architectural, or archaeological significance based on national standards used by every state“. (nps.gov)
The top picture below was taken by me. The next three of the Hunt Memorial Building are shown on the City of Nashua’s website.
Click below to find:
NH State Register of Historic Places
National Register of Historic Places
Be on the lookout for places like these….
