'Alternative' Weddings - Have you a story??

This is nothing to do with same sex marriages or anything like that. It's just we're planning our wedding for next year and we need to choose a venue etc. The biggest problem we're having is that we don't want to do the usual church, then photos, then 3 course meal, band followed by DJ with 150 guests. That is the normal course of events in Ireland anyway.

We're definitely getting married in a church and we'll probably have 90-100 guests. Has anyone any good ideas of an alternative wedding reception that will be very memorable and enjoyable for our guests? Food is important but we want to avoid a stuffy 3 course meal. Entertainment wise, we would like something different.

I'd love any suggestions!! Thanks

My dad and his new wife had a pagan handfasting ritual - and afterwards there was a huge buffet table and a live band (called Dogpole - I didn't ask.... ) But they did have bellydancing and a bubblemaker thingie and all sorts of fun stuff. I can't say I took much notice of it all though, I'd been far too interested in the wine chalice all day before then!!

Sounds like a fairly good suggestion. Get the people outside and get them interacting... as for "stuffy", just serve more alcohol - that will take care of it. Joking of course.
A live band is a good idea, though.

Maybe try finding an small old church for the ceremony?

I've been to a couple of weddings where the reception was held in someone's (large) home, or a rental home (such as an old historic mansion). These were catered and food was scattered in the rooms so that people could nibble and mingle. 2 of them brought in a band that was set up on an outdoor patio.