The process of researching, selecting and finally booking your wedding location is arguably the most important part of your planning tasks. After you’ve chosen a locale, you can determine a guest list, the theme and decor, and all the other day-of details. With such a large part of your big day (and your budget) resting on which venue you choose, it’s helpful to know what’s trending! Take a look at the top 5 trending venue types here:

Backyard Weddings: Picture the “Father of the Bride” house, but with less chaos! Couples who are more drawn to a simple wedding will love this quiet and uncomplicated venue idea. If you’re struggling to imagine a “backyard” wedding on your apartment patio, don’t fret! Think outside the box for family members or close friends who would be willing to host your nuptials. If all else fails, turn to Airbnb or Peerspace for listings that permit weddings to be held at their rentals.

All-Inclusive Venues: For some planners, the hunt of acquiring all your vendors on your own is a motivating one! If you don’t happen to feel that way, look to an all-inclusive or full-service venue to take some of the stress off. Most hotels, restaurants or even charter boats will have “preferred vendors” for you to choose from, making the research and selection process much more manageable. Not only will you have less to worry about when planning the wedding, but these vendors will also already have the lay of the land on your big day.

Industrial Spaces: Think of this venue option as the “re-invented barn wedding”. As tastes are moving away from rustic spaces and burlap, they’re reimagined as “raw” locales with harsher lines and details. To balance out those rigid characteristics look for planners to pair them with softer florals and colors.  If this idea sounds like one you might appreciate, look outside the box for venues! With the correct permits and decor, a grand yet unassuming warehouse could make for a beautiful space for both your ceremony and reception.

Scenic Overlooks: For a space that combines the beauty of your love and all that nature has to offer, think about an outdoor or viewpoint wedding. Depending on where you live or want to travel for your wedding, the opportunities here are endless. Know of a pier on a lake in your area? Set up some chairs for a calming and serene ceremony overlooking the water. If the forest is more your style, look for vendors that can bring your “woodland” vision to life. For an extra-special touch, return to the place of your first kiss or proposal for a semi-destination wedding.

Historic Settings: This one isn’t just for the history buffs! Historical settings and buildings can make for an elegant venue, and provide a basis for your theme and color scheme as well. If you’re interested in this for your wedding, look for museums, libraries (if Carrie Bradshaw can do it so can you), historic homes or estates, government buildings (San Francisco City Hall has been home to many a glamorous affair) or similar structures. Keep in mind that many of these options might be government or privately held, and there will be more restrictions than at other wedding-focused venues.

The details that go into a wedding can seem endless, but one of the most important ones is surely where you will actually be holding the event! From backyards to beaches, there is an infinite number of options, and each one suited to a particular theme, time of year and couple. Take some time to research what wedding location is best for you, or come up with your own! Share your thoughts about wedding venues in the comments, and let others know what locations you’re looking at!