In Lincoln, couples can have the traditional church setting - a sanctuary adorned with bouquets of flowers and burning candles. But outdoor venues are popular among many Lincolnites.
Lisa Parker, a senior early education major, said she had always wanted an outdoor wedding, but her fiance voted for a church setting.
``Since my fiance and his family have more conservative views about religion,'' Parker said. ``We agreed to be married in a church.''
But she kept part of her wish. The church, First Plymouth Church at 20th and D streets, has an outdoor courtyard and garden.
For a complete garden scene, many students and Lincoln community members choose to marry at the Sunken Gardens, said Janet Ball, office specialist at Nebraska Parks and Recreation.
``There are several areas around the gardens to have weddings,'' she said.
Ball said the cost to rent the garden for a three-hour period is $150, while other areas under the Nebraska Parks and Recreation's territory are $100.
She said these areas include Hazel Abel Park at 18th and E streets and Stransky Park at 18th and Harrison streets for smaller weddings.
For larger affairs, Ball said the Pioneers Park Columns and Oak Lake Park Island also are popular sites.
Nebraska Parks and Recreation also can hold weddings at Veterans Garden, Iron Horse Park in the Haymarket and Antelope Park Rotary Garden across from the Sunken Gardens.
All park sites are city property and have a ban on alcohol, Ball said.
Outside the realm of Nebraska Parks and Recreations are private outdoor venues like James Arthur Vineyards in Raymond.
Barb Ballard, co-owner of the vineyard, said getting married with a grape vine background adds a religious element to the ceremony.
``The Bible uses grape vine imagery in relation to tending to relationships like you do to vines,'' Ballard said.
Ball said the major benefit of an outdoor site is the small amount of decorating that needs to be done because of the scenery.
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