Your Guide to Planning the Perfect Brewery Wedding

There are countless options for finding the perfect wedding venue, whether you’re looking for a dreamy garden, a ballroom, a historic church, or a beautiful beach. Another unique idea? Hosting your wedding at a brewery—especially if craft beer is your favorite beverage.

Breweries range in aesthetic from modern to industrial, and many often have ample space to host a wedding. Plus, if you’re a craft beer lover, then your bar plans are built right in! Thinking a brewery may be the ideal fit for you and your partner? Read on for everything you need to know about how to plan a brewery wedding, from questions to ask your venue to decoration ideas.

Why Choose a Brewery Wedding?

A brewery wedding isn’t for everybody, but if you and your partner love craft beer, you met at a brewery, or one of you even works at a brewery, it may be the perfect fit. “A brewery wedding could be an immersive and fun location for a couple who enjoys beer, the brewing process, and pairing brews and culinary dishes,” says Aleah and Nick Valley, founders of Valley & Company Events. “A brewery might also interest couples from an architectural or aesthetic perspective—they might enjoy an industrial brewery or classic brick building brewery that shows off the brewing process to guests.”

How to Find the Right Brewery Venue

When it comes to hosting your wedding at a brewery, chances are, not just any brewery will do. First, it’s important to confirm that your favorite brewery can host events whether indoors or outside, and that it can accommodate your planned guest list. Then, think about aesthetics and other amenities.

“Look for a brewery that has character within the walls, an experience for guests, and also clean amenities,” says Aleah and Nick Valley. “As brewhouses are working spaces, be aware of what equipment, machinery, and tools might be visible to guests. Inspect the kitchen space with your culinary or planning team to ensure either the facilities are ample or to determine whether a kitchen build-out is needed for the wedding.”

Questions to Ask Before Booking

Depending on the brewery, some may have an on-site coordinator to help you plan the logistics of your big day. Others may offer the space, but leave the rest of the planning up to you and your wedding planner. Before booking, be sure to check in with staff regarding equipment and safety, especially if you’re hosting in the actual brewery space. There may be some pieces of equipment that are off-limits for access or décor.

Ask if the tasting room will be or can be closed to the public. Depending on the day, it may be necessary to check what time it will close so you know when vendors will have access. “At many breweries, the spaces can be bought out for the days prior, allowing for plenty of time for deliveries and installation,” says Aleah and Nick Valley.

It’s also important to check if they have any chefs, caterers, or food trucks they prefer—or require—you to work with, especially if you’re planning to offer beer and food pairings.  

Brewery Wedding Décor Ideas

Once you’ve selected the ideal brewery for your wedding, it’s time to think about how to infuse personality in the most beautiful ways! Of course, you can choose to keep things simple and let the vibe of the brewery speak for itself.

For example, if the brewery doesn’t offer glassware you love, consider elevating it with a handblown choice, or incorporate a customized pint glass or a monogrammed beer koozie. Aleah and Nick Valley suggest creating a custom tap wall with a white-gloved beer pouring service to make the festivities that much more memorable. “Turn the happy hour time into a beer garden vibe, complete with steins, a pretzel and accouterment culinary station, and big chandelier rings made from hops,” they say. Sprinkling hops on tables, or placing a long garland down the center of a table, adds beautiful texture and greenery.

String lights are a great addition to any brewery wedding, whether inside or outside, along with making use of existing wooden barrels for aging to serve as stands for floral arrangements. Utilizing a collection of beer bottles or cans, or even growlers, to hold flowers are great options for table centerpieces as well.

Brewery Wedding Menu Ideas

One of the best parts about planning a brewery wedding is the ability to think out of the box with your menu. Aleah and Nick Valley suggest getting creative with unexpected bites throughout the day. “Some beers go well with spices, while others pair with sharp cheeses or seafood,” they say. “For example, offer beer flights with an imported cheese course, one with a spicier menu, and one with elevated bar snacks. Instead of having a walk-up bar, serve your guests tableside with beer for each course during dinner service.”

Hoping to keep things more casual? Bring in a food truck, just like many breweries do on a daily basis! A wood-fired pizza truck, a taco truck, a BBQ truck, or even a food truck making burgers and fries is sure to offer a great pairing.

As you’re working with the brewery to select which beers to pour, be sure to keep variety in mind. Some guests may prefer a bold IPA, while others would love a crisp and refreshing pale ale or Pilsner. Ask about adding something fruity to the mix if the brewery makes it. A fruited beer or a sour beer are great options for guests who don’t typically drink a lot of beer. Depending on the brewery, it may even be possible to work ahead to have a special beer brewed just for the occasion.