How to Plan a Wedding on a Train: 8 Train Wedding Venues to See

If you've dreamed up a wedding concept that's unique and off-the-beaten-path, a wedding on a train might be just the ticket. Imagine saying your "I dos" as breathtaking views of the countryside roll by, celebrating in a vintage railcar filled with all your friends and family and giving your guests a truly unforgettable experience.

Whether you're a fan of old-world elegance or just love the romance of a journey, hosting a train wedding is a surefire way to add a touch of adventure and whimsy to your big day. Of course, planning an unconventional type of wedding always comes with its own unique set of challenges. First off—a train wedding is not the same as a traditional wedding hosted inside an actual wedding venue. Not only is there no sprawling ballroom or massive kitchen to fall back on, but you also have to coordinate all of your guests filing onto the train itself—making sure no one is left behind.

"For the couple looking to get off the beaten path, a train wedding can be a unique and truly memorable experience," says Nathan Davis, the general manager of the Napa Valley Wine Train in California. "Life and marriage is a journey of discovery and I think there is something romantic about taking a journey at the start of your life with your partner and so 'hitching' people together is built into the DNA of being a railroad."

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From choosing the right train for your vibe to working out the logistics of catering and seating in a moving space, this expert-approved guide will help you navigate all the details.

In this article:

• Can You Get Married in a Train?
• Train Wedding Venues
• How to Plan a Wedding on a Train

Can You Get Married in a Train?

Yes, your fantasy can become a reality: You can get married on a train—on any wedding budget. Of course, there are legalities to factor in. For example, it all depends on the laws on where the train is located and whether the officiant is licensed to solemnize marriages within the jurisdiction, explains Lauren Hill, wedding celebrant at Simply Weddings NYC. "In the US, marriage laws vary state by state, so you must factor in what is legally required for the state where the train is located, but if you plan to have your wedding abroad, there may be different regulations," she says.

Train Wedding Venues

Ready to plan your wedding on a train? Here are some swoon-worthy train wedding venues near you.

Bristol Train Station in Bristol, Virginia

Photo: Bristol Train Station

Bristol Train Station located in the heart of downtown Bristol, Virginia, offers a unique and historic setting for couples seeking a distinctive wedding venue. Built in 1902 and stunningly restored, this station combines timeless, Gothic-style architecture with modern amenities. Kegley Hall, the historic waiting room, offers a spacious area for ceremonies and receptions, accommodating various event sizes.

Vineland Station in Whiteville, North Carolina

Built in 1903 this vintage train station located in Whiteville stands as one of North Carolina's original brick depots. It's a beautifully preserved piece of history that offers a ton of charm with its original exposed brick walls, slate roof and restored heart pine flooring. Vineland Station is named in honor of the sprawling grape vineyards that once surrounded the area. Today, the train station wedding venue offers a unique spot for various events, blending historic character with modern functionality.

National Railroad Museum in Green Bay, Wisconsin

Photo: National Railroad Museum

This haven for history buffs also doubles as an ideal wedding venue for those looking to get hitched on a train. National Railroad Museum was established in 1956, making it one of the oldest and largest railroad museums in the US and offering up a diverse collection of locomotives and railcars, including the Union Pacific Big Boy, one of the largest steam locomotives ever built. The museum offers a train-themed wedding on their operational train rides—a scenic journey along the museum's track.

B&O Railroad Museum in Baltimore, Maryland

Photo: B&O Railroad Museum

You might recognize the name of this railroad museum from the classic board game Monopoly. Well, it really exists—in Baltimore, Maryland—and is one of the most iconic and historic train museums in the US. Known as the birthplace of American railroading, the B&O Railroad Museum is home to an impressive collection of historic locomotives, passenger cars and other railroad artifacts. The museum's Roundhouse is an ideal wedding spot.

New Hope & Ivyland Railroad in New Hope, Pennsylvania

The New Hope & Ivyland Railroad (NHIR) has been around since 1966 and still operates amidst a scenic ride through the beautiful Bucks Country countryside—think rolling hills and woodlands. They have a dedicated team of professionals who work closely with couples to create memorable experiences for their wedding. The train can serve as both the ceremony and reception venue, allowing guests to enjoy the scenery while celebrating your wedding day.

Events at Union Station in Washington, DC

Photo: Events at Union Station

Union Station is one of the most remarkable train stations in the country. It opened in 1907 and continues to boast a beautiful Beaux-Arts style, with soaring ceilings, intricate details and stunning marble floors, providing a dramatic and timeless backdrop for any celebration. It's a popular train station for couples to get married, as there are a myriad of options to choose from as far as where to say your "I dos," including their Main Hall—which features breathtaking columns and chandeliers—or their sophisticated and intimate Colonnade Room.

Essex Steam Train & Riverboat in Essex, Connecticut

Photo: Essex Steam Train & Riverboat

Essex Steam Train & Riverboat is nestled in Connecticut River Valley and dates all the way back to the early 1900s. It winds through the countryside and offers scenic views of the Connecticut River, forests and farmlands. Its refurbished coaches pulled by a steam locomotive serve as a romantic backdrop to your wedding reception.

Historic Southern Railway Station in Knoxville, Tennessee

Photo: Historic Southern Railway Station

If you're dreaming of a vintage-inspired setting for your train wedding, the Historic Southern Railway Station is the perfect spot. Built in 1905, this beautifully restored venue boasts grand columns, tall windows and stunning Beaux-Arts architecture. Whether you say your vows in the spacious lobby or beneath soaring ceilings, the station's rich history and charming downtown location offer a romantic backdrop that will make your wedding day unforgettable. It's a truly unique place to celebrate your love in style.

How to Plan a Wedding on a Train

From selecting the perfect train route to ensuring your guests are on board (literally and figuratively), here are expert-approved tips for planning a wedding on a train.

1. Verify if It Can Be Done Legally

It's smart to first research the local laws for where the train is located to ensure your wedding is legally binding (unless, of course, your wedding is purely ceremonial.) "If the marriage is not ceremonial, you will still need to obtain a valid marriage license, and depending on where your wedding takes place, your officiants may need certain credentials," Hill says. "If you are considering having a friend or family member officiate your ceremony, some jurisdictions have pathways for lay officiants; however, due to its uniqueness, I strongly recommend hiring a professional."

2. Choose the Right Type of Train

The type of train you choose sets the scene for your wedding. A historic steam train with antique decor and plush interiors might be ideal for someone wanting some level of vintage elegance. If you'd prefer a more sleek and modern vibe, a contemporary luxury wedding train might be best. Hill points out that private charter trains can be great for events, as they come with amenities, whereas commuter trains might pose more difficulties in terms of arrangements and permissions for renting a car onboard. "It's advisable to contact the train company beforehand to clarify any restrictions and ensure you obtain all the necessary pre-authorizations and permits well ahead of time," she says. "Once you have chosen the type of train, you will better understand the possible constraints."

3. Keep Your Guest List to a Minimum

Given that you're saying "I do" on a train, expect space to be limited. For this reason, Hill strongly recommends keeping your guest list intimate to ensure that everyone is comfortable. "You also want to make sure the train can accommodate any special accessibility requirements for you or your guests," she says. "If your wedding planning checklist includes having your ceremony on an urban subway, such as NYC, and you are unable to secure a private car, you will most definitely need to factor in the 'extra guests'—the passengers."

4. Lean Into the Details

Trains offer so much potential for unique, story-driven design, notes Irene Katzias, owner of Connecticut-based Irene + Co Events. "Think of train tickets as invitations and have the conductor punch each guest's ticket as they board," she says. "It's interactive and nostalgic, and being on-brand without being over the top can transform your wedding from beautiful to unforgettable." Other train station wedding ideas she recommends are luggage, using train station benches for ceremony seating or even leaning into film photography.

5. Pad in Extra Timing

When it comes to a wedding on a train, timing is everything, even more so than a typical wedding. "Like all transportation, trains can be unpredictable, so making sure guests understand the train leaves when the train leaves, which could mean exactly on time, or it could mean it's late because there is something on the track," says Dana Allison, owner and lead planner at Keyed Up Events in Minneapolis. "Having a solid plan but still knowing you might have to be extremely flexible is very important."

6. Hire a Planner or Coordinator

If you're planning a wedding reception on a train, remember that it's likely a brand-new experience for most of your guests. They might need extra guidance—like where to board, how the schedule works or when to transition between events during the journey, notes Katzias. "Having a professional planner ensures that all the moving pieces (literally!) come together seamlessly," she says. "Your planner can handle the logistics, manage expectations and keep everything running smoothly so you can enjoy every moment."