Spring for a unique place to tie the knot: Buskirk-Chumley, FAR, the Mill, Flex Space

Here come the brides, and they are saying "I do" in all kinds of places: train stations, treehouses, zoos, malls — and now the 1920s art deco lobby of Bloomington's Buskirk-Chumley Theater. Marriage may not be quick, inexpensive and roaring '20s beautiful, but this spring wedding ceremonies can be.

Bloomington offers many venues in which to marry. Find a few of them below.

Buskirk-Chumley Theater lobby

One-hour wedding ceremonies (not receptions) in downtown's historic Buskirk-Chumley Theater (the building with the lighted "INDIANA" sign) is appealing to budgets and free thinkers. Afterward, there are plenty of restaurants to consider for the reception.

"When people say they love Bloomington their mind goes to downtown, the Sample Gates, (Indiana University) campus and Kirkwood Avenue," said Jordan Ferguson, events director at BCT Management. "A lot of towns lost their downtown theaters and we are so lucky to have ours. I am constantly looking for ways that the public can engage with our space."

According to the Bloomington government website (https://bloomington.in.gov/clerk/ceremonies), the pandemic put a hold on government clerk staff doing weddings. So couples went elsewhere.

This means the Buskirk ceremonies are one of Bloomington's remaining quick wedding choices.

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"After wedding planning was put to an abrupt halt for many couples in 2020, I have seen value in having less stress, safer and more affordable options."

One person will serve as the couple's contact, streamlining the event and providing emotional support.

"Our staff are also incredibly kind and experienced in events of all sorts. As someone who has been a bridesmaid many times, I know that a big shindig is not something that I would want and would only make me anxious."

Couples can book one-hour, $200 ceremonies beginning spring 2023. Ceremonies will occur one Sunday a month, and couples may invite eight guests and two vendors, such as an officiant and photographer. For photos after the ceremony, couples have access to the lobby, history exhibit and marquee. Live music, food and beverages are not permitted.

To inquire about dates and book a one-hour ceremony you need to fill out an application. A representative will follow up. Date availability cannot be confirmed without a submitted application.

To register, visit buskirkchumley.org/rent/one-hour-weddings. Availability is limited and ceremonies will be reserved within a 90-day booking window.

For more information, email events director Jordan Ferguson at events@buskirkchumley.org or visit buskirkchumley.org/rent-the-theater/#1hourwedding. The theater is at 114 E. Kirkwood Ave.

The FAR Center for Contemporary Arts

FAR (Fourth And Rogers) began in 2018 as a way to support the local arts community and also welcomes all kinds of wedding couples for ceremonies in an open, well-lit space in Bloomington's downtown/near westside.

"At FAR, flexibility is one of our strengths," said events manager Silvia Panigada. "We see all types of events from full weddings, baby showers, birthday parties, concerts, art exhibits and, of course, ceremony-only events and more." Contact Panigada at 812-727-0779. FAR is at 505 W. Fourth St.

Indiana University Auditorium

Couples have rented the IU Auditorium for their ceremony only, although most have held the reception there, too. During the academic year, availability depends on the season ticketed events. Staff notes clients' interest in dates and can confirm once the Auditorium Presents season is announced. That usually happens by June 1.

Summer events can be confirmed one year out.

Find package pricing at www.iuauditorium.com/venue-rental-service/weddings.

Choose among several options: the Hall of Murals, with the Thomas Hart Benton murals, which holds up to 250 guests for a ceremony (or cocktail hour); or the spacious Grand Foyer, with the Dailey Family Memorial Collection of Hoosier Art and flat screen TVs that can show a slide presentation or video of the couple. The “Petite Foyer,” offers space for buffet service. The IU Auditorium is at 1211 E. Seventh St.

The Mill

The Mill is a popular venue for receptions, but they do ceremonies, too.

"We are typically an event hall," said Nick Faulkenberg, venue and booking manager, "but can do ceremonies as well. We just don't necessarily have a dedicated ceremony space."

For couples who want to take their vows in this chic space, visit https://weddingsatthemill.com/ for a custom quote and pictures. The Mill is at 642 N. Madison St.

Flex Space at the College Mall

The Flex Space in the College Mall is part of the Arts Alliance of Greater Bloomington, and you could be the first to get married in this intimate, artsy, 30-foot-by-25-foot room.

Assuming the ceremony wouldn't require a lot of hours, treasurer Sarah Asher said the normal hourly rental rate would probably be enough. It's $20 per hour for Arts Alliance members and $40 per hour for non-members.

The capacity is 50 people, and the more notice given the better. Asher suggested a minimum of four weeks.

Visit https://www.bloomingtonarts.org/flex-space. The College Mall is at 2894 E. Third St.

This article originally appeared on The Herald-Times: Tie the knot in unique locations around Bloomington