Skip to main content
Weddings

A Guide to Omaha Wedding Venues & Getting Married in Nebraska

If you're getting married in the Cornhusker State, you'll definitely want to check out this guide to planning a wedding in Nebraska, as well as Lincoln and Omaha wedding venues.

couple in omaha

Whether you’re a born-and-bred Cornhusker or new to the area, there’s so much to love about getting married in Nebraska. One of the first steps of planning your Nebraska nuptials is finding a venue—fortunately, the state boasts many amazing Lincoln and Omaha wedding venues to choose from, whether you prefer golf courses, banquet halls, industrial-chic venues, gardens, or something completely unique. If you’re hosting many out-of-town guests, you’ll also want to read up on travel information, accommodations, and more to share with them. Fortunately, we’ve gathered up all of the information you’ll need to plan a Nebraska wedding in one place (right here!).

Getting married in Nebraska? Here’s everything you need to know, from finding a Lincoln or Omaha wedding venue to weather info, marriage laws to wedding inspiration, and much more.

The Basics

If you’re planning a wedding in Nebraska or researching Lincoln or Omaha wedding venues, it’s essential to decide on a budget before doing anything else. One of your biggest expenses will likely be your wedding venue, and in Omaha, the average cost of a wedding venue is $5,000, while catering, another major expense, averages around $4,000 in the Nebraska area. Looking for more information on wedding costs near you? Check out the WeddingWire Cost Guide.

Next, you’ll want to choose a wedding date. Prices for Omaha wedding venues may vary depending on the time of year, so consider dates carefully. You’ll also want to think about major events occurring in your city or town that may snarl traffic or book up hotels. These events include Omaha’s SeptemberFest, Cornhusker football games in Lincoln, and Oregon Trail Days in Western Nebraska, among many others.

Getting There and Getting Around

Hosting out-of-town guests at your Nebraska wedding? While your guests will have to book their travel and accommodations themselves, it’s a nice gesture to do much of the research for them to make the process as smooth as possible. The biggest airport in Nebraska is Eppley Airfield, located just three miles northeast of Downtown Omaha. Eppley Airport receives direct flights from about 25 cities, and is serviced by seven airlines. Your guests may also fly into Lincoln Airport or Central Nebraska Regional Airport in Grand Island.

Lincoln and Omaha also have train and bus stations where your guests may take Amtrak or Greyhound to and from the cities. By car, Omaha is about three hours from Kansas City, Missouri, and two hours from Des Moines, Iowa.

Once your guests have arrived, they’ll likely want to rent a car to get around—though Omaha and Lincoln do have public bus transportation. You can also consider providing your guests with shuttle service to and from your wedding venue for safety and convenience.

Weather

Particularly if you’re planning an outdoor wedding, it’s important to consider the weather during your wedding’s season. Nebraska is known for its hot and humid summers and cold winters, along with thunderstorms (and even tornadoes!) in the spring. Fall may bring the best weather, though storms are still possible. If you’re hoping to host part or all of your wedding outdoors, we recommend having an indoor option available in case of inclement weather.

couple outdoor wedding

Wedding Venues

Whether you’re looking for Lincoln or Omaha wedding venues or are planning on getting married elsewhere in the state, there are lots of locations to choose from. Here are some of the most popular types of venues in Nebraska:

Marriage Requirements

One of the most important parts of getting married in Nebraska, is figuring out how to actually, legally get married in Nebraska. The first step is appearing in person at your local County Clerk’s office (you can obtain your license at any County Clerk’s office in the state so long as you are getting married in Nebraska). You’ll need to bring appropriate identification as well as a fee of $25 plus $9 for your certified copy of the marriage license. There is no waiting period to receive your license, and the license is valid for one year after receiving it.

Changing Your Name in Nebraska

After your wedding, you and/or your partner may decide to change your last name(s). In Nebraska, it’s best to decide whether or not you want to change your name before your wedding takes place. That way, you can indicate your name change on your license application and complete the application between seven and 30 days before your wedding. Your marriage license will then serve as your proof of name change, which you can then bring to the Social Security Office and DMV to start your name change process. If this sounds a bit daunting, don’t worry! Online services like HitchSwitch can handle much of the name change paperwork for you, making the process a total breeze.

couple wedding lincoln

Things to Do in Omaha and Lincoln

If you’re hosting guests who aren’t familiar with the Nebraska area, it may be a good idea to provide them with a list of things to do in the area (when they’re not celebrating your nuptials, of course!). We recommend sharing this list on your wedding website and/or in your welcome bags. Here are a few ideas of fun activities to include:

  • The Durham Museum
    Located in Omaha’s Union Station, this famed museum celebrates the history of the region.
  • The Old Market
    This Omaha neighborhood is a favorite for art, culture, dining, shopping, and entertainment.
  • Bob Kerrey Pedestrian Bridge
    If your guests are all about capturing those Instagram-worthy views, this Omaha bridge spanning the Missouri River is a must-visit.
  • Sunken Gardens
    During the warmer months, this Lincoln garden features a truly spectacular array of flowers and plant life.
  • Nebraska State Capitol
    If your wedding will take place in Nebraska’s capital city, the stunning State Capitol building is a fabulous place for your guests to visit.

Nebraska Wedding Inspiration

Couples who are getting married in Nebraska may want to seek out wedding inspiration from couples who also planned weddings in the Cornhusker State. Check out a few of our Nebraska real weddings to get inspired for your big day:

Disclosure: This post contains affiliate links, some of which may be sponsored by paying vendors.