Going to the ...

The venue for weddings and receptions is a major decision.  It sets the tone for the rest of the decor and can even dictate the type of wedding gown that will be needed.  My daughters were both married in churches, so they wore formal bridal gowns and picked other attire and flowers that would be elegant in the sanctuaries.  One daughter chose a country club for her reception and they provided the catering on site.  Easy, breezy.  But not cheap.  The other daughter chose to use the church reception hall and had a coordinator to well, coordinate, the details of her dessert reception.  A little less expensive, but a little more hands on planning was required.  I loved both and thought they fit the couples' personalities very well. 
In the order of planning, I suggest first budget, then guest list, next set the date, and then set up the ceremony, reception and caterer arrangements.  Don't be shocked at how quickly dates get taken, especially the popular months, and be prepared to go to a second or third choice on your date.  If you are considering a planner, now is the time to secure one.  They can be a tremendous help in arranging these details and can often save you money through their network connections.

I thought it would be fun, and hopefully, helpful to think of other places besides country clubs and church halls where receptions could take place.  So here is a list to start, and I invite you to add to it.