Luxury train excursions through iconic European and American destinations are redefining intimate wedding weekends. We reached out to wedding experts to learn about the pros and cons of hosting a train wedding. Here’s what they had to say.
All aboard! There’s something so charming and romantic about hosting a wedding celebration on a historic train that takes guests through a scenic route through awe-inspiring natural landscapes. This distinctive trend, which is gaining popularity, offers couples a unique way to celebrate the start of their new journey.
However, before you decide to host your wedding celebrations on the railroads, it’s crucial to understand the pros and cons. We consulted wedding experts to get a professional opinion on what to expect if you decide to say “I do” on a moving train. Here’s their best advice.
The Pros: Why A Train Wedding Might Be Perfect for You
A Wedding to Remember
Choo-choo! A train wedding is a one-of-a-kind experience that you and your guests will remember forever. It offers a sense of shared adventure that not many other venues can match easily.
“It is something unique that your guests will be talking about for a long time. Even if you don’t have a specific love of trains, your desire to treat your guests to a memorable experience will show through,” declares Dana Allison, owner of Keyed Up Events.
The Magic is Built-in
Trains that host weddings, particularly the historic ones, are beautifully restored. Additionally, these historic trains typically come decorated with fresh flowers and tealights and have a picturesque route. Therefore, you don’t need much in terms of decor.
“With such a memorable way to celebrate together, and in an already beautiful setting, you won’t need to focus as much on decor or other traditional wedding elements,” mentions Emily Berg, owner and lead planner of Emily Berg Weddings & Events. “That makes a train wedding a great choice for couples who want to avoid decision fatigue and keep things simple and cohesive, without losing any of the wedding’s uniqueness.”
Ticket to Love: Intimacy on a New Level
One of the most surprising pros of a train wedding celebration is the intimate and relaxed ambiance it creates. The compact spaces and limited number of guests make it easier for the couple to interact with everyone present.
“I find that couples spend more quality time with their guests than at a traditional wedding. We ask that guests remain seated during the dinner train, but the couple is allowed to go between dinner cars and table to table; they’re not bombarded with guests coming to them,” says Tosh Urbowicz, manager of weddings and private events at Essex Steam Train. “Moreover, couples actually eat! Most of the time, they are seated at a table for two and can enjoy their four-course dinner without interruptions.”
Navigating the Challenges: Cons of Hosting a Train Wedding
Planning Woes and Lack of Flexibility
Undoubtedly, planning a wedding celebration on the railroads is more complex than planning one at a traditional venue. Be prepared for logistical challenges and delays.
“The communication for trains does not move as fast as the trains themselves. You will likely be dealing with several different interested parties (train owner, station owner, and track owner). But you may need to funnel all the information through just one of them,” adds Allison. “Getting the answers you need promptly should not be expected, so plan far, far ahead.”
Moreover, if you’re hosting a train wedding, there’s no room for flexibility. Your wedding day timeline has to be followed to the T, which has to be communicated to your guests and vendors beforehand. You don’t want anyone to be late and miss the train (quite literally!).
At the Mercy of Mother Nature
Hosting your wedding on a moving vehicle outdoors also means that you’re at the mercy of factors out of your control, such as the weather and track conditions. It’s advisable to be prepared with backup options if the weather doesn’t cooperate.
“The railway line for a springtime train wedding we planned was facing erosion issues on the route we would be traveling, and the engineers weren’t able to run their tests until the snow melted, which happened later that year than normal,” adds Berg. “So, we had to have a backup plan utilizing a lighter (and newer and less pretty) train engine and dining car in case the historic ones were too heavy for the ground supporting the track. Thankfully, nature cooperated with us and we were able to go according to plan, but that wasn’t decided until a couple of weeks before the wedding!”
Size Matters: Limited Space and Seating
The biggest hurdle to hosting a train wedding is the limited space, which impacts everything from guest count to seating arrangements.
“The major issue comes down to size, as many trains have tables and seats that are bolted to the floor. This means the design and seating chart that you would see at a traditional wedding would need to be dramatically shifted to accommodate the current setup. One workaround would be considering trains that have stations with meeting and lounge spaces that can be augmented with typical wedding seating and decor,” says Keith Willard, owner of Keith Willard Events.
Furthermore, you most likely will not be able to host the ceremony or the after-party on the moving train due to space limitations and setup hurdles.
“Being that train cars can only hold a certain number of guests, there is a cap on how many guests can be invited. Our cars each hold 46 guests, and we have three dining cars total,” adds Urbowicz. “Moreover, since you’re on a train, there isn't any room for dancing or the ceremony. That’s why most of our couples utilize the station for both. Typically, they host the ceremony at the station, a multi-course dinner on our dinner trains, and then return to the station for cake and dancing. We also offer ceremonies in our private meadow, which is along the dinner train route.”
Vendor and Guest Mobility Issues
Finally, if you’re thinking about hosting a train wedding, it’s important to remember that guests, particularly those with mobility issues, could find it challenging to navigate the narrow aisles and stairs. Additionally, your vendors, including your photographer and videographer, could have a tough time moving around and capturing shots.
“A wedding on a train can be deeply personal and unforgettable. However, a challenge is that logistics can become complicated—from limited space and accessibility needs,” concludes Lauren Hill, wedding celebrant at Simply Weddings NYC.
Cover photo by Noah & Jules from Tyler and Joshua's Train Wedding
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