Once you have narrowed down the amount of space, you need to consider the mood of the location. We chose my family's church with my (almost) husband's priest. The church was beautiful, and just the right size for the 2-300 people that we planned to have.
I once attended a wedding in a backyard that I still remember. There were trellised flowers everywhere and extra long hoagies on the buffet table. I also attended a wedding on a reservation where we had to cross a cow grate to reach the chapel. People were standing outside the building was so full. I spent most of the wedding chasing frogs that lived in a nearby fountain. My aunt was married in the middle of a river in a state park. We had to hike to the location with a male bridesmaid (his offer to come in drag was turned down) and a medicine woman with a smudge stick. As much as I love the traditional wedding--these are the ones that I remember.
You may want to keep an open mind when it comes to location. Ideas could include a state park, a beach, a Japanese Tea Garden, the restaurant where you went on your first date, the top of a local hotel with a great view--ideas are endless.
Don't forget to plan your reception location with the same care and considerations! We chose my parents back yard. In the beginning, I thought that this would make things easier. I also really wanted somewhere that I was completely comfortable. Ease was the wrong choice--but the yard was definitely the right choice. My parents live in the woods--which allowed us space for people, food, and a band. The police only came three times (did I mention that you consider the noise volume of your guests?) If you do not have the time or family resources, a hotel banquet room is perfect for it's completeness. They will decorate, serve, cook, run the bar... When you choose a home location, you have to find different crews to do just about everything.
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