Reasonable Costs and Relaxed Ceremonies Gaining Popularity
First Wedding March on the 12th... Consultations for Soon-to-be-Married Couples
'Garden of Light' at Gwangju City Hall, where couples can hold their own unique weddings without the burden of venue rental fees, is gaining popularity among soon-to-be-married couples.
According to Gwangju City on the 8th, a total of nine reservations have been made this year for the public wedding venue 'Garden of Light' at City Hall (two couples in April, two in May, and five in September). Outdoor weddings are drawing attention as they allow for a relaxed ceremony without the pressure of high costs and time constraints, aligning with the desires of the MZ generation for unique and special weddings.
A couple who reserved an outdoor wedding said, "The scenery at the City Hall outdoor plaza is so beautiful that it is perfect for an outdoor wedding. Since only one wedding is held per day, we can have a special ceremony without time restrictions, which is why we applied."
The Garden of Light is available to couples or parents of either side who reside or have a living area in Gwangju. The venue can be used on weekends and public holidays during the day, with reservations accepted on a first-come, first-served basis, one wedding per day, and applications can be made up to six months in advance. Applications can be submitted by visiting the Gwangju City General Affairs Division, by phone, or through the Gongyoonuri platform.
For wedding costs, only the actual facility usage fee is required. The outdoor plaza and other outdoor spaces cost 10,000 KRW per day, and indoor spaces cost 10,000 KRW per hour, with heating and cooling fees charged separately. However, items such as floral decorations, tables, and chairs must be prepared individually, and Gwangju City can provide information on relevant vendors upon request.
For meals, if the families wish, noodles can be served using the City Hall cafeteria at a cost of 5,000 KRW per person. Additional ready-made food items can be brought in, and catering (buffet) is also allowed, but only in the outdoor plaza.
Meanwhile, at 1 p.m. on the 12th, the first couple will celebrate their wedding march at the Garden of Light at City Hall. The first couple said, "We wanted a special wedding focused on family and close friends, and compared to regular wedding halls, the price, time, and space are much more cost-effective. We are very happy to be the first couple, and as Gwangju citizens, we are grateful to be able to get married at such a meaningful venue thanks to the city opening it up."
On this day, the city will provide wedding consultations with a professional outdoor wedding company and will accept advance applications from couples from the 8th to the 10th.
Hwang Inchae, head of the General Affairs Division, said, "This first couple saved about 11 million KRW compared to a regular wedding hall," and added, "Now, you can have a special and memorable wedding at the Garden of Light without spending excessive amounts on wedding costs."
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