California boasts many gorgeous wedding venues, many of which take advantage of beaches and other stunning coastal locations. Along with choosing wedding apparel, flowers, music, and what you’ll serve, have you thought about accommodating disabled guests at your wedding? How will Grandma Maria move around with her walker? Will Uncle Robert’s wheelchair fit through the doors? Here are some things to add to your checklist as you consider wedding venues in California.
Ask About How the Venue Complies With the ADA
The Americans with Disabilities Act requires that public accommodations are accessible. This includes any business that is open to the public. California’s ADA regulations even specify requirements for restrooms.
Walk around and imagine yourself moving around the space if you were in a wheelchair or if you were visually impaired. Check elevators, restrooms, ramps, and paths at outdoor venues. This will give you a better idea of whether the venue can accommodate disabled guests at your wedding.
Talk to Your Guests
You may offer menu choices in your wedding invitation, but by the time you’re sending invitations, it’s too late to ask your guests if they need accommodations. While California venues can accommodate persons with physical disabilities, what about “invisible” disabilities, like autism, hearing impairment, or sensory processing disorders? Think about how lights, sound, and crowding might affect such guests.
Consider including a break room for guests with sensitivities. Check sightlines from designated handicapped seating areas. And don’t forget to inspect parking, entrances, and doorways for accessibility.
As you’re shopping wedding venues, you probably already know who’s on the guest list. You’ll know if close relatives may have issues that require consideration. If you’re not sure what type of accommodations will help these guests enjoy your special day, ask them or their caregivers.
Remember Service Animals, Braille, and Interpreters
If a guest uses a service animal, make sure both the wedding location and the reception venue can accommodate these highly trained animal companions. You can print invitations and signage in large size print or Braille for visually impaired guests. Find a trained ASL interpreter to sign the vows, speeches, and the names of the songs the band is playing so that deaf guests can feel included.
Accommodating disabled guests at your wedding takes a little forethought and consideration. Your guests will feel so relieved and happy to know they can attend your special day in comfort and without worrying about the embarrassment of inaccessible bathrooms, walkways, or doors.
