(via NoodleLive)

Be honest: no one ever left an event exclaiming, “What a flawlessly average conference room!” If you crave real astonishment, skip the beige boxes and chase the “where on earth are we?” moment instead.

Happily, the planet is dotted with venues that trade convention for intrigue—subterranean caverns, floating pods, decommissioned prisons, even retired aircraft. Best of all, they’re yours for the booking.

So, whether you’re planning a corporate offsite, a brand launch, or just the kind of dinner party that people bring up for years, here are the most unusual types of event venues you (yes, you!) can book.

Underground Spaces That Feel Otherworldly

If you’ve never hosted an event in a cave, tunnel, or abandoned mine… well, now you can. Underground venues have a way of making even the most mundane gatherings feel like secret society meetings. The acoustics are incredible, the lighting is dramatic, and there’s a built-in sense of this-is-not-a-drill intensity.

Use it for: immersive performances, moody product launches, or a cocktail reception that feels straight out of a James Bond movie.

Floating Venues With A Serious ‘Wow’ Factor

From repurposed ships to modern glass structures bobbing gently on water, floating venues combine novelty with unbeatable views. These aren’t just boats with a speaker setup.

Use it for executive retreats, high-end dinners, or any occasion where a photo backdrop of water, sky, and sunset will enhance the atmosphere.

Treehouses For The Inner Child (And The Outer Strategist)

Why gather in a boardroom when you can brainstorm among the branches? Elevated event spaces — literally — have a calming, creative energy. From architect-designed treehouses to canopy-type platforms in the woods, these spots instantly break people out of autopilot.

Use it for intimate strategy sessions, wellness workshops, or off-grid networking events.

Historic Venues With A Past Life That Isn’t Boring

Some of the best event venues used to be something else entirely. We’re talking old prisons, decommissioned churches, vintage train stations, and industrial warehouses that have been given a new lease of life.

These spaces are packed with character. They often feature high ceilings, exposed beams, stained glass windows or even old cell doors that set the tone. The setting does half the talking.

Use it for edgy fashion shows, museum-like exhibitions, or events where history and contrast are key.

Venues Made Of Ice, Glass Or Something Unconventional

Sometimes the structure itself is the talking point. Ice hotels that melt every spring. Mirrored domes in the mountains. Bamboo structures held together with rope and engineering magic. These places go beyond aesthetics; they become a symbol of the event’s creativity.

Use it for: avant-garde launches, photoshoots, or exclusive VIP dinners with an “only once” vibe.

Bunkers, Bomb Shelters, and All Things Apocalypse-Chic

Dark, silent, and totally unexpected. Former military structures and Cold War-era shelters are now being used for underground events (literally and stylistically). If you’re after high security, total privacy, and an intense vibe — look no further.

Use it for: tech product reveals, immersive theatre, or themed parties with a twist of espionage.

Venues In The Middle Of Nowhere (On Purpose)

Sometimes the location is the gimmick. Desert domes, tundra tents, or forest clearings accessible only by snowmobile or boat. These remote venues turn an event into an expedition. Just getting there is part of the memory.

Use it for: off-grid team building, holistic retreats, or launches that are all about exclusivity.

Why Go Unusual?

Today people are craving experiences, not just RSVP links.

An unusual venue says something. It signals intention. It tells your guests: “This isn’t just another meeting, dinner, or press event. This is something we want you to remember.” The space becomes part of the message. And often, it’s what people remember most.

Even cities known for their classic event spaces are getting creative. You’ll now find conference venues in Amsterdam housed in former gasworks, art deco theatres, and even greenhouses. That mix of professional functionality with unexpected charm? It’s exactly what today’s events need.

It’s also great for content. Let’s be real — half the value of a modern event is in how photogenic it is. A backdrop of stalactites, stained glass, or floating architecture doesn’t just look cool — it performs on social media. Your event becomes shareable, clickable, and way more buzzworthy.

Things To Keep In Mind

Before you go booking a volcano crater or ice dome, a few practical notes:

• Logistics matter. Weird can mean wonderful, but it can also mean hard to heat, light, or cater. Check access, electricity, and bathrooms. Always bathrooms.

• Insurance is your friend. Unique venues often come with unique rules — and sometimes, unique risks. Make sure you’re covered.

• Let the venue do the work. Don’t over-theme a space that already makes a statement. Sometimes all you need is good lighting, great people, and a bar.

Final Thoughts

The world is full of strange, spectacular spaces and the best part is, you don’t have to own them. You can rent them. And when you do, you’re not just hosting an event. You’re giving people a story to tell.

So the next time someone suggests “a nice hall with natural light,” consider suggesting an old military bunker with an underwater sound installation and a wine tasting.”

Because boring is easy. But unusual? Unusual is unforgettable.