re: Opening a reception hall/facility?

As someone who is planning a wedding currently, I can confirm that the GBR area has a dearth of options. The options that do exist cost an arm and a dick for venue/food/alcohol. They're all booked up until y3k. Understandable and I'm not upset about it, just wish I was on the receiving end.

I do think if you have a catering background or something, it's likely a very good next step. But, as others have mentioned, it requires the money to purchase a large parcel of land and build a picturesque building.

Staffing and marketing are the biggest issues, I think.