Your Guide To Finding The Perfect Wedding Venue

So you're getting married! Now begins the wedding planning process, and picking a wedding venue is a great place to start. Where do you envision you and your partner sharing your special day? Is it an intimate waterfront gathering, or maybe a formal black-tie affair in a grand ballroom? Whatever the case, making sure the venue you choose can accommodate your wedding vision is important to ensure before moving forward with booking your venue. We have compiled a list of important questions to ask when considering your venue options to help guide you through this process. 

Photo by: Marcela Rowe Photography

What should I consider before I tour a venue?

Before touring a venue, it's important to consider a few key questions to determine if it's a viable option. 

1. When is the venue available? Does their availability align with the wedding timeline you’ve set? If you don't have a set wedding date, but a preferred time of year you wish to get married, it's important to inquire about their availability during that general time frame.

2. What is the rental fee for the venue and does this fit into the budget you’ve set for yourself? 

3. Does this venue match the style and aesthetic of the wedding you are envisioning? 

How many guests can the venue accommodate?

When selecting a venue, it's essential to think about the number of guests you plan to invite. If you're hoping for a larger wedding but the venue you're considering can't accommodate your guest count, you'll need to decide whether the venue or the guest list is more important to you.

Photo by: Allison Brantley Photography

How far in advance can I book the venue?

If you're looking to book a venue early, it's important to inquire about how far in advance you can reserve it. This is especially crucial when considering a popular venue, as these often require longer notice.

What services does the venue offer? 

Some wedding venues offer a variety of services, such as catering, DJ, in-house bakery, day-of coordinator, and furniture, tent, and lighting rentals, just to name a few. Be sure to ask what’s included in the venue fee to avoid any surprises. 

Photo by: East End Photography

Is the venue handicap accessible?

Asking if the venue is handicapped accessible is important to ensure that all your guests can comfortably attend and enjoy your wedding. Accessibility features like ramps, elevators, and accessible restrooms are essential, especially if you are considering a venue with multiple stories.

What is the security deposit, refund, and cancellation policy?

Be sure to carefully review your contract before signing to ensure you fully understand all financial obligations. We understand that things can go wrong, so it is important to know what the refund and cancellation policy is before you sign on the dotted line. It is also important to ask about any additional fees that might be included in your deposit. 

What are the venues catering accommodations? 

Some venues require you to use their in-house catering, while some allow you to provide your own vendor of choice. If you choose to opt into using the venue’s in-house catering, it is important to ask about their menu offerings and if they are able to accommodate any dietary restrictions you or your guests might have. If you are planning on using an outside caterer of your choice, it is important to ask about the venue's vendor accommodations to ensure they are able to accommodate the needs of said vendor. 

Photo by: Allison Brantley Photography

Are there any noise restrictions or enforced curfews?

It's important to inquire about any noise restrictions or enforced curfews the venue may have, especially if you're planning to have a DJ or extend your wedding into the late hours. Understanding the venue's regulations will help ensure that everyone stays in compliance with their guidelines.

Photo by: Allison Brantley Photography

Can I hire outside vendors? 

It's important to ask if you can hire outside vendors when considering a wedding venue because some venues have exclusive partnerships with specific vendors, which could limit your options or increase costs. Being able to bring in your own vendors, such as a photographer, florist, or caterer, allows you to choose professionals who match your style and budget. It also gives you more flexibility in curating the wedding experience you envision. Additionally, knowing this upfront helps you avoid any unexpected issues or restrictions that could affect your planning.

Photo by: East End Photography

Can I bring my own decorations/ adjust existing venue decorations?

Make sure to ask if you're allowed to bring your own decorations or make adjustments to the venue's existing decor because it gives you more control over the look and feel of your wedding. Many couples want to personalize the space to reflect their style, theme, or color scheme. Knowing the venue's policy on outside decorations helps you avoid unexpected fees, restrictions, or limitations on what you can bring in. 

Photo by: Philip Casey Photography

How many hours does the rental cover? 

Many venues have a set rental period, and knowing this upfront allows you to plan accordingly, ensuring you have enough time allocated for vendors and your wedding planner to set up before the event begins. The catering team, florist, photographer, and other vendors typically need time to arrange everything, while your wedding planner may need to oversee details and ensure everything is running smoothly. Without adequate setup time, things could feel rushed, or key elements of your wedding may not be in place when guests arrive. Clarifying the rental hours ensures that you and your vendors have sufficient time to prepare for the big day. Similarly, it is also just as important to ensure that there is time allocated at the end of the night for breaking down the venue.