How To Pick The Perfect Wedding Venue

There’s the when (your wedding date) and the who (your guest list). But the where? That’s the big one. The venue sis a big part of your wedding day. It’s the foundation everything else is built on.

Before you start picking florals, cake or really anything else, you need to lock in your venue. To help you do that without rage-quitting, here are 10 things you should absolutely consider when choosing your wedding venue—plus the right questions to ask when you’re walking the space. Let’s get into it.

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THINGS TO CONSIDER WHEN PICKING A WEDDING VENUE

1. What’s it Going to Cost?

Once you’ve nailed down your overall wedding spending range, decide how much you’re willing to spend on the venue.This number will steer a lot of other decisions. Some venues include tables, chairs, and food in their pricing. Others may make you pay for the extra. Want to save a little? Off-season dates or a Sunday wedding can he price tag. And yes, there are incredible venues that won’t wreck your budget.

2. Is My Date Even Available?

If you have a specific date in mind, start your venue search early. Most couples and venues plan a year ahead so depending on your venue, you may already be behind. Popular venues book fast. Even if you’re flexible, shopping early gives you better options.

3. How Do I Want My Day to Look AND Feel?

Your venue should already look like something that suites you before decorate it. A black-tie hotel ballroom probably isn’t the move if you’re an outdoorsy couple. Know the feeling you want, then find a space that naturally supports it.

4. How Many People Can I Pack in Here?

Too big and it feels empty. Too small and everyone’s sweating. You don’t need an exact guest count yet, but having a realistic estimate will keep you from falling in love with a venue that just doesn’t make sense.

5. Plan for the Worst. Hope For The Best.

Planning an outdoor wedding? Cool. Just don’t gamble with the weather. Ask about indoor options, tents, or rain plans—and make sure the backup doesn’t feel like a downgrade.

6. Where the Party At?

Logistics matter for wedding. How close is the venue to the airport? Are there hotels nearby? Will guests need to drive from one location to the next? Convenience matters more than you think.

7. 1 Of 1 or 1 of Many? 

Some venues host multiple weddings or events in the same day. That’s fine—but ask how separated everything is. Will you actually have your own space, or will you be sharing a lobby with another couple’s cocktail hour? Total privacy is sometimes available but might be for a price.

8. What’s Included?

Ask exactly what comes with the venue: tables, chairs, linens, parking, bathrooms (yes, this matters). If you’re getting married somewhere rustic or remote, you may need to bring in rentals like restrooms, and that adds up fast.

9. Im Not Allowed to Do What??

Want a sparkler send off? Live music? A dog walking down the aisle? Make sure the venue allows it. Also ask about setup time, breakdown, noise restrictions, and curfews. These rules affect your timeline more than you’d expect.

 

10. My Wedding. My Way. My Vendors?

Some venues are flexible. Others require you to use their in-house caterer, planner, or bar team. If you already have vendors you’re set on, a strict no-outside-vendors policy could be a dealbreaker, so ask early. Also, don’t be afraid to walk away from a venue if they aren’t accommodating. They will be just fine if you don’t book with them. 

 

If you’ve picked the perfect venue and need to find the perfect photographer, check out this blog for more advice. Spoiler alert: you’ve already found them! Lets chat so we can make your wedding day epic!