My 10 Best Tips for Choosing a Wedding Venue
Choosing your wedding venue is huge — it shapes the entire look, feel, and flow of your day. It’s the moment when your vision starts to become real. Whether you're dreaming of timeless elegance, relaxed romance, or a vibrant celebration bursting with personality, your venue should feel like the perfect backdrop for you.
Here are the top 10 things every couple should think about before signing on the dotted line:
1. Start With Your Vision
Before you begin touring spaces, pause and dream a little.
Are you imagining something airy and modern? Soft and garden-inspired? Bold and architectural?
When you know the feeling you're after, it becomes so much easier to identify the venue that naturally supports it.
Shameless plug— My Partial and Full-Planning clients get hands-on support here. I help refine your vision and match it with venues that truly fit, so you don’t spend weeks touring places that were never “the one” to begin with.
2. Know Your Guest List & Capacity Needs
A venue that's too tight feels uncomfortable. One that’s too spread out feels empty. Start with a rough guest count so you’re only looking at spaces that actually make sense for your celebration.
And remember to consider cocktail hour flow, ceremony space, and room for dancing!
3. Set (and Stick to) Your Budget — and Know What’s Included
Your venue will definitely represent a big portion of your budget. Look closely at what each space includes — catering, rentals, décor, setup, staffing, etc. Two venues at the same price point can have wildly different inclusions, which impacts your final costs.
Again: This is where having a Planner pays off.
4. Think About Location, Travel & Guest Convenience
A venue may be gorgeous, but if guests can’t get there easily or nearby lodging is limited, it can add unnecessary stress. Consider parking, accessibility, transportation options, and proximity to hotels.
You know what they say… location, location, location.
5. Evaluate Services & Amenities Offered
Some venues offer full-service experiences. Others expect you to bring in everything from tables to lighting. Neither is right or wrong — it just depends on what you want. If you crave a more seamless, guided experience, full-service venues are wonderful. If you love customization, blank-canvas spaces give you freedom.
Not sure what’s right for you? I am here to help you understand what type of venue best fits your style, budget, and priorities— which saves you tons of time.
6. Ask About Vendor Policies & Restrictions
Many venues have preferred or required vendor lists. Some are flexible; others are not. If you already have a dream DJ or a photographer you adore, make sure the venue allows them. Clear expectations now prevent headaches later.
Want my curated vendor list? Let’s talk. I only work with pros I can personally recommend with a clear conscience.
7. Consider Layout, Flow & Practical Details
Walk through the guest experience in your mind:
Where will the ceremony be and what time?
How will guests move into cocktail hour?
Is the dance floor central and inviting?
Are there enough restrooms?
Can vendors easily load in and out?
Good flow equals a good guest experience.
8. Check Date Availability & Flexibility
This one seems obvious. If you have “the date,” check availability early. If you're flexible, you might find better pricing or more options. Also, be sure to clarify timing allowances for rehearsing, setup, teardown, and whether the venue hosts multiple events per day.
9. Plan for the Unexpected — Weather, Timing & Backups
If any portion of your celebration is outdoors, you’ve GOT to have a solid backup plan. Weather happens — and a venue with thoughtful indoor options ensures the day stays stress-free and beautiful no matter what.
10. Trust Your Gut — You’ll Know When It’s Right
You deserve a venue that feels like you. Pay attention to how you feel when you walk the space and how the staff treats you. Warm, responsive, and professional teams make all the difference.
✨ My Full and Partial-Planning clients often tell me they “just knew” — and I love being there to validate the details, ask the right questions, and guide them with calm confidence through the decision.
Final Thoughts
Your venue is the stage for every moment of your celebration — the vows, the laughter, the clinking glasses, the little in-between moments you’ll remember forever. With the right guidance and a clear understanding of what matters most, choosing the perfect venue becomes exciting instead of overwhelming.
If you want help narrowing down options, scheduling tours, comparing pros/cons, or decoding packages, my Partial Planning and Full Planning services include venue guidance from start to finish. I’d love to help you find a space that feels like the perfect beginning to your story.
