Questions to Ask Before You Book Your Wedding Venue

Booking your wedding venue is probably the most exciting, most important, and most likely to be the first thing you do after you get engaged (aside from hiring a wedding planner, of course).

But, before you sign the venue contract, there are questions you need to ask to ensure you’re choosing the right place to host your event. Let’s dive in. 

Questions to consider before visiting the venue

If you’re like most of our brides, you’ve had your eye on the perfect venue for some time now. However, sometimes the perfect venue has some not-so-perfect restrictions – at least in terms of your vision and needs. Here are the questions you should ask before booking a tour:

• Do you like the venue coordinator, owner, and/or contact person?

You’ll be working closely with this person to plan your wedding day. A good relationship or at least effective collaboration is important for a wedding that goes off without a hitch!

• Is the venue easy to contact? And do they answer your questions fully and in a timely manner?

There’s really nothing more frustrating than a vendor who doesn’t answer or return your calls! Before you sign the contract, ensure the venue is responsive and knowledgeable about the venue’s policies and amenities. 

• Can you bring in your own wedding planner/coordinator?

Some venues require you to use their resident wedding planner/coordinator. Others have a coordinator on-site but will also allow you to bring your own. If you’re already working with a wedding planner, asking this question before you tour the venue will save you time and get you one step closer to the perfect place for your wedding.

Questions to ask when you Tour the Venue

Now that you’ve asked all the prerequisite questions, you can schedule your venue tour! All the questions you need to ask before sealing the deal are listed below.

At the bottom of this article, we’ve also included a printable checklist you can download to take with you to the venue.

Your Wedding Venue Checklist

• If needed, is there a space for the ceremony and for the reception?
• What is the total capacity of the venue?
• What is the total capacity if you were to have a seated dinner?
• Are tables and chairs included in the venue rental?

• How many tables and chairs do you get?
• What do they look like?
• Is the setup of the tables and chairs included? Or will you need to set them up  yourself? 

• Are large installs permitted, for example chandeliers, draping flowers, etc.?
• What is the candle and open-flame policy?
• Can you move furniture and other pieces around that you don’t like or want to use?
• Is sound equipment available or do you need to bring your own?
• Are there any noise restrictions?
• Is there a kitchen for the caterer?
• Are there any required vendors you must use?
• Are there any vendors you cannot use?
• Can you bring in your own alcohol?
• Are there any exit restrictions, such as sparklers, confetti, etc.?
• What hours can you be on-site?
• Is early arrival available? If so, is there an additional cost for the extra time?
• When must everything be delivered and picked up?
• (If possible, you’d want to deliver on Friday and pick up on Monday)
• Is there handicap access?
• Is there parking available for guests?
• Is it ample parking and easily accessible? Will you need a valet? Need to shuttle guests from the parking lot to the venue? Or coordinate additional parking off-site?
• Can shuttles and/or rideshares easily access the venue?
• Are there any hotels nearby that the venue recommends for your guests?
• What is the inclement weather policy?
• If your ceremony and/or reception is outdoors, is there a contingency plan for inclement weather? For example, an indoor place you can use or tents you can set up to cover guests.
• Is there a COVID and/or rescheduling policy?
• What is the deposit amount?
• When is it due?
• What is the payment schedule?

Download your free wedding venue checklist now

CREDITS

Event Management & Design

Bella Baxter Events

Photography

Erin Wilson Photography

Chelsea Duff Photography

Kevin Barre Photography

Lindsay Campbell Photography

Feather & North Photography

Christopher Nolan Photography

KES Photography