Shopping for a wedding venue is no easy feat! This decision can dictate nearly your entire wedding vibe & atmosphere, and the building will always hold a special place in your heart. We recommend to not just jump into plans head-first without formulating questions to ask your contact person at venues you’re touring. Ready for a whopping list of must-ask q's for your wedding venue?

Here's the Basics

You'll want to make sure your wedding venue fits within your:

Budget

Date

Style

So what should you ask and/or consider?

How many people does the space accommodate? (and have they had that amount before)
How are the acoustics?
What's the walking/driving distance from the ceremony location?
Is the venue near guest hotels, and can you recommend any?
- Pro-tip: What would transportation be like for your guests? Is a shuttle needed? Custom Lyft code?
What kinds of services do you offer? Don’t assume everything is included!
- Think: catering, rentals (microphone, tables, chairs, table clothes etc), servers, or a day-of coordinator
Does your venue have:
- A tent, if you want an outdoor ceremony or need a backup plan?
- A backup plan in general, if necessary?
- Space for your ceremony, if you want to use the venue for both your ceremony and reception?
- Cocktail hour space?
- A coat check for winter weddings?
- A dressing room to store belongings, get ready in before the ceremony or change during the reception?
- ADA-compliant facilities and entrances, for disabled or elderly guests?
- On-site hotel rooms, to minimize transportation, secure a room block or potentially rent out the property?
- Parking for your guests?
- Ample restrooms for your guest count?
What's your electricity like? Do you need a generator? How is the lighting if it’s an outdoor dance?
How many hours does our rental cover?
What kinds of restrictions do you have?
- Think liquor licensing - can hard alcohol be on the premises? Can you have confetti, candles etc?
How many weddings do you allow within a day?
What's your deposit/cancellation/refund policy?
Can we hire outside vendors?
Can we bring in our own alcohol, such as wine, beer and spirits?
- Think: red eye room, having ushers pour beer etc.
Can the venue accommodate a DJ or live band? Is there a curfew?
What time can my vendors begin setting up?
Can we bring our own decorations?
- When can we decorate?
- Are we allowed to rearrange?
- Is there a floor plan example of the venue?

WHEW, is that a list. All of these questions can directly impact - guess what - your BUDGET. If your venue doesn't have tables, table cloths, a shuttle etc., then that's more money out of your pocket.

I don't want you to have any surprises throughout your wedding journey, so thinking ahead is my jam. I just know that this will be you soon.