Saying ‘I Do’ to the Perfect Venue
- Katy Hunt
- Mar 27
- 4 min read
By: Katy Hunt
Picture this: You’ve found your forever person. The Pinterest boards are filling up, and the excitement is real. But before you start diving into florals and first dance songs, there’s one major decision that sets the stage for everything - the venue. Finding the perfect wedding venue isn’t just about capacity and catering menus (though those are important!), it’s about finding a place that speaks to your story, your style, and your dream wedding vision.
With so many choices - ballrooms, barns, backyards, and beyond - where do you even begin? Fear not! We’ve rounded up our best advice to help you find “the one” (venue, that is) with as little stress as possible.
Define Your Non-Negotiables
Before you even step foot in a venue, try taking a step back. What are the absolute must-haves for your big day? Is there a specific location that means something to you both? Do you dream of an outdoor ceremony, or is climate control a top priority? How many guests are you inviting? Jot down your non-negotiables so you can quickly rule out venues that don’t fit the bill.
Pro tip: Be realistic about your guest count! You don’t want to fall in love with a venue that can’t fit your crew comfortably. Having trouble narrowing your count down? Check out our Wedding Guest Lists 101 article!
Budgeting: A Love-Hate Relationship
Ah, the B-word. Wedding venues often take up a significant chunk of your budget, so it’s crucial to know what you’re working with. Some venues are all-inclusive (think catering, rentals, and staffing), while others are more of a blank slate with limitless possibilities. Know what’s included and what will be an extra cost before signing on the dotted line.
A golden rule? If a venue is at the very top of your budget, consider the hidden costs (taxes, service fees, required vendors). Will you have enough left for everything else?
Location, Location, Location
A stunning venue is great, but don’t forget to consider accessibility. How easy is it for guests to get there? Is there parking? If it’s in a more remote area, are there accommodations nearby? If you’re having a city wedding, does it have convenient transportation options?
And let’s talk about the weather - if you’re dreaming of an outdoor wedding, make sure the venue has a solid backup plan in case Mother Nature doesn’t cooperate!
The Vibe Check
Your venue sets the tone for your entire wedding. A historic mansion exudes elegance, a modern rooftop screams chic, and a rustic barn radiates cozy romance. The best weddings feel authentic to the couple, so choose a venue that reflects your personalities and love story.
One of the biggest mistakes couples make? Trying to force a venue to be something it’s not. If you find yourself mentally redecorating everything to make it fit your vision, it might not be the right match.
Vendor Policies: Read the Fine Print
Some venues come with a preferred vendor list, while others allow you to bring in anyone you’d like. If you have a dream photographer or caterer in mind, make sure they’re allowed to work at your venue! And don’t forget to ask about setup and breakdown times - some venues have tight windows that could affect your timeline, or even require you to add on additional time (which means additional expenses).
Take the Tour - Then Take Notes
Never book a venue sight unseen. Photos are great, but nothing compares to walking through the space yourself. Pay attention to how the venue feels, check out the getting-ready areas, and picture your wedding day unfolding there. This includes understanding your sequence of events: does the space offer a flow you like?
Think logically - what will the guests’ journeys be like from the ceremony to cocktail hour, then from cocktail hour to the reception? Is it by elevator? If so - how many are available and how big are they? And if not, how will stairs factor in for your guests who are perhaps elderly or handicapped? Or, are your events simply a quick walk from one room to the next? Does it all flow? These are some of the factors you’ll have to consider, as well as the following we’ve listed below.
Questions to ask on your tour:
What’s included in the rental fee?
How many events at a time are held in the space?
Are there any restrictions on vendor selection?
Are there any noise restrictions or curfews?
What’s the backup plan for bad weather?
Are there décor restrictions?
How much time do we have for setup and cleanup?
Is there a space for getting ready?
Trust Your Gut
At the end of the day, choosing your wedding venue should feel like choosing your wedding dress. If you get that warm, fuzzy “this is it” feeling when you walk in, listen to it. This is where your forever begins, and it should be a place that makes you excited to say, “I do.”
Make It Yours
Once you’ve found the perfect venue, it’s time to make it feel like home. Personal touches - like custom signage, unique seating layouts, and meaningful details - go a long way in making your space feel like “you.” Whether it’s a neon sign with an inside joke, or a menu inspired by your first date, the little things make the biggest impact.
So take a deep breath, tour with an open mind, and remember - just like finding your person, when you know, you know!
Photo Credit:
Kailey Edwards Photography
Aubrey Sloan
A.M.E. Photography
Middle Gray LLC/Alex Choi
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