How to Choose the Perfect Wedding Venue
Cheers to a bright New Year, beautiful weddings, and happily-ever-afters! If you or someone you love is recently engaged, congratulations! As the excitement settles in, one of the biggest questions couples ask is: Where do we start with wedding planning? The answer? Start with your venue.
Booking your venue is the first and most important step in planning your big day. Whether you're dreaming of a romantic beach wedding, a stylish ballroom affair, or a rustic garden celebration, this guide walks you through everything you need to know about choosing the perfect wedding venue.
1. Start Early and Book Quickly
The best venues (and vendors) book up 12–18 months in advance. Once you’ve settled on a general time frame or season for your wedding, it’s time to start searching. You can’t officially “set the date” until the venue is locked in!
2. Choose a General Location or Region
Are you thinking local, or is a destination wedding more your style? Consider the vibe you’re going for—whether it’s coastal and airy, elegant and classic, or industrial and modern. Having a clear vision will help you narrow your venue options.
3. Finalize Your Budget and Guest Count
Your venue and catering should make up approximately 50% of your total wedding budget. Knowing your budget helps avoid falling in love with a space you can’t afford. Additionally, your guest count will determine the size of your venue—venues are strict about capacity limits.
💡 Tip: Don’t forget to factor in venue service charges, gratuities, and taxes, which can add 20–28% on top of the base cost.
4. Pick the Right Time of Year
Be flexible with dates! Choosing a weekday, Friday, or Sunday wedding can often save you up to 50% off peak Saturday pricing. Also consider seasonal factors—do you want a winter wedding indoors or a springtime ceremony outdoors?
5. Ceremony & Reception: Together or Separate?
Some couples want a religious ceremony in a place of worship, while others prefer the simplicity of having both the ceremony and reception at the same venue. Here are a few things to keep in mind:
If you're having your ceremony at a different location (like a church), book both ceremony and reception venues at the same time.
Allow no more than 2 hours between the ceremony and the reception start time.
If there is a break between locations, offer transportation or entertainment ideas for guests during the downtime.
6. Ask the Right Questions
As you begin reaching out to venues, make sure to ask:
What dates are available?
What’s included in the package? (tables, chairs, linens, etc.)
Do they require use of preferred vendors?
What are the service fees and payment terms?
What’s the cancellation or reschedule policy?
How many weddings happen on-site per day?
When can setup/teardown occur?
Ask for a detailed custom proposal for an apples-to-apples comparison with other venues.
7. Tour the Venue In Person
Photos are helpful—but nothing beats walking the space yourself. You’ll get a better sense of the ambiance, layout, and logistics. Most venues will also offer a short-term hold on a date so no one else can book while you’re finalizing your decision.
8. Review, Compare & Secure
Once you’ve found your dream venue, review the contract carefully before signing. Make sure everything is listed clearly—timing, guest limits, what’s included, and payment terms. Send in your deposit to secure the date.
Feeling Overwhelmed? We Can Help.
Searching for the perfect wedding venue can feel like a full-time job—that’s why we created our Dream Wedding Collection, a full-service planning experience that takes the guesswork out of the venue hunt and so much more. Learn more about our services [HERE] and let’s start planning your dream day.