The Venue Hunt: Finding the Perfect Spot for Your “I Do’s”

Congratulations, lovebirds! 💍 Now that you’ve said yes to the ring, it’s time to say yes to the venue. Picking the perfect place to tie the knot is one of the biggest decisions in wedding planning. It sets the tone, creates the vibe, and helps bring your wedding day vision to life. But where do you even start? Don’t worry—we’ve got your back with some tips to help you find the one.

Step 1: Know Your Vision

Before you start touring venues, take a moment to dream about your big day.

• Are you picturing an elegant ballroom, a rustic barn, or a beachside ceremony?
• Do you want something cozy and intimate or grand and glamorous?
• Will your ceremony and reception be in the same spot or different locations?

Having a general idea of your wedding style will help you narrow down your options and stay focused on what really fits your vibe.

Step 2: Set Your Budget

Venues often take up a big chunk of your wedding budget, so it’s important to know your spending limits before you fall in love with a space that’s out of reach. Ask for a breakdown of what’s included—some venues offer all-in-one packages, while others are a blank canvas where you can bring in your own vendors.

Pro Tip: Don’t forget to ask about hidden fees like service charges, cleanup fees, or overtime costs!

Step 3: Think About Your Guest List

Your venue needs to be the right size for your celebration. Too small, and it feels cramped. Too big, and it can feel empty.

• Start with a rough headcount.
• Check if the venue has capacity limits and if they can accommodate a dance floor, photo booth, or other fun additions.

Step 4: Consider the Season

The time of year plays a big role in venue availability and pricing.

• Spring and fall are prime wedding seasons, so venues book up quickly (and can be pricier).
• Winter weddings might save you some cash, but check for holiday conflicts.
• Summer weddings are popular but think about weather concerns like heat or rain, especially if you’re planning an outdoor ceremony.

Step 5: Location, Location, Location

Think about your guests when choosing your venue’s location:

• Is it easy to get to?
• Are there nearby hotels for out-of-town guests?
• Is parking available (and free)?

If you’re planning a destination wedding, make sure you give guests plenty of time to plan and budget for travel.

Step 6: Book Your Site Tours

The search is on! Now’s the time to book your venue tours and see your dream spaces in person. Here’s how to make the most of your visits without feeling overwhelmed:

Start with Your Top 5

Keep things manageable by narrowing your choices to your top five venues. These should be the spaces that best fit your vision, budget, and guest count.

Pro Tip: Don’t try to squeeze in too many tours in one day. Seeing multiple venues back-to-back can leave you with venue overload, and the details might start to blur together.

Bring Your VIPs

If possible, bring your fiancé(e) (of course!) and maybe even your parents or a trusted friend. They can help you spot things you might miss and give you honest feedback. Plus, it’s always nice to have someone to share the excitement with!

Time It Right

Plan to spend about an hour at each venue. This gives you plenty of time to:

• Take the full tour.
• Visualize how your ceremony and reception could look.
• Ask important questions (we’ve got a list below!).

Pro Tip: Leave some buffer time between tours so you’re not rushing. Use that time to jot down notes while everything is fresh in your mind.

Step 7: Ask the Right Questions

When touring venues, come prepared with a list of questions:

• What’s included in the rental fee? (Tables, chairs, linens, etc.)
• How many hours are included in the pricing? 
• Do they have preferred vendors, or can you bring your own?
• Do they offer Bar Packages or are you allowed to bring in your own alcohol? 
• Do they have an Event Coordinator to handle all of the day of logistics, timelines, and vendor check ins? 
• What’s the backup plan for bad weather if you’re planning an outdoor event? 
• Are there noise or time restrictions?
• Do they offer set up and tear down or do you have to “employ” your friends and family to do the heavy lifting?
• Are you able to have a rehearsal on site? 
• Do they require Liability Insurance?

Click here to download our handy Venue Checklist

Step 8: Trust Your Gut

When you walk into the one, you’ll know. It’ll feel just right, like it’s meant to be part of your love story. If you can picture yourself walking down the aisle or dancing the night away in that space, it’s a good sign you’ve found the perfect venue.

Final Thoughts

Your wedding venue is more than just a place—it’s the backdrop to one of the most important days of your life. Take your time, trust your instincts, and remember to enjoy the process. Once you’ve picked your venue, everything else starts to fall into place!

Happy venue hunting! 💒