Choosing The Perfect Wedding Venue

Once you have discussed between you the style of wedding venue you are interested in, the number of guests you may want to invite and you have an idea of your wedding budget, you are ready to start your detailed search. Read our suggestions below which will help you to work out exactly what information you require from each venue owner.

Questions to ask a potential venue

Is the venue licensed for civil ceremonies?
What local authority covers the venue’s area and can they provide you with name and contact details for the registrar?
Are your most desired dates available?
Is there an in house wedding planner or who is your main point of contact? Can you use your own wedding planner?
What are the capacities for the ceremony and reception areas?
Do you have exclusive use of the venue on your wedding day? If not, how many other events are on and where?
Exactly what is included in the quoted price – furniture, lighting, sound system, catering, rooms?
Can they give you an example of a timetable for the day?
Will you be allowed access to the required rooms so that you can have a rehearsal of the ceremony some days before the event?
Is time needed for turnover of any of the rooms and if so, where do the guests go?
What parking is available for guests and suppliers?
Are children catered for and is there an area that could be used as a crèche? Can they recommend an entertainer?
Are animals allowed at the venue, and can they go both inside and outside?

Is there a quiet area where elderly guests can go to avoid the noise?
What local transport is available and do they have a local taxi firm to recommend?
Are there any other events occurring locally on your wedding date which may affect availability of hotel rooms and transport nearby?
If getting married outside, what contingencies are in place for bad weather?
What flowers are in the garden at that time of year for colour, bouquets etc? (Ask to see photos.)
Do they have permission for a helicopter to land in the grounds should you so wish?
Ask for a copy of the Terms and Conditions to take away and read thoroughly before you are asked to sign.

Suppliers, Catering & Entertainment Questions

Can you use your own suppliers or only those recommended by the venue?
What paperwork would your suppliers need to show the venue eg insurance documents/PAT testing certs?
If wanting a marquee, do they supply it or can you use your own supplier?

If using their in-house caterers, can you see suggested menus?
Is there a tasting of food samples included in the price and how flexible are they eg BBQ/hog roast?
Can you bring your own wine etc or do you have to use that which they provide?
If you can bring your own, do they charge corkage?
How late can music/dancing go on until?
Are confetti, fireworks, candles allowed?

Can they supply you with a cake stand and knife and if so, can you see it beforehand?
Can they recommend a wedding cake supplier?
What time do they stop serving alcohol?
What time must the music finish?
Is there a time the following day by which the venue must be ‘returned’?

Accommodation Questions

Is a room available for the bride and bridesmaids to get ready on the day?
What accommodation is available at the venue? Any discount for more rooms taken? Can you have a tour of the bedrooms? Is breakfast included in the price of the room?
Can they recommend any other local accommodation for further guests?
If there is no overnight accommodation, is a room provided for the bride and groom on the day?
Are any of the guest’s bedrooms over the dancefloor?
Is there a storage area for wedding presents and are they insured for loss/damage to the presents?

And don't forget - this is your day! Choose a venue which ticks as many of your boxes as possible, and also fills you with excitement to get married there. Your venue will be the backdrop of all your wedding photos, so it's really important to choose a space you and your partner love.

Looking for more inspiration?
Browse all of our beautiful wedding venues here!