Wedding Planning
How to choose a wedding venue — 15 considerations for finding the perfect match
Learn how to pick a wedding venue that’s perfect for you with our expert tips. Find out what to ask when viewing a wedding venue, and how far in advance venues book.
7 Min Read
How to choose a wedding venue is a question that many engaged couples spend a long time considering. The wedding venue you pick is the cornerstone of your entire day, and we don’t just mean the look and feel of your celebration - although that’s important too. But until you have secured your wedding venue and preferred date, there is very little else you can organise (save for your wedding registry). Dates for wedding venues also tend to book up the furthest in advance (along with photographers!). So, let us lend you our expertise in choosing your perfect wedding venue. Then you can get that ball rolling with wedding planning.
How to choose a wedding venue that feels perfect
Choosing the right wedding venue for you can be easy. It comes down to having two simple sets of questions: one list of questions to ask yourself, and another for your shortlist of potential wedding venues. Once you’ve got the answer to these, the best wedding venue for you will be obvious.
8 questions to ask yourself before you start searching
1. What Locations Would You Consider For Your Wedding?
Chances are, you have a rough idea of the area, region or country you’re going to get married in. If not, we suggest you start your soul searching there. Do you want to tie the knot somewhere close to home and loved ones? Somewhere meaningful that you have a connection to? Or at one of your bucket list destinations? Compile a list of all your contenders and get ready to cross-reference it with the answers to the rest of these questions.
2. How Do You Want Your Day To Feel?
Next up, deciding on how you want your day to feel is going to help you narrow down some options. Do you want a large roaring party? Or an intimate collection of people? Do you have any cultural aspects of your day that would require or suit a particular venue? What are you and your other half interested in? These questions might give you a vision of what your day could look like. Then think about your tastes. Perhaps you’re drawn to rustic styles, boho or more traditional? Pinterest is a great place to start gathering inspiration. This will help you create an overall vision that will guide your wedding venue search.
3. How Many Guests Do You Anticipate? What Is Your Budget?
We’ve rolled these two questions into one because both are (more often than not) inextricably linked. A wedding for 400 people will almost inevitably cost more than one for 30. Think about how much you’re willing to spend and consider creating a simple wedding budget breakdown. This will give you a clearer picture of how much you can realistically spend on your wedding venue and other aspects of your special day. Team that with a brainstorming session of who you’re likely to invite (this does not have to be concrete at this point) and you will have an idea of the capacity you need to find in your dream wedding venue.
Why Guests Love Wedding Gift Lists4. Who Are You Inviting? Do They Need Specific Facilities?
When choosing a wedding venue that accommodates your guest number, the considerations go beyond simply counting heads. You want to make sure that everyone enjoys your special day, so it's a good idea to think about the ages and mobility of your guests. Are you inviting young children? For a child-friendly wedding, look for venues with dedicated children's areas, outdoor space for them to play, and perhaps even late-night entertainment options for younger guests. Remember that some venues, such as breweries, may have age restrictions, potentially excluding children from the guest list. If your wedding guest list includes elderly guests or guests with limited mobility, prioritize venues with easy accessibility, ramps, elevators, and well-maintained restrooms.
5. Do You Have Set Ideas Or Preferences For Catering?
Whether you're dreaming of serving your guests a hog roast, a traditional sit-down meal, or a vibrant street food feast, your vision for your wedding feast will significantly impact your wedding venue choice. Many venues require you to use their in-house catering teams, which can be a blessing (less to organise!), or a curse (if their style doesn't align with your vision). We recommend remaining open-minded about catering options, as it will give you greater flexibility when choosing your perfect wedding venue — be sure to discuss specific dietary needs, cultural preferences, or a desire for a particular cuisine with potential venues early on to ensure your wedding feast is as delicious as it is memorable.
6. What Are Your Venue Must Haves And Nice To Haves?
What elements of your day are absolutely crucial? Perhaps you’ve got your heart set on a dreamy outdoor ceremony. Or maybe you can’t tolerate the idea of a DJ being asked to pack up before midnight? Whatever your preferences, list them all out. Get wild and pour out your collective wants for the day. Then go about splitting that list into ‘must haves’ and ‘nice to haves’. That way you can see which aspects will definitely rule out a prospective wedding venue and which allows it to make the shortlist.
Why Guests Love Wedding Gift Lists7. Are There Logistics You Need To Consider?
Think about your access to the venue and your guests access. If you plan to have everyone stay over, then you’ve narrowed your search to a wedding venue that can offer that level of accommodation. If you have a lot of family flying in from abroad and there are no accommodation options close to your shortlisted venue, you may want to reconsider. If the venue you love is a several-hour drive from your house you might want to think about where you will be the night before and the night of. Ironing out logistics at this stage can help to avoid potential headaches further down the line.
8. Who Can You Ask For Personal Recommendations?
It can be tempting to just type into Google ‘London wedding venues‘ (or your location variation), and while you will no doubt find some gems there, just know that those results don’t always show you the full array of venues on offer. Find a wedding webite or magazine that you know and trust (Rock My Wedding is a great place to start), and search for venues recommended by them. Ask friends and family about weddings they’ve been to (you’ll also get the bonus insider knowledge of the quality of both food and service). Wedding venue suggestions can also be one of your questions to ask a wedding photographer or wedding planner — they may be able to give you insider recommendations that align with your vision and style. And of course, there’s a lot to be said for a drive or walk around the area you intend to get married in, looking out for places that catch your eye.
7 Questions to ask when viewing a wedding venue
Once you’ve got your shortlisted wedding venue options — it’s now time to call them up, check availability for dates and then arrange your viewings. At your viewings ask these questions:
1. How Long Can I Provisionally Hold a Date For and What’s the Cancellation Policy?
When considering wedding venues, it's important to understand the booking and cancellation policies of any potential venues. Whether you're planning a wedding in six months or want to book your dream wedding venue 2 years in advance, asking them about the holding period for a provisional date gives you time to decide without risking the loss of your ideal date. Equally important is their cancellation policy. Understanding the terms and conditions regarding wedding venue deposits, and whether they are refundable, will give you peace of mind, help you decide what level of wedding insurance you may want, and ensure you make an informed decision when choosing and booking your perfect wedding venue.
2. What is included in the price of hiring the wedding venue?
A key question when viewing venues is what's included in the wedding venue hire fee. You might assume that the quoted price includes everything, but asking this upfront will help you avoid unexpected costs and stay within your wedding budget. Does it cover the entire day and evening? Is there a guest limit? Are there extra costs for things like tables, chairs, lighting, or sound systems? While not guaranteed, wedding venue prices can be negotiable, so we recommend sharing your budget along with what you want and don't want with the venue.
3. Is the Wedding Venue Available for Exclusive Hire?
Exclusive hire venues are the perfect option if you're looking for a wedding venue that provides ultimate privacy for you and your guests, and allows you to personalise the space to your exact vision. If this sounds like the right fit for your wedding, be sure to ask about exclusive hire options when viewing your preferred venues. If the venue is not exclusive hire, ask them how they manage the flow of the day and ensure you don't end up with someone else's guests at your bash.
4. Is the venue licensed for civil wedding ceremonies?
Before you fall in love with a particular wedding venue, it's crucial to confirm whether you can hold your legal ceremony there. Unless it is a church or registry office wedding, your venue will need to have a license to hold a wedding ceremony in England and Wales. Plus, if you plan to have your legal ceremony and reception at the same location, your venue will need to be licensed for both.
5. Are there any restrictions on the decorations we can use?
When envisioning your dream wedding day, you likely have specific ideas for decorations in mind. Think a bespoke flower arch, romantic candlelight, or perhaps a grand fireworks display to celebrate your nuptials. To ensure your vision comes to life, be sure to ask about any restrictions on decorations when viewing potential wedding venues. Some venues may have limitations on the types of materials you can use, the placement of decorations, or the use of candles or fireworks. Clarifying these restrictions upfront will help you plan and avoid any disappointment on your wedding day.
6. Is there a bar on-site? If not, can we bring our own alcohol?
Let's talk bubbly! To ensure a smooth and enjoyable reception for all your guests, clarify the alcohol policy details with your chosen wedding venue upfront. Does the wedding venue have a bar on-site? If so, what are their drink options and pricing? If you're not planning on having an open bar, it's worth checking the venue's bar prices. Some places offer special offers on one or two kinds of drinks to reduce the cost for your guests. Don't forget to ask whether the venue bar accepts cards and cash — guests will need to know in advance if it’s cash only. If you're permitted to bring your own alcohol, ask about any potential corkage fees.
7. Is there a secure area for us to store our wedding gifts?
While the presence of your loved ones is the most cherished gift, many guests will also want to congratulate you with a physical or cash present. When viewing your wedding venue, ask about their secure storage options. This could include a dedicated room, a locked area, or a designated staff member to oversee the collection and safekeeping of gifts. Alternatively, simplify your gift-giving experience by creating your wedding registry at The Wedding Shop. One of the many reasons you need a wedding gift list is that we make the gift-giving process quick, safe and easy. We seamlessly transfer all cash and honeymoon funds directly to your account. And, we offer two complimentary wedding gift deliveries direct to you on your chosen date(s) after your wedding. It's a joyful experience to look forward to after the wedding confetti has settled.
Why Guests Love Wedding Gift ListsCongratulations! With all of your homework done, you’ve just increased your chances of finding the perfect wedding venue that will give you ‘that feeling’. Want a few venue ideas to get you started? Look at where some of our real couples tied the knot for some wedding inspiration.
If you want more wedding planning advice, or are wondering where that lovely venue is we featured in the main image (it's Bredon Manor, located in South West England fyi), we have you covered too. Read our guide to wedding themes, our pointers on wedding invitation wording, or our answers to all of your gift list questions.
The Wedding Shop, the UK’s leading independent and multi-award-winning wedding gift list service, has been creating unforgettable and meaningful wedding gift list experiences for over 30 years. Our unrivalled selection of over 450 brands lets you combine stylish presents with honeymoon funds, charity contributions, exciting experiences, subscriptions, and even gifts from other retailers — means you can curate a list of the best wedding gifts you'll love for a lifetime.