Booking your venue is the single biggest decision in your wedding planning journey. It sets the date, the style, and the budget for everything else. Don’t sign anything until you’ve asked these questions.
Availability & Exclusivity
- Is our date available?
- Will we have exclusive use of the venue?
- How many weddings do you host per day/weekend?
- Can we visit on a wedding day to see it in action?
- What is your cancellation and postponement policy?
Capacity & Layout
- What is the maximum seated capacity for a sit-down dinner?
- What is the capacity for a standing reception?
- Is there a separate space for the ceremony?
- Where do guests arrive and wait before the ceremony?
- Is there a bridal suite or getting-ready room?
- Is the venue wheelchair accessible?
Catering & Drink
- Is catering in-house or do we use an external caterer?
- Can we see sample menus and pricing?
- Do you cater for dietary requirements (vegan, gluten-free, halal)?
- Is there a corkage fee if we bring our own wine?
- When does the bar close? Can we have a late bar?
- Is there a minimum spend on food and drink?
Logistics
- What time can suppliers access the venue for setup?
- What time must we vacate?
- Is there parking on site? Is it free?
- Do you have a recommended supplier list, and are we required to use it?
- Is there a sound limiter? What decibel level?
- Is there a noise curfew?
Weather & Contingency
- What is the wet weather plan for outdoor ceremonies?
- Is there indoor backup space?
- Do you have heating and air conditioning?
- What happens if the venue has a problem on our day?
Fees & Contracts
- What is the venue hire fee, and what is included?
- Are there hidden extras — staffing, security, cleaning?
- What is the deposit, and when is the balance due?
- Is VAT included in all quoted prices?
- What insurance do you hold? Do you require us to have wedding insurance?
On the Day
- Who is our point of contact on the day?
- Do you provide a venue coordinator?
- Can we do a rehearsal?
- Is there a PA system and microphone for speeches?
- What is your policy on confetti? Are candles allowed?
- Can we bring our own cake?
- Are drones allowed for aerial photography?
- What do previous couples wish they’d known before booking here?
Pro Tip
Always visit the venue at the same time of day as your planned ceremony. Lighting changes everything. And always get quotes in writing — verbal agreements mean nothing when contracts are signed.
