How to Find a Venue For Your Wedding
photo: Aase Pouline
Congrats on your engagement! You have officially started wedding planning. How to find a venue for a wedding that fits your theme and aesthetic can seem a bit overwhelming. Our goal as destination wedding planners is to create an effortless planning experience for our couples. This is why we are sharing everything we know to help you narrow down the process.
What should you have prepped before the venue hunt begins?
Date Availability
Have at least one or two wedding date options. Especially if you plan to book your venue on the spot.
A Guest List Draft
A rough number estimate will help you visualize when scouting venues. You will be able to compare how each location accommodates a ceremony and reception.
Rental Fee / Pricing
Fees can add up and are at times not accounted for. Think about your overall price range in spending on a venue. (You should budget for 50% of your overall budget for location + catering.)
Preferred Catering
Some venues offer catering options with their packages. Others have no restrictions on what you can or can’t do. Talk to your partner about your preferences on this topic.
Top Priorities
What are your top three venue non-negotiables? Is it a late-night curfew, fireworks to be allowed at send-off? Do they allow your furry pet at the ceremony?
photo: Hochzeitslicht
Must ask questions for the venue
What is the venue capacity?
Any rentals included with the venue?
What are the policies and procedures? (Examples: licensing alcohol rules and regulations, insurance, vendor contracts, house rules, overtime fees, cleanup rules, and fees)
In House Catering, Preferred Catering or Open Catering?
Does the location have an organized plan B for the weather? Or do they recommend renting a tent?
photo: The Saums
Where to start looking for a wedding venue
Wedding blogs are our number one resource in starting the search for your dream venue. You get to see real events brought to life and how different styles fit the location. Blogs will inspire you to visualize your own wedding decor and reception setup. We love Frieda Theres for Germany wedding ideas.
Instagram is another great tool for finding venues you didn’t even know existed. Use hashtags or the search bar to type in your {‘destination’ wedding}. Yes, you might get a lot of options. The key to not getting overwhelmed is by having an idea of what you are looking for. Is it something more modern or more boho? Try by starting to cross out things you know you don’t want.
photo: The Saums
How a wedding planner supports you finding the right venue
Searching for a venue can set the tone for the wedding planning experience. Since you are most likely at the beginning stages of this journey, this could foreshadow how you find whatever is next on your list. What is important is that you and your partner feel at ease when signing that contract. With a wedding planner, you get an extra boost of confidence in your decision-making.
Wedding planners and coordinators know all the secret spots that aren’t advertised as venues. Some possibly being your dream location. Many places nowadays even require a planner/ day of coordinator. How their minds work is by seeing the big picture. They consider the logistics, the delivery process, access for vendors, and can calculate extra costs that might come up on the spot. All of this with one visit. They think about how the venue can accommodate the flow of your event from beginning to end. With a wedding planner’s experience and a list of networks, you and your fiancé are assured to enjoy wedding planning!
