Essential questions to ask your wedding venue

Choosing your wedding venue is a big decision, and one from which many of your other decisions will follow. Before you make a booking you need to ensure that the venue in question can accommodate your wedding vision and budget. Here, award-winning wedding planner Hazel Parsons from Out of The Ordinary Weddings (outoftheordinaryweddings.com) shares her advice on the key questions to ask.

Must-haves:

Guest limit: How many guests can the venue comfortably accommodate for the ceremony, reception and evening party?

Dates: What's their availability like for your desired date? Are there any seasonal discounts? Are there any restrictions you need to consider on peak dates?

Your ceremony: Does the venue have a dedicated ceremony space inside and outside and do you have a choice of locations? Are they licensed for legal ceremonies?

Exclusivity: Will you have exclusive use of the venue on your wedding day, or will there be other events happening?

Parking and access: Does the venue have a designated car park for you and your guests to use or is there a car park nearby? If not, do you need to organise travel for guests?

Facilities: Are there adequate restrooms that are easily accessible? Do you need to hire in toilets?

Pricing: Break down the costs and what's included in the venue fee (accommodation, hire period, staffing, tableware, a serviced bar, furniture, wedding ceremony licence). Every venue prices differently!

Supplier flexibility & important details:

Catering: Does the venue provide catering or can you bring in your preferred caterer? If so, is there a pre-approved list?

Suppliers: Are there any restrictions on other suppliers, like musicians, DJs, photographers, florists or décor?

Wedding coordinator: Does the venue provide a dedicated on-site coordinator for the wedding day? What will their role and responsibilities be?

Entertainment: What are the licensing restrictions regarding music and alcohol? 

Beverages: Can you provide your own alcohol or is there a corkage fee?

Access: What time can you access the venue for set-up on your wedding day?

Venue specifics and special touches:

Accommodation: Does the venue or surrounding area offer on-site or nearby accommodation for your guests?

Finishing touches: Are candles, fireworks and confetti permitted at the venue?

Wrap-up and logistics:

End time: What time does your hire period end on the wedding day? Is there a curfew or noise limitations?

Clean-up: Who is responsible for cleaning up after the event? How is recycling and general rubbish disposal handled?

By asking these key questions upfront, you'll gain a clear understanding of the venue’s capabilities and potential limitations. It allows for a smooth, stress-free wedding planning experience. Next steps...explore with confidence and find your perfect wedding venue!