Northridge Valley Answers Your Frequently Asked Wedding Venue Questions: What You Need To Know

This Magazine Monday, take a tour of Northridge Valley Venue with Jessica Lake! We asked her some of the most frequently asked questions on behalf of couples in search of a venue. With her years of experience as a planner and as the owner of Northridge, she gave us some inside info exclusively for UVB readers! Read all about her tips and tricks for beautiful events at Northridge, learn what she loves about weddings, and know what to expect when you’re looking for a Utah wedding venue.

How far in advance do you recommend booking your wedding venue?

“Six months seems to be a nice happy medium for Utah weddings, but I have couples who book as much as two years out. As a planner, my shortest engagement was three weeks, so it really all depends on the couple, their story, and their situation. We are always thrilled to help them regardless of the time advancement before the wedding date. Our goal is to give them the tools and resources that enable them to enjoy their engagement no matter the length.”

What is included in a rental at Northridge?

“Our rental includes 10-12 hours, a full day, so to speak, so the families and vendors don’t have to stress about being short on time. Booking at Northridge includes two planning sessions that help us capture your ideal day and discuss what your wedding day will look like. We will be the host for that day to help vendors when they arrive, as well as be there for the couple and guests with questions.”

“All the basics for a beautiful wedding are included, like runners and candles for the tables, card box holder, cake stand and serving set, arrangement of ceremony chairs, tables with runners and candles per a couple’s direction. We offer indoor and outdoor setups; of course, like most venues, there is a warming kitchen, sound system, groom’s room (it’s bigger than just a closet; it is his special day too!), bride’s room, overflow area, and a large parking lot.”

How many hours is the typical rental period for a venue in Utah?

“Venue hours vary from venue to venue; anywhere from an hourly rate to four hours, to eight, or like ours, 12 hours.”

Do you recommend that couples have a wedding planner or coordinator? Why?

“Only if they think they absolutely need one. While we offer the basic in-house planning sessions, we do encourage you to have some sort of planner. If your schedule is busy or planning is not in your wheelhouse, please do look for additional support. We offer more planning services if needed, be it a month or six-month coordination, we can help. We can also arrange day-of coordination with you.”

“We find that most couples want to be actively involved in their wedding plans, even if it is offering their opinions on what matters most for them. We highly suggest having a decision maker designated to help on the day of, so you can simply be present knowing your day is in good hands. Our venue is invested in making your day a success, and that’s what’s most important, which is why we offer so many details and planning with the rental. We want your wedding day to be everything you imagine. Most couples are capable of planning their own wedding and only need a guide to help them along the way, which is already built into Northridge.”

Jessica’s kids coined the phrase ‘Don’t stress, call Jess!’ in reference to her skills as a wedding planner, years before her venue even opened. When she’s in charge, your wedding is stress-free and gorgeous!

How often do you see couples bring in their own decor versus using the venue’s decor? What are the pros and cons of each?

“Couples will often bring in what makes them them as a couple, and are encouraged to make it look like their wedding day because it is their wedding day. Most bring in signage and photos that hang on the rock wall or on frames; most couples hire a florist to bring in their vibe and colors, and to add to the basic runners and candles that are already set.”

“What is lovely about Northridge is the fact that it is naturally beautiful and requires very little to personalize it. Pros of using venue decor: you don’t have to set it up or take it with you. Cons… Well, we can’t think of any unless you truly want something else.”

In what ways does Northridge shine as a wedding venue?

“It is very much alive with a feeling of peace, comfort, and love. Our couples are drawn to the simple, natural feeling that can be felt from their booking throughout their wedding day. The indoor-outdoor options are very attractive to many, and the process of our planning and execution of the day sets us apart. The natural elements, rocks, and mountain views and quietness are warm and inviting; our couples want to have that feeling on their wedding day and love to share it with their closest loved ones.”

What is everyone’s favorite part of Northridge Valley?

“The feeling of being loved and together; we love the way couples become part of our family while planning and celebrating their wedding day. Couples love that we have plenty of room and options with the flexibility to make it their own.”

What unique ways have you seen couples and other events utilize your space?

“I love weddings that have hosted the ceremony on the west side, social hour on the east, and dinner and reception inside. We love that they utilize it and make it their own; their guests feel comfortable and stay longer because there is room to roam. From black and white dance floors, to drapes with empire chandeliers, every wedding is a special and uniquely curated as the couples that design them. We’ve seen Mariachi bands and harpists, and some creative send-offs like carriages, motorcycles, a vintage bus, and even a helicopter! Whether you love fairytale or modern, Northridge Valley offers the simple backdrop that creates stunning weddings every time.”

What is your favorite part of being a wedding venue owner?

“The couples and their stories, their families and friends that come from everywhere that show up in support of two people becoming their own family. We love our couples and serving them in a way that they can be present during their special day. One of the hardest parts of our job is waving goodbye to our newfound friends that we’ve grown to love over a short period in their lives, as we send them off with all the love and happiness we could hope for anyone. In providing the space and service that creates happy memories, life is good.”

What is one thing you wish every couple knew before they book a wedding venue?

“To take tours of the ones that you love, ask all the questions, and in the end, choose the one that best fits you and your vision as a couple. Every vendor, and especially your venue, should be reflective of who you are as a couple. Everything falls into place in the wedding planning once you have chosen your venue.”

Take it from Jessica, the best place to start would be at somewhere known as The Gathering Place, and that’s exactly what Northridge Valley is. And according to Jessica, “Most importantly, you are present with your loved ones when you all gather at Northridge.”