How to Choose a Wedding Venue: Answer These Questions Before You Tour

Happy Magazine Monday brides and couples! We’ve put together a list of questions and things to know before you start touring wedding venues. It’s super easy; just fill it out, write it down, and bring these wedding venue questions with you when you go on those tours!

Get a copy of our 2026 Magazine here for more wedding planning resources!

This is Where We Say I Do

Chapel, barn, chateau, or vineyard? How do you know where to start when you begin your search for the perfect wedding venue? Do you want an indoor or outdoor ceremony? What about dinner and the reception? Will it fit the number of guests you plan on inviting? And that’s not even all of it. Here’s a quick guide for you to figure out the basics before you book your venue tours!

Start with These Wedding Venue Questions:

Circle or write in your answers:

Are you absolutely set on a wedding date, or is your date flexible?
- Set on _____ / Flexible
How many people are you planning on inviting?
- <50 / 50-100 / 100-150 / 150-200 / 200+
Do you want an indoor or outdoor wedding?
- Indoor / Outdoor / Both / Doesn’t Matter
Will your wedding have alcohol?
- Yes / No
How important is the location of your venue?
- It has to be close / We are willing to travel
What is your wedding aesthetic?
- ______________________
Will you have a wedding planner or coordinator?
- Yes / No

Even if you’re unsure about some of these, it’s a great place to start. Depending on which place you absolutely fall in love with, and of course, your venue budget, some of these things can be more flexible depending on what dates are available.

Once you have some of the details figured out, you have a starting point. These will help you know what to look for when you’re booking tours.

Now it’s time to schedule them! Even if you’re unsure about a venue, it can’t hurt to check it out in person anyway. A space will always look different in person than in photos, and you never know until you see it if it will be the perfect place. Touring in person will help you get an in-depth understanding of what a venue has to offer that you wouldn’t get just by looking at their website.

Wedding Venue Questions

Here are some questions you might ask as you are touring potential venues!

What is your capacity?
What are your policies on catering? Do you allow alcohol?
Are we required to have a wedding planner or coordinator? Do you have an in-house coordinator?
What’s included in the price? Where can we expect additional fees?
What dates do you have available/do you have our date available?
What is the rental period?
Do you have preferred vendors we are required to use, or can we bring in our own vendors?
How big are the dressing rooms? How many are there?
How much parking is there?
Do you allow open flames for candles?
What other features or services do you offer? (i.e. floral, catering, linens, decor, etc.)
What are some important things we need to know before we sign the contract?
What are some unique ways you’ve seen couples utilize your space?

Another thing to consider as you begin your search: do you want a typical wedding venue or an all-inclusive resort? A resort will not only provide lodging for guests, but may also offer amenities like catering, wait staff, alcohol, floral, and more.

A great venue will be able to answer all these questions and more! Don’t be afraid to ask whoever is giving you your tour every single thing that comes to mind, they will be happy to help and want your wedding to be as perfect as you do. Happy touring!