Choosing a wedding venue is one of the most exciting and important decisions you’ll make when planning your big day. The venue sets the tone for your celebration and influences everything from your décor to your guest list. With so many options out there, finding the perfect venue can feel overwhelming, but don’t worry! I’m here to help with a little guide on how to choose a wedding venue that’s just right for you!

1. Consider Your Vision and Style

The first step in learning how to choose a wedding venue is thinking about the style and vibe you want for your wedding. Are you dreaming of a romantic garden setting, a modern urban space, or a rustic barn celebration? Your venue should match your overall vision. Whether you’re planning a formal black-tie affair or a laid-back beach wedding, the venue you choose will play a huge role in creating that atmosphere.

Make a list of the things that matter most to you and your partner. Do you want an outdoor ceremony? Are you looking for a venue with a lot of natural light? Defining your style early on will help narrow down your options and keep you focused as you search.

2. Know Your Guest List

Before you start visiting venues, have a good idea of your guest count. The size of your guest list will directly impact your venue choice, so it’s crucial to choose a place that can comfortably accommodate everyone. If you book a venue that’s too small, your guests will feel cramped. On the other hand, a venue that’s too large might make a smaller wedding feel less intimate.

If you’re unsure of your exact number, try to come up with a rough estimate. This will give you a guideline as you explore different spaces. Be sure to ask potential venues about their capacity limits, and consider how the space will feel with your expected number of guests.

3. Budget Considerations

When figuring out how to choose a wedding venue, your budget plays a significant role. Venues can take up a big chunk of your wedding budget, so it’s important to know what you can afford. Make sure you understand what’s included in the venue fee—things like tables, chairs, linens, and lighting may or may not be part of the package.

Ask about additional costs as well. Are there any fees for setup and teardown? Will you need to pay extra for a wedding coordinator or catering? Hidden costs can add up quickly, so be thorough in your discussions. Stick to your budget to avoid any financial stress down the line. Some venues have packages that include everything for less than £15,000, whereas other venues may cost a similar amount, yet require you to cover food etc… Take all of this into consideration!

4. Location, Location, Location

Location is key when choosing a wedding venue. Do you want your wedding to be local, or are you dreaming of a destination wedding? If most of your guests are traveling from out of town, consider a venue that’s easy to get to, with nearby accommodation options. You’ll also want to think about how convenient the location is for you and your vendors.

Another thing to consider is whether you’ll have your ceremony and reception at the same place. Having everything in one location can make things easier for you and your guests, cutting down on travel time and transportation costs.

5. Check Out Reviews, Recommendations, & Photos

A big part of learning how to choose a wedding venue is doing your research. Check out reviews online to see what other couples have to say about the venue. Were they happy with the service? Was the venue flexible and accommodating? Hearing from others who have been in your shoes can give you valuable insights.

It’s also helpful to ask for recommendations from friends, family, or your wedding planner. They may know of hidden gems you hadn’t considered or can steer you away from venues with less-than-stellar reputations. Trusting personal recommendations can go a long way in finding the perfect spot. Check out photos of the venue from your favourite photographers! Just google the venues, and take a look through Google Images to see if you like how it looks.

6. Visit Multiple Venues

Once you have a list of potential venues, schedule visits to each one. Seeing a venue in person can give you a much better sense of the space than photos or descriptions online. Pay attention to how you feel when you walk in. Can you picture your ceremony there? Does the reception space feel right for your party? Sometimes, the vibe of a place just clicks, and you know it’s “the one.”

Don’t be afraid to ask lots of questions during your visit. How flexible is the venue with décor and layouts? What’s their backup plan for bad weather if you’re planning an outdoor wedding? Walking through the venue with the coordinator can help you visualise your day and give you peace of mind that all the details will be taken care of. Be mindful of venues trying to sell you the dream too! Understand that they are there to help, but they are also there to sell their venue to you for a lot of money…

7. Think About Logistics

Logistics are an important but often overlooked part of choosing a wedding venue. Consider things like parking, accessibility for guests with disabilities, and whether the venue offers getting-ready rooms for the wedding party. If you’re planning a wedding at a remote or unconventional venue, think about how your vendors will deliver and set up everything.

Also, check if the venue has restrictions. Some venues have noise ordinances or strict rules about décor (like no confetti or fireworks), which could impact your plans. Being aware of these logistics upfront can save you a lot of headaches later on.

8. Trust Your Gut

At the end of the day, your wedding is about celebrating your love, and the venue is just the backdrop for that celebration. When deciding how to choose a wedding venue, trust your instincts. If you find a place that feels right, aligns with your vision, and fits within your budget, that’s probably the one!

Don’t let the process stress you out too much. Enjoy the excitement of visiting venues and imagining your wedding day. Trust yourself to make the best decision for you and your partner.

Conclusion

Figuring out how to choose a wedding venue may seem overwhelming at first, but by considering your vision, guest list, budget, and logistics, you’ll find the perfect spot to say “I do.” Whether you’re planning a grand affair or an intimate gathering, taking the time to find a venue that feels just right will help make your wedding day everything you’ve dreamed of and more.

If you’re planning your wedding, and are looking for a Wedding Photographer, then let’s get in touch! I have other articles on my blog to help choose a venue in Hampshire, or West Sussex, and more counties so check those out too!