How to Choose a Wedding Venue: 12 Questions to Ask

The venue is usually the first big decision and the single largest cost — and it quietly locks in your date, your guest count and your whole atmosphere. Tour with a plan.

Know these before you tour

• Your rough guest count — it decides which spaces even fit.
• Your total budget and how much of it the venue can take.
• Your season and a couple of possible dates.

12 questions to ask on the tour

• What's the guest capacity, seated and standing?
• What exactly is included in the price (tables, chairs, linens, staff)?
• Which dates are available — and is pricing different by day or season?
• Do we have to use your caterer, or can we bring our own?
• What are the rules on alcohol and corkage?
• What time does the event have to end?
• What's the backup plan for bad weather?
• Is there parking or transport for guests?
• Are there restrictions on vendors, music or decor?
• What's the deposit, payment schedule and cancellation policy?
• How much setup and breakdown time do we get?
• Is the space accessible for elderly or disabled guests?

Red flags to watch for

• Vague answers about what's included (hidden costs love vagueness).
• Hard pressure to sign on the day of the tour.
• No clear written contract or cancellation terms.

Book the venue that feels right and reads clearly on paper.

Keep your venue shortlist, costs and questions organized as you go in the free Everplanner planner.