12 Questions You Should Ask When Touring Wedding Venues

Feb 21

One of the biggest decisions you will make as an engaged couple is choosing the place where you will say your “I dos.” Do you want to get married indoors or outdoors? Are you envisioning a rustic barn-style wedding or an elegant ballroom affair? No matter the type of venue you are searching for, booking a venue should be at the top of your wedding to-do list. Looking for the perfect venue to get married at can seem like a daunting task at first. That is why I compiled a list of the 12 most important questions to ask when you are touring wedding venues!

Is your venue available for my chosen date?

This question is a no-brainer, right? But it is so important! Before you even take a tour of the venue, make sure you check with the venue owner/manager to see if your date isn’t already booked! Recently, I’ve seen several venues post their available dates on their websites, which I think is genius! It limits the back and forth between the couple and the venue and makes the process easier for everyone involved.
Image: The Terrace at Bell Mill in Ooltewah, TN

2. What is the rental fee and are there any additional fees you charge?

The venue is oftentimes the most expensive part of your wedding, so this question is a super important one! Most venues rental fees vary depending on the day of the week and whether or not your date is during their “peak” wedding season. Saturday weddings are typically the most expensive with weekday weddings being a more cost-efficient option. Other important things to ask are if they charge additional fees for tables & chairs, set up & tear down, event insurance, etc. It is important to know all of the additional fees upfront before you decide if it fits into your wedding budget!
Image: The Westin in Chattanooga, TN

3. How many guests can your venue accommodate?

This question should really say “How many guests can your venue accommodate comfortably?” Many venues can fit a large number of guests standing, but when you factor tables and chairs into the equation then the number of guests goes down significantly. It is important to make sure that the venues you are looking at can accommodate all of your loved ones without feeling too crowded!
Image: Gardens in the Gorge in Chattanooga, TN

4. What time do we have the space on the day of the wedding?

Most venues offer a 10-12 hour rental period on the day of your wedding. However, there are some venues that offer shorter windows of time (i.e. art museums, Airbnbs, etc.). Definitely ask this question so you or your planner/coordinator can create the timeline accordingly!
Image: Cedar Hills Farm in Soddy Daisy, TN

5. Where are the ceremony, cocktail hour and reception spaces? Are there any flexibility or options?

This question is especially important if you are hoping to have your ceremony and your reception at the same location. Many venues have separate spaces for both the ceremony and reception, but some do not and that requires a “room flip.” Which brings me back to question #2 about the additional fees! Some venues will offer a “room flip” service for an additional cost.
Image: The Venue in Chattanooga, TN

6. What do you all provide, if anything? Tables, chairs, linens, decor, etc?

Many couples assume that their wedding venues include these items in their rental fee, but that is not always the case! Most venues provide tables and chairs, but some do not provide table linens or decor. Be sure to ask the venue owner/manager before you make assumptions and are left without tablecloths on your wedding day!
Image: The Venue at Wildwood in Wildwood, GA

7. Can we have our rehearsal at the venue? If so, is that an extra cost?

A rehearsal run-through is super important to make sure you, your partner and your wedding party knows how the proceed in and out of your wedding ceremony! Depending on availability, some venues offer a 1-hour rehearsal walkthrough, some do not. It is important to ask so you can find another location to do a rehearsal walkthrough if needed!
Image: The Common House in Chattanooga, TN

8. What is the contingency plan for poor weather?

The chance of rain is inevitable no matter the season you are getting married in, so it is super important to have a backup plan just in case! Will the ceremony take place inside at the reception space? Can you rent a tent to cover the ceremony space? If the venue you are interested in booking has an outdoor ceremony space, make sure you are familiar with their contingency plan for inclement weather!
Image: Hidden Springs Venue in Apison, TN

9. Are there getting ready spaces/suites?

Having dedicated rooms or suites for the couple and their wedding party to get ready at on-site is a huge time and money saver! If your venue doesn’t have getting ready suites, you will need to plan ahead and book hotel rooms or Airbnbs close to the venue for everyone to get ready at.
Image: Blackberry Ridge in Trenton, GA

10. Are there any decorating restrictions?

Through trial and error, most venues have a list of prohibited items that you cannot bring to your wedding. The typical items included on this list are things like glitter, confetti, fireworks, open flames, etc. Some venues are more strict than others, so be sure to ask when you take your tour!
Image: Moser Manor Farms in Hixson, TN

11. Are we allowed to bring in our own vendors or are we locked in to your list of preferred vendors?

Again, some venues are more strict about this than others. Some venues require all of your vendors to be licensed and insured and to be on their preferred vendor list. Other venues allow you to hire whatever vendors you would like to. Definitely ask the venue what they allow before getting your heart set on certain vendors!
Image: Oakleaf Cottage in Trenton, GA

12. Are Ubers and Lyfts available at your venue?

I will never forget after my wedding five years ago when a large group of our wedding guests were stranded after the reception ended. Our venue was located in a rural part of NC, roughly 30 minutes outside of town. We didn’t think about how guests would get home at the end of the evening and we regretted that big time! Be sure to ask your venue and have a plan for how your guests will get home safely so they aren't left stranded!
Image: Ocoee Crest in Benton, TN

There you have it! I hope you feel a bit more prepared and confident as you tour potential wedding venues! Please note that this is not an exhaustive list of questions, just some of the most important ones to keep in mind as you are doing your venue visits. The venue is oftentimes the most expensive wedding purchase you will make, so don’t be afraid to ask as many questions as you need to. Happy venue hunting!