Questions to Ask Your Potential Wedding Venue

The questions couples often don’t realise they need to ask!

Choosing your wedding venue is one of the most exciting parts of planning your wedding - but it’s also one of the most important. Your venue impacts your style, budget, your timeline, your guest experience, and how smoothly your day runs behind the scenes.

To help you feel confident in your decision, here’s a comprehensive list of essential (and often overlooked) questions to ask your potential wedding venue before you book.

1. Is our preferred wedding date available?

Confirm availability early, and if your date is flexible, ask about off-peak pricing, seasonal minimum spends, or discounted dates.

2. What is included in the venue hire fee?

Ask exactly what’s included so you can accurately compare venues. This may cover:

• Exclusive use of the space

• Tables, chairs and furniture

• Set-up and pack-down

• On-site staff on the day

• Basic lighting or styling elements

3. How long do we have access to the venue?

Clarify:

• Bump-in and bump-out times

• When suppliers can arrive

• When the event must conclude

This is especially important if you’re planning extensive styling or a long celebration.

4. Can we host both the ceremony and reception onsite?

If you’re hoping for a one-location day, ask:

• Where the ceremony will be held

• Whether there are multiple ceremony spaces

• What the wet weather backup plan is, and whether it’s included

5. What is the wet weather plan?

Even in peak wedding season, this is essential. Ask:

• What the backup option looks like

• When the decision needs to be made

• Whether there are additional fees involved

A good wet weather plan should still feel intentional and well-designed.

6. What happens if the power goes out?

This is one couples rarely think to ask. Clarify:

• Whether the venue has a backup generator

• What systems will still operate (lighting, music, catering)

• Who manages this on the day

7. What food and beverage options are available?

Food and drink play a huge role in your guests’ experience. Ask:

• Is catering in-house or external?

• What service styles are available (plated, shared, cocktail)?

• Can dietary requirements be accommodated?

• Are tastings offered before booking?

8. Do we have to pay for the menu tasting?

Some venues include tastings, while others charge per person. Ask:

• Whether tastings are complimentary

• If the cost is deducted from your final balance

• How many people can attend

9. What is the price per person and minimum spend?

Make sure you clearly understand:

• The cost per guest

• Whether there is a minimum spend

• What the minimum spend includes (food, beverages, venue hire)

• Whether it changes based on the day or season

10. What beverage packages or bar options are available?

Ask whether the venue offers:

• Set beverage packages

• Bar tabs or consumption-based options

• BYO alcohol and corkage fees

• Signature cocktails or upgrades

11. Are sound, lighting and AV equipment included?

Ask what’s already onsite, such as:

• PA systems and microphones

• DJ or band compatibility

• Dancefloor or ambient lighting

This can save you from needing external hire.

12. Are there any styling or décor restrictions?

Some venues have rules around:

• Candles or open flames

• Hanging installations

• Confetti, petals or sparklers

• Moving furniture

Understanding this early helps align your vision with what’s possible.

13. Is there a bridal suite or private space available?

Ask whether there is:

• A bridal room or getting-ready space

• A secure place for personal belongings

• Somewhere private for touch-ups or downtime

This can make a huge difference to how relaxed you feel on the day.

14. Is accommodation available onsite or nearby?

Accommodation can be a major convenience. Ask:

• Whether the venue has onsite accommodation

• How many rooms are available

• Whether guest discounts apply

• Check-in and check-out times

15. Can guests park their car overnight?

This is especially important if:

• There’s an open bar

• Guests plan to use taxis or rideshare

• Accommodation is nearby

Clarify any restrictions or collection times.

16. Are there noise restrictions or curfews?

Ask:

• What time music must finish

• Whether there are volume limits

• If overtime is possible (and at what cost)

This will impact your reception timeline and dance floor energy.

17. Who will be our main point of contact?

Clarify:

• Who you’ll communicate with during planning

• Whether there is an on-the-day venue coordinator

• What their role includes (and what it doesn’t)

This helps determine whether you’ll need additional coordination support (from me).

18. What are the payment terms and cancellation policies?

Always ask about:

• Deposit amounts and payment schedules

• Cancellation or postponement terms

• Any non-refundable fees

Your wedding venue should do more than look beautiful - it should support your vision, your guests, and the way you want your day to feel.

Asking the right questions now will save you stress later and set the foundation for a smooth, memorable wedding day.

If you’d love expert guidance through venue selection or want support ensuring everything runs seamlessly on the day, I’d be honoured to help.