22 Important Questions To Ask When Choosing Your Wedding Venue

So you know to ask about capacity, packages and whether they’ve got your date – but it’s the other questions that save you stress later.

Here are 22 important questions to ask when choosing your wedding venue, written like a checklist you can screenshot and take with you.

Important Questions To Ask When Choosing Your Wedding Venue

Here’s a checklist to ensure you get the answers you need to make the right venue choice.

Questions to ask about ceremony and layout

1. Can you accommodate the ceremony?

Verify if the venue can host both your ceremony and reception, which can simplify logistics and reduce transport needs.

2. What happens if it rains? Are there outdoor covered areas?

For outdoor weddings, it’s crucial to have a backup plan in case of bad weather. If you’re looking at a barn venue, is there space for guests to mingle inside during the reception — while you take space elsewhere for photo requests and while the ceremony room is being turned around?

3. Are you wheelchair accessible?

Accessibility is key for guests with mobility issues; confirm that the venue can accommodate everyone comfortably.

Questions to ask about exclusivity and logistics

4. What other events are going on at the venue on the same day? Do we have exclusive use of the venue?

Knowing whether other events are scheduled on the same day can help you prepare for potential distractions or sharing of common spaces.

5. Do you have space for parking — if so, how much?

Ensure there’s ample parking for your guests, or consider alternative arrangements such as shuttles.

6. Are there any changes planned to the building before the wedding (renovations, painting, etc)?

You’ll want to avoid any surprises by knowing in advance if the venue will be undergoing changes that could affect your day.

Questions to ask about timings and noise

7. If we want to set up and decorate the venue the day before the wedding, can we gain access, and what time?

Access the day before can be beneficial for setting up decorations and easing last-minute stress.

8. How late can we party until?

Check if there are any time restrictions or noise curfews that could end your celebration earlier than expected.

Questions to ask about suppliers and restrictions

9. Do you have a dedicated wedding team and/or coordinator?

A dedicated team or coordinator can greatly ease your planning process and ensure the day runs smoothly. I talk about why you should consider hiring your own wedding planner here.

10. Are there any decoration restrictions?

Some venues have restrictions on decorations like candles or confetti; it’s important to know these before you plan your decor.

11. What can the venue supply (and at what cost, if any) and what do I need to bring?

Understanding what the venue provides and what you need to supply can help manage your budget and expectations.

12. Can I bring in my own DJ/band?

Some venues require you to use their in-house DJ or band, while others allow you to bring your own.

13. Can I hook an iPod or laptop up to your sound system?

For those who prefer to manage their own music playlist, verify the technical capabilities of the venue.

Questions to ask about food and drink

14. Do you offer an in-house caterer?

Find out if the venue provides their own catering services or if you can choose an external caterer.

15. How flexible is the menu?

Dietary restrictions and personal tastes should be accommodated, so check how much the venue can customise their menu.

16. Do you offer a tasting? If so, what is the charge?

Tasting the menu before your big day ensures that the food will meet your expectations.

17. Is there a corkage fee?

If you’re bringing your own alcohol, it’s important to know if there is a corkage fee.

18. Do you hire bartenders and is there a charge per bartender?

Understanding staffing costs can help you budget more accurately.

19. Do you charge for unopened bottles after the reception?

This can affect your overall budget, especially if alcohol consumption is less than anticipated.

Questions to ask about money + contracts

20. Do you have public liability insurance?

This protects you and your guests in the event of an accident, making it a critical consideration.

21. What are the cancellation and postponement policies?

Understanding the venue’s policies on cancellations or postponements is crucial, especially in uncertain times. Know the terms, conditions, and potential costs involved if plans need to change.

22. How much is the deposit, and when is it due?

Getting a clear idea of the payment schedule helps in budget management and ensures there are no surprises.

5 “catch people out” wedding venue questions

1. What’s your Plan A / Plan B for wet weather – and when do we have to decide?

It’s not just “is there an indoor option?” – it’s how it actually works. Ask where guests will go, what flips over, how long it takes, and who makes the call (you, coordinator, venue). Bonus: it’ll save you a load of weather-anxiety.

2. Where can suppliers load in, and what are the time windows?

Deliveries can be chaos if no one’s thought about access. Ask about: closest door, lift/stairs, distance to the room, parking permits, and whether suppliers can return later to collect things. It affects florals, styling, bands, cake… everything.

3. What’s the lighting like after dark and can we control it?

Some venues are dreamy in daylight and… less dreamy at night. Ask if they can dim lights, turn off uplighters, avoid coloured LEDs, and what the “evening mood” looks like once the party starts. It makes a huge difference to atmosphere (and photos).

4. How many plug sockets are there in the key areas and where are they?

Sounds boring. Is not boring. Bands/DJs, photo booths, neon signs, festoon lighting, phone charging, laptops, speakers – all need power. Ask if they provide extension leads, whether anything is on a limiter, and if there’s a power cut plan.

5. What’s included in the furniture – and what gets moved/removed during turnarounds?

Ask exactly what chairs/tables are included, whether you can swap styles, what happens to ceremony chairs after, and whether they flip rooms while guests are still in there. This impacts timings, layout, and whether your guests ever feel herded around.

Wedding venues I love photographing (UK)

If you want venue inspo while you’re looking, here are a few places I’ve photographed and genuinely love working at::

1. Davenport House
2. Iscoyd Park
3. Walcot Hall
4. Garthmyl Hall
5. Hampton Manor
6. Hawkstone Hall
7. Intimate London Wedding Venues including Hackney, Marylebone, and Chelsea Town Halls.

Venue viewing FAQ

• Should we bring anything to a venue viewing? Notebook, phone for photos, and this checklist – plus a rough guest count.
• How many venues should we view? Usually 3–6 is plenty before everything starts to blur. Every couple tells me they knew immediately when they had found the one, IYKYK.
• When should we book? If it’s the one and the date works, don’t sit on it too long – good venues go fast.

Looking for Your Wedding Photographer?

I’d love to help you check one thing off your wedding planning to do list. You can find out more about my wedding photography pricing here.

Then you can go ahead and book to secure your date or schedule in a complimentary call to chat through your plans and get to know each other a little better.

If you’re trying to work out timings (and avoid the “why are we eating at 9pm?” moment), this might help: Why time is so important on your wedding day.