50 Questions You Have to Ask Your Wedding Venue (Before You Sign Anything)
So, 50 questions is a lot... I know.
Like, who’s actually going to stand there and ask all of these at a venue tour like its some job interview?
(Definitely not you.
...please don’t do that.😅)
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I created this list not so that you can ask every single thing - but so that you can know what to look for.
You might only end up asking a few of them out loud (like 3, 5, maybe 10 tops), and that’s more than enough.
Cos once you done reading this blog post ...you'll know the kinds of details that matter, you’ll just start noticing things when you walk into a venue.
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So yeah...
Think of this list like a guide to everything that could go wrong, or all the little details people tend to forget until it’s too late.
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Skim through it, save the ones that matter to your wedding
... and let's get into it
Logistics That Could Make or Break Your Day
1. What’s the actual capacity with tables, dance floor, and everything set up?
2. How many hours do we get the space for? Is that enough time for setup + breakdown?
3. What time do we have to be out?
4. Are there any noise restrictions or curfews?
5. Is there a getting ready space for both of us? (And is it air-conditioned? Let’s be real.)
6. How many weddings do you host per day?
7. What happens if it rains? (And don’t just say “we have a plan”—what is the plan?)
8. Is the venue handicap accessible? For guests and vendors?
9. Can we do both ceremony and reception here? If so, is there a flip plan?
10. Are there backup generators? (Because power outages are not part of the aesthetic.)
The Dollars and Details
11. What’s the total venue rental fee—and what’s actually included?
12. Is there a payment schedule? Deposit amount? When’s the balance due?
13. Are there any extra fees I should know about?
(Cleaning, security, mandatory tips?)
14. What’s the cancellation/reschedule policy? (Read: worst-case scenario coverage.)
15. Do you require wedding insurance?
16. Do you offer any discounts for off-peak dates or weekdays?
17. Do you have payment plans or is it one giant soul-sucking chunk?
Food, Booze, and All the Fun Stuff
18. Do you have in-house catering? Can we bring our own?
19. Do you allow food trucks or late-night snack vendors?
20. Can we do a tasting before booking catering?
21. Is there a cake-cutting fee? (-Sigh ...yes it's a real thing.)
22. Do you allow outside alcohol? If not, what’s your bar pricing?
23. Are there any corkage fees or alcohol rules I should know about?
24. Can we customize the bar (signature drinks, mocktails, etc.)?
Quick side note...
If you're planning your wedding without a wedding planner (or you plan on doing so).
And keeping track of everything has being stressing you out...
I made something to help.
It's a tool i made for brides doing it solo ...called the The Wedding Planning Bundle
.
.
.
and it will help you to not ony keep track of everything but in one place too.
From your timeline, vendor payments, guest lists info, appointments, RSVP's ...and since we're taking about venues.
It'll also help you with venue comparison too...
So if that sounds like something you need ...i dropped the link below for you to check it out.
Vendors & Restrictions (AKA: Can I Use My Dream Team?)
25. Do you have a preferred vendor list? Are we required to use them?
26. Can we bring our own photographer/DJ/florist/caterer?
27. Are there any vendor restrictions or licensing requirements?
28. Do you require vendors to carry insurance?
29. Do vendors have early access to set up?
30. Is there a venue coordinator? And what do they actually do?
Decor & Setup (Don’t Skip This Section)
31. Can we move furniture or bring in rentals?
32. What’s your policy on candles, sparklers, confetti, etc.?
33. Can we hang things from the ceiling/walls? (And how?)
34. Are there any décor rules we should know about?
35. Are tables/chairs/linens included? What do they actually look like?
36. Do you offer setup and breakdown, or is that on us?
Parking, Bathrooms, and Other Not-So-Sexy Essentials
31. How many bathrooms are there? Are they nice? (Be honest.)
32. Is there onsite parking? Is it free? Is there enough?
33. Is valet or shuttle service required or available?
34. What’s the parking situation for vendors?
Accommodations & Guest Experience
31. Are there hotels or accommodations nearby?
32. Do you offer room blocks or partnerships with local hotels?
33. Is there enough cell service or Wi-Fi on-site?
34. Can guests leave cars overnight?
35. Are Ubers/Lyfts easy to get here, especially late?
The Vibe Check
31. Can we schedule a walkthrough close to the wedding date?
32. Can I see photos of recent weddings here? (Not just your styled shoots.)
33. Do you have any rules about music volume or song choices?
34. What’s the weirdest request a couple has made? (Their answer tells you everything.)
35. Why do couples not book your venue? (If they’re honest, this one is GOLD.)
Oh and btw...
if you enjoyed this blog post don't forget to **SAVE THIS PIN** so you can come back to it again later)
Final Thoughts: Don’t Be Afraid to Ask
You’re not being annoying.
You’re being a smart, prepared, wildly impressive bride.
Asking the right questions now saves you from future regrets, surprise fees, and wedding day meltdowns.
Save this blog post, copy some of the questions to your notes, and don’t leave until you get answers.
If they get weird or dodgy when you ask—trust your gut.
A dream venue should give you dream answers.
Period.
You’ve GOT to read this next...
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It’ll help you avoid the “I should’ve known” regrets and choose vendors you can actually trust.
Finding a wedding photographer can feel overwhelming, but it doesn’t have to be.
This guide walks you through what to look for, the questions to ask, and how to choose someone who gets your vibe.
Not sure who to tip or how much on your wedding day?
Don’t worry—I break it all down for you in the chillest, least stressful way possible.
No guesswork, no pressure, just real talk and simple numbers you can actually use