Let’s Find Your Venue!
The Great Venue Hunt: How to Find Your Perfect "I Do" Destination
Finding your wedding venue is the first official "domino" of wedding planning. Once you have the space, you have a date; once you have a date, you can finally book the photographer, the band, and the caterer.
But with options ranging from rustic barns and chic industrial lofts to grand hotel ballrooms, the search can feel a bit like looking for a needle in a haystack—if the haystack also required a non-refundable deposit. Here is a step-by-step guide to navigating the process without losing your mind.
Step 1: The "Big Three" Reality Check
Before you even open Instagram for inspiration, you and your partner need to agree on three non-negotiables:
The Budget: Determine a total "venue & catering" cap. Often, the venue and food will consume about 40% to 50% of your total wedding budget.
The Guest Count: You don't need a final list, but you need a bracket (e.g., 100–120 guests). A room built for 200 will feel empty with 50, and a "cozy" loft for 75 will be a fire hazard with 100.
The Vibe: Are you "Black Tie Optional" or "Food Truck Casual"? The venue sets the tone for everything else.
Step 2: Location and Accessibility
Think about your guests' experience. Is the venue three hours from the nearest airport? Are there enough hotels nearby?
Pro Tip: If you’re dreaming of a remote mountain ceremony, factor in the cost of providing guest transportation or shuttles.
Step 3: All-Inclusive vs. "Blank Canvas"
This is the biggest fork in the road for most couples:
All-Inclusive (Hotels/Event Centers): They provide the tables, chairs, linens, catering, and staff. It’s a "one-stop-shop" that reduces stress.
Blank Canvas (Lofts/Private Estates): You rent the four walls and bring in everything yourself. This offers total creative control but requires significantly more logistics (and often more money).
Step 4: The Site Visit (The "Vibe Check")
Once you’ve narrowed it down to 3–5 favorites, it’s time to tour. While you’re there, look past the pretty architecture and ask the "un-sexy" questions:
The Lighting: If you’re touring at 10:00 AM but getting married at sunset, ask to see photos of the space at night.
The Plan B: If the ceremony is outdoors, what is the exact indoor backup plan? Do you like it just as much?
The Logistics: Where do the vendors load in? Are there enough restrooms for your guest count? Is there a private space for the wedding party to hide?
Step 5: Read the Fine Print
Before you sign, check for the "Sneaky Costs":
Service charges: Often 20-25% on top of food and drink.
Corkage or Cake-cutting fees: Charges for bringing in outside items.
Overtime fees: What happens if the party is still hopping at 11:00 PM?
The Final Step: Trust Your Gut
You can crunch the numbers and look at the floor plans all day, but at the end of the tour, ask yourselves: "Can I actually picture us standing here saying our vows?" If the answer is a resounding "yes," and the math checks out, you’ve found your spot.
