How to Choose the Perfect Wedding Venue

Finding the perfect wedding venue can a lot of time and research! It can sometimes be one of the hardest parts of planning a wedding. You have this vision on your mind and on your Pinterest board, and finding THE perfect venue can be tricky. How do you pick a wedding venue? Although it might seem easy to simply pick the one you like, here are some things to consider before you go sign on the dotted line.

Planner

Yes, you read that right. Before you start looking at wedding venues, I highly encourage you to talk to a planner. They are so familiar with the venues in the area, the layout, and space capabilities and will know exactly what you need to bring your vision to life.

Vision

Speaking of bringing your vision to life, you know that Pinterest board you have saved? If your wedding theme is more chic and elegant, you don’t want to go for a rustic barn house. On the flip side, a wedding with more natural elements works well with outdoor venues like backyards, parks, ranches, and even botanical gardens. 

Size

How many people can the wedding venue fit comfortably? How many guests are you expecting to invite? A full reception can be pretty uncomfortable, but it can affect the ambiance and overall look and feel if a venue is too big. Start working on your guest list before you start venue shopping. Once you have an estimated guest count, you will have a better idea of what size you’re looking for, and it will help break down your budget.

Drinks

Alcohol beverages and drinks overall are a big part of your wedding! It’s VERY important to find out whether you can bring your own alcohol or if the venue will provide it, and what the costs are. Since you will likely need a licensed bartender, find out whether the venue can help with this.

Rainy Day

Depending on where you live or where you plan on getting married, do they have a backup space in case it rains? Some wedding venues save a salon regardless of whether or not you plan on using it. It is a good idea to find out before you get too excited.

Preferred vendors

You’re going to be working with different vendors on your wedding day and leading up to it. Many venues require you to use vendors from their preferred vendor list. It is something to ask before you start booking florists, photographers, caterers, etc. If they work with specific vendors, make sure that you’re happy with their experience, style, personality, and pricing. When a venue works with preferred vendors, it doesn’t mean they’re the perfect fit for what you envision. It does mean that they’re confident in their experience and ability to deliver. Still, more importantly, you should choose vendors that fit within your budget and style and that you feel comfortable with.

There are many different factors to consider when choosing the perfect wedding venue but make sure that it’s a space that speaks to your personalities and style as a couple.

While I’m no longer photographing weddings, I’m still here to capture beautiful moments for families and business owners! Whether you’re looking for heartfelt family photos or branding images that truly reflect you, I’d love to help. Let’s create a session that feels natural, fun, and uniquely you—get in touch today to start planning!

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Don’t have a planner yet? Here are my top 3 wedding planners in Arizona!

J. Robertson Events

Peace of Mind Events

Crain & Co.