Wedding Venue Checklist (Free Printable)

Somewhere to:

stand in a circle thrusting our hips wildly to 90s classics
stuff our faces
drink one too many
say “I do” – you know, the whole point of the day.

That’s what we need, and yet wedding venues are, by far, the most stressful aspect of planning your big day (if we ask family drama to step outside for a minute).

It seems like an easy task but venues cost the most, have more factors to consider, can make or break your event, and need to be both functional and pretty.

It’s safe to say we need a type-A-assistant-with-color-coded-socks level of research and planning.

If you are working with a wedding planner, they will most likely have a list of venues they like to work with (because they’re actually good), and they’ll know the answers to all your questions. If you’re not, you’ll need to do the research yourself. But don’t stress, we’ve got you covered.

With so many things to take into consideration, and obviously, the venue isn’t going to bring up their not-so-good points, it’s imperative we ask the important questions.

Wedding Venues Checklist

Beyond the basics like location, capacity, and style, the nitty gritty needs to be discussed. I have created a checklist to help mitigate some of the stress. Print multiple copies and take one to each viewing to remind you of the questions to ask, and to take notes.

After you’ve viewed all the options, you can sit down with your significant other and make your decision knowing what’s what, who’s who, and who is being kicked to the curb.

Just remember, if you’re searching for individual vendors and DIY-ing your wedding there will be a lot more to take into consideration than if you intend on booking a hotel function room that will have 90% of everything included.

Questions Include (but aren’t limited to)

Can you hold both the ceremony and the reception here?

Does the venue cater or will this need to be organized independently?

How many people can the venue hold?

Is there parking?

Is there an MC system for speeches?

How big is the dancefloor?

is there space for a band or DJ?

Does the venue have a liquor license?

What time can you have the venue until?

Are there any noise constraints or cut-offs?

Is cleaning covered in the cost?

Is it a set rental price or cost per head?

Are animals allowed? (especially important if you want your pooch to walk the rings down the aisle).

Do we need security? How much? Can this be supplied?

What time can we start setting up?

Here’s an article with wedding venue inquiry email templates to get you started.

Conclusion

Trust your gut – even if it seems like the most magical venue. We know what we love, want, and need. Don’t ignore any niggles. Keep looking. There is no limit to how many places you can view, and there’s no harm either. The next one could be the one.

I wish you all the best in your search and hope you find the perfect location. If you’ve found this helpful please let me know. If there’s something you think should be added for the brides to come after you, let me know and I’ll add it in.

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