30 Questions to Ask When Touring Wedding Venues

The venue is usually the biggest single cost of a wedding, and booking it locks in your date. A tour is your chance to see the space and to ask the questions that never show up on the price sheet. Print this list or keep it on your phone, and ask every venue the same questions so you can compare them fairly afterward.

What to bring to every venue tour

• Your budget, with the most you'd spend on the venue.
• A rough guest count, even a range.
• Two or three possible dates, or a season.
• Your must-have list, like an outdoor ceremony or on-site rooms.
• This list of questions, so you ask every venue the same things.
• A phone for photos and video, so you can remember each space later.

Visit at the same time of day as your wedding if you can, so you see the real light.

Date and cost

1. Is our date available? Ask which other dates are open too. Fridays, Sundays and winter months may cost less.
2. What's included in the price? Find out exactly what the fee covers, from tables to cleanup.
3. Is there a food and drink minimum? Many venues require a minimum spend on catering and bar.
4. What's the deposit and payment schedule? Note how much is due at signing and when the rest is due.
5. What's the refund policy? Ask what happens if you need to change the date or cancel.
6. Are service charges, tax and gratuity included? These can add a noticeable amount to the final bill.

Space and capacity

7. How many guests can it hold? Ask for the seated dinner number, not just the standing number.
8. Is there a rain plan? For outdoor ceremonies, see the backup space in person.
9. Is there a getting-ready room? And how early can you use it?
10. Can we have the ceremony and reception here? One location saves guests a drive.
11. Is the venue accessible for every guest? Check for steps, ramps and restrooms.
12. Where will cocktail hour be? Ask how guests move while the room is flipped.

Vendors and what's included

13. Can we bring our own caterer? Or is there an in-house caterer or required list?
14. Do you have a list of required vendors? Some venues only allow approved vendors.
15. Are tables, chairs and linens included? Rentals add up quickly if they're not.
16. Can we bring our own alcohol? Ask about the bar license and bartender rules.
17. Is there an on-site coordinator? Find out if they'll be there on the wedding day.
18. Is there a cake-cutting or corkage fee? Small fees are easy to miss.

Timing and rules

19. How many hours do we get? Ask whether setup and cleanup are included in that time.
20. What time must the party end? Some venues have an early cutoff for music.
21. When can vendors start setting up? Florists and rentals often need several hours.
22. Are there noise or decor rules? Ask about amplified music, open flames and hanging decor.
23. Are candles, sparklers or confetti allowed? Plan your send-off before you book.
24. Can we book a rehearsal here? And is there an extra fee?

Guests and logistics

25. Is there enough parking? Ask whether there's a charge or a valet.
26. Are there hotels nearby? Ask if the venue has hotel partners or room blocks.
27. Is there a shuttle or drop-off area? Handy for guests who don't want to drive.
28. Is there Wi-Fi and cell service? Your vendors and guests will need it.
29. Are there other weddings that day? Ask how they keep events separate.
30. What's the overtime rate? In case the party is too good to end on time.

After the tour

Write down your first impressions the same day, while you remember them. Compare each venue's total price, not just the rental fee, by adding catering minimums, rentals, service charges and tax. Before you sign, read the contract carefully and note every payment date.

Once you've booked, everything else can be counted back from your date. Our free wedding checklist generator gives every task a deadline, and our guide to setting a wedding budget shows what venues and other vendors cost on average.