Updated: July 14, 2025
You’ve set the date, created your Pinterest dream board, and narrowed your venue options down to a short list of favorites. Now it’s time for the fun (and important) part: touring venues and asking the right questions to find the one. Touring venues is exciting, but it can also be overwhelming if you’re not sure what to look for or what details to ask about. That’s why we put together a list of Questions to Ask Your Wedding Venue Before Booking to guide you through each visit and help you decide before you put down a deposit. Think of this as your ultimate cheat sheet, organized, easy to skim, and filled with everything from logistics to those quirky personal touches (yes, even whether your dog can be in the ceremony).
Not sure where to start? We got you.
Questions, Grouped by Topic
There are 81 questions here, but they’re grouped into simple sections. Focus on what matters most for your wedding, skip the rest.
Personalize It!
No two weddings are the same. Add your own questions like “Can our dog be part of the ceremony?” or “Can we bring in a late-night taco truck?” Make it yours. We added a section at the end of each category to add questions and a section at the very end for any notes!
Keep track of the details.
Bring a notebook, your wedding binder, or your phone to jot things down as you tour. And to make things even easier, we’ve included a printable worksheet so you can stay organized from visit to visit.
One last tip: Make sure all your must-haves and promises end up in the final contract, written down and crystal clear.
Scroll down to see the complete list and download your free printable PDF to take with you on site visits. With the right questions in hand, you’ll feel more confident, more prepared, and one big step closer to saying “I do” in the perfect place.
THE BASICS – AVAILABILITY & PRICING
- Is the venue available on my preferred date(s)? If not, what other dates are available? TIP: Some venues offer a discount for booking an off-season date or a Sunday-Thursday wedding!
- What is the venue’s guest capacity?
- What is the rental fee?
- What’s included in the rental fee?
- How many hours does the rental fee include, and is there an overtime fee if we stay longer?
- Can the venue accommodate both the ceremony and reception? Is there an additional cost?
- How much is the deposit? When is it due? Is the deposit refundable?
- Do you offer payment plans?
- What form of payment do you accept?
- What is your cancellation or postponement policy?
Photo via: Woodhaven Venue
VENUE FEATURES + LAYOUT
- How many weddings or events do you host per day?
- Are there changing areas for the Bride, Groom, and/or Wedding Party?
- Are the ceremony and reception held in the same room or separate rooms? If in the same room, does the venue handle the flip? How long does the flip take?
- If the ceremony and reception spaces are in different locations, how far apart are they?
- Does the venue provide ceremony seating? If so, what does it look like?
- Can we have a rehearsal and/or rehearsal dinner at the venue? What about a morning-after brunch?
- Is there a specific time for rehearsal, and how much time is allocated?
- Is there a separate space for cocktail hour? If yes, where?
- How many people can the dance floor accommodate?
- Is the venue accessible for individuals with disabilities, including those who use wheelchairs?
- Are there elevators for guests or vendors?
- How many restrooms are available?
- Is there a coat check?
- Is there a designated smoking area?
PLAN B
- What is your weather contingency plan for outdoor events?
- Do you offer an indoor or tented backup option? Is there an additional cost?
- Do you provide heaters or umbrellas for outdoor areas?
Photo via: Grand Tents & Events
VENUE STAFFING + COORDINATION
- Does the venue require a wedding planner or day-of coordinator?
- Will there be a venue coordinator on-site on the day of our wedding?
- Who is the primary venue contact for the day of the wedding? What is their contact info?
Wedding Planner: Simply Southern Events | Photographer: Knotting Hill Photography
ONSITE & NEARBY LODGING
31. Does the venue offer on-site accommodations? If not, what are the nearest hotels? TIP: Some venues have partnerships with local hotels that offer a discount if you book a block of rooms.
32. If they do offer on-site accommodations, what are the room rates, and is there a wedding discount for room blocks?
33. When can we reserve room blocks?
34. Do you offer a discount or a complimentary room for the newlyweds?
35. Can welcome bags be given to guests at check-in? Is there a cost?
PARKING + TRANSPORTATION
36. Is there parking on site, or is valet parking required?
37. If there is parking on site, how many parking spaces are available?
38. Is there a cost to park?
39. How far is the parking from the ceremony/reception areas?
40. Are there other events that could affect guest parking?
41. Does the hotel offer a shuttle service? What are the pickup and drop-off points?
42. Are rideshares like Uber/Lyft accessible from the venue?
INSURANCE + SAFETY POLICIES
43. Does the venue have its own insurance?
44. Are we or our vendors required to carry liability insurance?
45. What kind of security is provided, if any?
46. What is the evacuation plan in case of an emergency?
VENDOR POLICIES + VENUE ACCESS
47. Can we hire our own vendors, or is there a preferred vendor list we must use?
48. Are there limitations on outside vendors? Tip: Always check with the venue or event coordinator before hiring an outside vendor. Some locations have preferred vendor lists, charge extra fees for external services, or require proof of insurance and licensing.
49. What time can my vendors start setting up on the day of the wedding?
50. What time do guests and vendors have to be out of the venue?
FOOD + DRINKS
51. Do you have an in-house caterer or preferred list?
52. Can we bring in an outside caterer?
53. Does the venue have a catering kitchen or prep area?
54. If the venue provides the bar service, do they offer open bar, cash bar, or both?
55. Does the venue provide licensed bartenders? If yes, is there an additional charge?
56. Can we bring in our own alcohol?
57. Are there restrictions on the types or quantity of alcohol served?
58. Can I bring in a cake from an outside bakery?
59. Can wine or alcohol be given as guest favors?
ENTERTAINMENT + SOUND
60. Can the venue accommodate a DJ or live band? TIP: Check the outlet locations in the event space to determine where the band and vendors can set up their equipment. You don’t want the head table to block the only outlet!
61. When can entertainment vendors set up and do a sound check?
62. Are there noise restrictions or music curfews?
63. Do you have a sound system or microphones for speeches?
PHOTO + VIDEO
64. Can we take engagement photos on-site? If yes, is there a fee?
65. Are there recommended photo spots on the property?
66. Are drones allowed?
67. Are there any photography/video restrictions?
DÉCOR + RENTALS + SETUP
68. What is the venue’s décor style? Does it fit with our theme?
69. Does the venue have photos of past weddings they can show you?
70. Can we bring in our own decorations?
71. When can we drop off décor or personal items?
72. When can we start decorating?
73. Does the venue have décor inventory we can borrow (e.g., lighting, candle holders)?
74. Does the venue provide tables, chairs, and linens? If yes, what do they look like?
75. If the venue provides tables, how many guests fit at each table?
76. Are we allowed to move things around, or do we have to leave everything as is? TIP: Some venues have restrictions on whether you can hang things from the ceiling or the walls. If you’re obsessed with having flowers hang from the ceiling, better check on this
77. Who is responsible for setup and takedown? If the venue provides this, when is it completed?
78. Are signage and directional aids provided?
UNIQUE ADDITIONS + RESTRICTIONS
79. Is the site pet-friendly? If yes, what are the rules?
80. Are there restrictions on special features (e.g., animals, lawn games, food trucks)?
81. What types of send-offs are allowed (e.g., petals, bubbles, sparklers, fireworks)?
Choosing your wedding venue is a big decision, but knowing the right questions to ask can make the process a whole lot easier. Take this list of questions with you on your site visits, jot down notes, and be sure to get all the details in writing. The more you know, the more confident you’ll feel when it’s time to choose the one.
FREE WEDDING PRINTABLE | Questions to Ask a Wedding Venue
Few things are as satisfying as putting together a beautiful wedding binder to help plan your big day with style. That’s why we’ve created these wedding planning PDFs that are both practical and pretty.
Click the image below to download our Questions to Ask a Wedding Venue printable. ↓
Questions to Ask a Venue Before Booking is part of our Wedding Planning Tools Series, designed to help you find the perfect wedding venue. Use these questions during your venue tours to ensure you cover all the important details. After gathering your notes, plug the answers into our Venue Comparison Spreadsheet to easily compare your options side by side and decide which venue is the right one for your special day. With the right tools, planning your big day can feel less overwhelming, and a lot more enjoyable.
Be sure to explore the stunning wedding venues and talented vendors showcased on Happily Connected to find your dream team for your special day!