Wedding Venue Checklist

65 useful questions to ask a wedding venue to avoid surprises and ensure it’s the right one for you.

General

• Do we get exclusive use of the venue on our wedding day?

• Can we read reviews from previous couples?

• How many weddings do you host per year?

• Is there free parking?

• Can cars be left overnight?

• What are the local transport links like?

• Do you have a selection of taxi firm numbers for our guests?

• Do you have a list of recommended local hotels?

• Do you have a cloakroom?

• Do you have guest bedrooms?

• Is there a complimentary room for the couple to stay overnight?

• What time is checkout the following morning?

• Do you serve breakfast in the morning?

• Does the venue have disabled access to all areas?

• Is there a disabled toilet?

• Are there baby changing facilities?

• What are the photo opportunities like in all weather conditions?

• Are there any planned changes or developments to the venue before my wedding day?

• How does the fee change if the number of guests is more/less on the day?

• Will the wedding coordinator help coordinate guests throughout the day?

• Can I see a list of your recommended wedding suppliers?

• Are any types of suppliers not allowed? (E.g. fireworks.)

• Do you allows dogs at your venue?

• Is a two day hire possible?

• How far in advance do we need to book?

• How much is the booking deposit?

• What is the cancellation policy?

• What’s your availability around our preferred dates?

Ceremony

• Is there a choice of locations for the ceremony?

• Are umbrellas provided for an outside ceremony in case of rain?

• How many guests can we have for the ceremony?

• Which registry office should we contact to book our ceremony at your venue?

• Can our guests throw confetti?

• Is there a room for the bride/groom to get ready?

• Can we have live music for our ceremony?

• Is there a sound system to play music?

Drinks Reception

• Are there inside and outside areas for our drinks reception?

• What drinks packages do you offer?

• How many drinks do you serve each person?

• Is tea and coffee complimentary?

• Can we have live music for our drinks reception?

Wedding breakfast

• Do you allow corkage?

• Is there a corkage fee?

• Do you have in-house caterers?

• Can we see the menu choices?

• Do you do tasting events?

• Do you have options for vegetarians/vegans/allergy sufferers?

• Are chair covers included?

• Do you provide high-chairs for babies and children?

• How many guests can attend the wedding breakfast?

• Do you provide a microphone and PA system for the speeches?

• Do you have a sound system to play music throughout the meal?

• Can we have live music during our wedding breakfast?

• Is there a turnaround period?

Evening Reception

• What’s the capacity?

• Do you have a resident DJ?

• Is there a sound limiter?

• Do you allow live bands?

• What time must the music stop?

• Do you offer a late license?

• Does the bar accept card?

• Do you accept prepayment on the bar?

• When is last orders at the bar?

• Do you offer a choice of evening food/buffet?

• Are drinks glasses allowed on the dancefloor?

• Is there a quieter area for guests while loud music is playing?