25 Questions to Ask a Wedding Venue Before You Book

Venue viewings are exciting, which is exactly why it's easy to forget to ask the important things. Take this list with you (or save it to your phone) and note the answers for every venue so you can compare fairly.

Availability and capacity

1. Is our preferred date available, and do you have alternatives?
2. What is the maximum capacity seated, and for the evening?
3. Do you host more than one wedding on the same day?
4. Is the venue exclusively ours, and from what time?

Costs

1. What's included in the hire fee?
2. Are prices inclusive of VAT and service charges?
3. What is the deposit, and when are payments due?
4. What is your cancellation and postponement policy?
5. Is there a minimum spend or minimum guest number?
6. Do you charge corkage if we supply our own drinks?

Ceremony

1. Are you licensed for civil ceremonies, indoors and outdoors?
2. What's the wet-weather plan for outdoor ceremonies?
3. How long between the ceremony and the meal?

Suppliers and catering

1. Must we use your caterer or an approved supplier list?
2. Can we have a tasting, and is it included?
3. Can you cater for dietary requirements and children?
4. Are there restrictions on bands, DJs, sound levels or confetti?
5. Can we have candles, sparklers or fireworks?

Practicalities

1. What time must music end, and when do guests need to leave?
2. Is there parking and step-free access?
3. Are there bedrooms on site or nearby?
4. Is there a bridal suite or getting-ready room?
5. Who will be our coordinator on the day?
6. What furniture, linen and tableware is included?
7. When can suppliers arrive to set up, and when must they clear?

Browse our wedding venue directory to build your shortlist.