Choosing the perfect wedding venue is the first big decision you’ll make in your wedding planning journey, and whilst good looks and gut feel will initially draw you to a venue, it’s important to make sure you’re asking the right questions before you secure a booking.

We’ve assembled 40 essential questions you should be asking wedding venues before final decisions are made. Bring these questions along with you to your venue visits, and you’ll be in a strong position to make an informed decision before paying a deposit and securing your dream wedding venue.

Questions to ask wedding venues about dates and pricing

What dates are available in the season/month/year we’re considering?
Top tip – if you’re not overly concerned with having a weekend date, many venues have more availability during the week.

How many hours do we have the wedding venue for?
How early can we arrive and how late can we stay? Is there an option to pay for a later finishing time?

Will we have exclusive use of the wedding venue?
How much is the deposit, and when is it due?

What are your payment terms?
What is your cancellation policy?

When is the deadline for making changes to our reservation?

Do you have liability insurance, and do you require that we have our own wedding insurance?

Questions to ask about logistics and event essentials

What are your minimum/maximum guest numbers?

Are you licensed to hold ceremonies as well as wedding receptions?

Are there noise restrictions?
Some venues will not permit outside spaces to be used in the evening because of noise restrictions, or they may have a specific cut-off time for music.

Are there sufficient bathrooms for my guest numbers, or will we need to rent portable toilets?

Is parking available on-site?
Check how many cars can be accommodated and whether parking is chargeable. If parking isn’t available, where will guests park?

What on-site accommodation options are available?
Check how many guests can stay at the wedding venue on the night of the wedding and whether they can offer a discount for booking multiple rooms.

Are there plenty of nearby accommodation options for guests?
Ask for a list of recommended hotels close by.

Are taxis easy to arrange from the venue?

Do you have disabled access?

Is there a bridal suite and space for the groom to get ready?
You’ll want to make sure that there’s enough space for your wedding party to join you as you prepare on the morning of your wedding day.

What alternative options are available if we can’t use outdoor spaces because of inclement weather?

How much support can we expect from your in-house event team?
Will they be on hand to help coordinate our wedding day, and will they be involved in setting up / packing down decor?

Does the wedding venue have its own sound equipment and speakers, or will those need to be supplied by the entertainment?
Check if the venue has a sound system for both ceremony / ambient music and microphones for speeches.

Questions to ask wedding venues about suppliers

Do you have a list of approved or recommended wedding suppliers we can use?

Do we have to use your approved suppliers?

If we’re free to use whoever we choose, will they need to meet any approval criteria from the wedding venue, e.g. have liability insurance?

What time can suppliers start setting up on the wedding day?

Questions to ask about food & drink

Do you have an in-house caterer?

Is there a food and drink minimum?

Can we attend a food tasting appointment, and will this cost extra?

Are tables, linens, chairs, plates, cutlery and glassware provided?
If the wedding venue is a ‘dry hire’ venue, you will likely be expected to rent these yourself and can typically do so via your caterer, a wedding planner, or a stylist.

Is there a corkage or service fee for alcoholic drinks?

How is alcohol priced, and is there a bar minimum?

Are there additional charges for bar staff, or is this included in the hire fee?

Questions to ask wedding venues about décor

Are we allowed to bring in our own decorations?

Are there any restrictions?
Some wedding venues will not permit you to hang items or attach anything to walls or ceilings if it may cause damage to paintwork or surfaces.

Can we hire any décor from you?
The wedding venue may allow you to hire lighting, lawn games, signage or sweet carts from them.

Do we have permission to use flame candles, confetti, sparklers, fireworks, animals, food trucks, etc?
It’s worth checking if the wedding venue has limitations around what can and can’t be included before you make a booking.

Can you provide heaters and/or umbrellas for outdoor spaces?

Closing questions

Who will be our primary point of contact as we plan our wedding, and will this be the person coordinating our wedding day?

Can we meet them today?

Weddings at Combermere Abbey

If you’re searching for a wedding venue that boasts history, charm and acres of parkland, gardens and woodland, consider booking a visit to Combermere Abbey in Cheshire. This former monastery boasts spectacular Gothic architecture, enchanting waters and a breathtaking Edwardian Glasshouse.

This wedding venue will be exclusively yours for your wedding day, allowing you to choose between an indoor or outdoor wedding ceremony, followed by the choice of a whole variety of spaces to delight and surprise your guests.

Experience the venue by arranging a show round. And if you’ve already made up your mind, take a look at our available dates and prices.