Your Venue Search, Simplified — with Gloria Schulz Events
WRITTEN BY Gloria Schulz Events | FEATURE PHOTO BY HeartBrave Studios
In the midst of dreaming up your perfect day, soon comes the big question: Where will you celebrate your wedding?
Choosing your wedding venue is the first and most important decision in the planning process. It sets the vibe, influences your guest list and claims one of the largest portions of your wedding budget. It can feel a little overwhelming, I know! But don’t worry, with our expert guidance and a clear vision, you’ll find the perfect spot to say “I do.”
DEFINE YOUR WEDDING VISION
Before scrolling through endless Instagram pages, sit down with your fiancé for a heart-to-heart conversation. What kind of wedding do you both want? And what’s the theme? Classic and timeless? Rustic and romantic? Chic and modern? Grand and sophisticated? Intimate and bohemian? Ultimately, your venue choice should feel authentic to who you are as a couple and reflect an atmosphere you feel most comfortable in.
DETERMINE YOUR GUEST COUNT
The next tough question: Will it be a small, intimate celebration or a 300-person affair? I know how hard it is to pare down your guest list, but you have be realistic to your vision and budget. You can’t invite everyone you know, so keep your count limited to those who you really want celebrating with you.
ESTABLISH YOUR VENUE BUDGET
With venues consuming about 40% of your overall wedding budget, be honest about how much you’re comfortable spending. Only look at venues you can afford; otherwise, you risk falling in love with a venue that’s out of budget.
Consider must-have amenities and features: Do you want an outdoor ceremony space? An outdoor cocktail hour area? On-site accommodations for guests? Accessibility features? Having a clear picture of your wedding vision makes the venue search much easier and less overwhelming.
LOCATION, LOCATION, LOCATION
Consider the practicality of the location for you and your guests. Do you want to marry where you met, where you grew up, where you currently live or at a vacation destination? Are there affordable hotels nearby for out-of-town guests? Is the venue easily accessible by air, car or public transport? What’s the parking situation? Are there activities for guests to enjoy in the area?
DO YOUR RESEARCH
Online research is a great starting point. Check out venue websites, browse photos and read reviews from real couples. But don’t get bogged down with endless options. I suggest narrowing your search down to three or four venues that you’d love to see in person.
SCHEDULE SITE VISITS
Pictures can be beautiful, but also deceiving! Video calls are helpful, but nothing beats walking into a venue and immediately feeling “this is the one.”
Take note of:
The overall ambiance and aesthetic. Does it align with your wedding vision? Can you picture your day here?
The layout and flow. Is there enough space for your guests, ceremony and reception? Does it flow logically?
The condition of the venue. Does it look well-maintained? Is it clean and in good repair?
The staff. Are they friendly, professional and responsive to your questions? (This is a huge indicator of the service you can expect throughout planning and on your wedding day.)
Don’t be afraid to ask questions. Inquire about capacity, included items, rental time hours, restrictions, vendor policies, vendor recommendations, setup and takedown procedures and any potential extra costs.
UNDERSTAND THE CONTRACT
Once you’ve found a venue you love, request a contract and thoroughly review it before signing. I recommend having another set of eyes, like your wedding planner, reviewing it, too, as they’ll know any red flags to look for.
Don’t assume anything and pay close attention to:
Payment terms and cancellation policy. Understand your financial obligations — and what happens if you need to postpone or cancel, especially when it comes to penalty timelines.
What’s included in the rental fee. Are tables, chairs, linens and basic setup included in the cost? If not, what’s the additional fee?
Vendor requirements. Are you required to use their in-house caterer or bar service? If you use an outside caterer, is there an additional fee? Do they have a preferred vendor list? Do they require wedding insurance? (I highly recommend it regardless.)
TRUST YOUR GUT
While practicality and logistics are important, don’t discount your gut feeling. Does the venue feel right to both of you? Can you envision celebrating with family and friends there? Does it reflect your love story? Sometimes, that intangible feeling is the most important factor.
About the Author
Gloria Schulz is the founder of Gloria Schulz Events, an Atlanta-based custom wedding planning and day-of coordination company.
After assisting with weddings for a few years, Gloria left her 19-year career in customer service and launched Gloria Schulz Events in 2019. Now with seven years of weddings under her belt, she and her team are ready to help you create an enjoyable experience both before and on your wedding day.
Gloria Schulz Events | gloriaschulzevents.com
