How do we find a wedding venue that’s right for us?

Picking a wedding ceremony location is no simple task, but it can be easier when you narrow down your search based on a few important factors. Zola’s search filters will help you find a gorgeous venue for you that meets all your needs for your dream wedding. Ask yourself these questions for a stress-free event space search:

Price: How much do you want to spend on your wedding venue?

Capacity: How many wedding guests does the venue need to hold?

Setting: Do you want to celebrate indoors or outdoors?

Event Type: Are you looking for just a reception venue or spaces for other wedding party celebrations as well?

Availability: Do you have an ideal wedding day date or dates in mind?

How much do wedding venues cost?

This is a very important question to ask when wedding planning. Since weddings can be expensive, it’s a good idea to create a budget before you start looking for a venue, so you don’t end up falling in love with spaces that aren’t a good fit. As with any other wedding vendor, wedding places can vary greatly in cost, depending on what’s included in the wedding package as well as the wedding location.

At Zola, we’ve broken down our community of pre-screened wedding day venues into three categories: “Budget-Conscious” under $20,000, “Most Popular” $20,000-$50,000, and “Premium” over $50,000.

Keep in mind, the wedding reception venue is one of the most expensive vendors, especially if it’s also providing catering. There are plenty of affordable and beautiful wedding reception spaces to choose from, but the less you pay for the less services are often included. It can often be the most budget-conscious choice in the long run to select a more expensive venue that also supplies a wedding coordinator, food and beverage catering service, rentals, and more than to book individual vendors for each service.

What questions should we ask when touring wedding venues?

Once you’ve narrowed down your search for the perfect wedding spot and found a few locations you love, it’s important to set up a tour of each of your event space options. Seeing a unique venue in person can help you envision whether or not the space is right for your wedding. For example, does It have the rustic charm, panoramic views, or grand ballroom dance floor necessary for your dream wedding?

Equally as important as seeing the venue is asking the right questions while you’re touring it. Depending on the size, scale, and style of your wedding, you’ll have different questions in mind but every couple should know:

• Start and Stop Times: When can we start setting up? When does the music need to be shut off? When do the vendors need to leave and the room be cleared?
• Spaces: Is there a bridal suite to get ready in? Are there areas to keep the couple separate before the ceremony? Is there a separate cocktail hour reception space?
• Vendors: Can we bring in our own vendors or do you have a preferred vendor list we need to choose from?

In addition to these questions, be sure to read our Expert Advice and check off the ones on this list before you leave the venues you’re touring.