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Questions Engaged Couples Should Ask When Touring a Wedding Venue

Writer's picture: Adrienne BarnesAdrienne Barnes

Touring wedding venues is an exciting part of wedding planning. It’s the moment you can start envisioning your big day in a specific space. However, choosing the right venue involves more than just falling in love with the aesthetics; it’s about making sure the venue aligns with your vision, needs, and budget. Asking the right questions can help you uncover the finer details, avoid surprises, and confidently make your decision.


Wedding reception Central Ohio venue first dance. Couple dancing in rustic barn setting, woman in white dress, man in suit. Guests in background, warm lighting, joyful mood.

Here’s a comprehensive list of questions engaged couples should ask venue owners when touring a wedding venue.


Availability and Booking Policies


  • Is our desired wedding date available?

  • How far in advance should we book?

  • What is your cancellation or rescheduling policy?

  • Would you let us know if any other couple expresses interest in our date?


Ohio wedding venue central Columbus. Wedding invitation with rings on a wooden heart, necklace, and bracelet. Floral bouquet in background, text reads "Brittany and Oakley".

Understanding availability and booking terms ensures the venue fits your timeline and provides flexibility in case your plans change.


Pricing and Payment


  • What is included in the venue rental fee?

  • Are there different pricing tiers for peak vs. off-peak dates?

  • Do you require a deposit, and is it refundable?

  • When are payments due, and do you offer payment plans?

  • Are there any additional fees, such as cleaning, security, or overtime charges?


Being clear about costs will help you budget effectively and avoid surprises later.


Capacity and Guest Accommodations


  • What is the maximum capacity of the venue?

  • Are there different spaces for the ceremony, cocktail hour, and reception?

  • How much parking is available for guests? Is it complimentary or paid?

  • Do you provide accommodations for elderly or disabled guests?

  • Is there on-site lodging, or do you partner with nearby hotels for guest accommodations?


Rustic Columbus Ohio wedding venue. Outdoor wedding ceremony with guests seated on benches facing a couple at an altar. Clear sky and green fields in the background convey a calm mood.

Ensuring the venue can comfortably accommodate your guest count and their needs is essential for a seamless experience.


Setup and Décor


  • When can we start setting up for the event?

  • Do you provide tables, chairs, and linens? If so, what styles are available?

  • Are there décor restrictions (e.g., candles, confetti, hanging items)?

  • Do you have an in-house décor team or a décor closet we can access?

  • Can we visit the venue during or before setup to visualize the space?


Columbus Ohio wedding venue. Rustic wooden table with candles, greenery, and baby's breath in a cozy venue. "Reserved" sign in elegant script. Warm, inviting ambiance.

Barn central Ohio wedding venue. Elegant table setting with plates, gold cutlery, and name cards. Rustic decor with candles, greenery, and flowers on a wooden table. Warm lighting.

These details will help you plan your décor strategy and ensure compatibility with the venue’s policies.


Vendor Policies


  • Do you have an in-house catering team or a preferred vendor list?

  • Can we bring in our own vendors, such as photographers, florists, or DJs?

  • Are there restrictions on outside catering or alcohol?

  • Do you provide vendor recommendations or assistance in hiring them?

  • Is there a space for vendors to store equipment or set up staging areas?


Understanding vendor policies ensures you have the flexibility to work with your preferred professionals.


Food and Beverage


  • Is catering included in the venue package, or is it an add-on?

  • Do you provide bar services, and can we bring in our own alcohol?

  • Are there customizable menu options for dietary restrictions (vegan, gluten-free, etc.)?

  • Is there a food and beverage minimum spend?

  • Can we host a food tasting before the event?


Columbus Ohio wedding venue. A tumbler with amber liquid and a pink cocktail with a lemon slice and flower detail on a white tablecloth in a dimly lit room.

Central Ohio wedding venue rustic barn wedding cake with flowers

Food and drinks play a significant role in your wedding, so knowing what’s available is crucial.


Ceremony and Reception Logistics


  • Do you offer separate spaces for the ceremony and reception?

  • Is there a weather backup plan for outdoor ceremonies? What are they?

  • Do you provide an on-site coordinator to help with logistics?

  • Are there microphones, speakers, or other AV equipment available for use?

  • Can we rehearse on-site before the wedding?


Columbus Ohio wedding venue reception. Man in white jacket giving speech at a rustic wedding reception. Floral decor, candles, and a "BUSCEMI" sign adorn the stone background.

Clarifying these logistics ensures a smooth flow for your big day.


Guest Experience


  • What amenities are available for guests, such as bathrooms, coat checks, or lounges?

  • Are there outdoor spaces for mingling, lawn games, or cocktail hours?

  • Is there Wi-Fi available for guests?

  • Are there activities nearby for guests staying the weekend?


Columbus Ohio wedding venue. Rustic wooden bar with a white menu cloth listing "Signature Drinks," adorned with greenery and candles in cozy lighting.

Considering your guests’ comfort and experience can make your wedding memorable for everyone.


Timing and Schedule


  • How many hours does the rental include? Can we add extra hours if needed?

  • Is there a curfew or noise ordinance we need to follow?

  • Are there time restrictions for setup and breakdown?

  • Do you host multiple events on the same day, or is ours the only one?


Knowing the timeline helps you plan your day without feeling rushed.


Weather Contingency Plans


  • What options are available if it rains during an outdoor wedding?

  • Do you provide tents or covered areas for outdoor spaces?

  • How do you handle extreme weather conditions, like snow or heat waves?

  • Are heating or cooling systems available for outdoor events?


Having a solid weather contingency plan provides peace of mind, no matter the forecast.


Columbus Ohio wedding venue. Aerial view of a lively party with people smiling and socializing. Vibrant outfits, drinks in hand, and festive atmosphere. Indoors, wooden floor.

Insurance and Liability


  • Do you require couples to purchase event insurance?

  • Does the venue have liability insurance in case of accidents?

  • Are there specific safety guidelines we should follow?

  • Are pets allowed on-site for ceremonies or photos?


Central Ohio wedding venue. A dog sits in a floral wreath held by people in colorful dresses. The wreath is adorned with orange and red flowers. Grassy background.

Columbus Ohio wedding venue dance. Guests in a circle at a wedding, sitting on the floor, making hand signs. Bride in white gown; cheerful, festive mood. "Mr & Mrs" sign.

Insurance and liability details are often overlooked but are crucial for protecting your investment.


Photography and Videography


  • Are there restrictions on where photographers or videographers can shoot?

  • Are drones allowed for aerial footage?

  • Do you provide scenic spots or designated areas for photos?

  • Can we take engagement or pre-wedding photos on-site?


Discussing photography details ensures your memories are captured beautifully.


Clean-Up and Post-Event Policies


  • Who is responsible for post-event cleanup?

  • Are we required to take down decorations or dispose of trash?

  • Is there an additional charge if the event runs over time?

  • How do you handle lost and found items?


Columbus Ohio wedding venue rustic barn. Bride in a lace gown and groom in a suit lean on a wooden fence in a field, looking content. Overcast sky in the background.

Knowing these details ensures a smooth transition after your celebration.


Family and Children


  • Are there kid-friendly areas or activities for younger guests?

  • Do you provide high chairs or booster seats for receptions?

  • Is the venue safe for children, with secure fencing or barriers?


If you’re inviting families, ensuring their comfort can make your wedding more inclusive.


Personalization and Extras


  • Can we add personal touches, such as custom signage or unique table settings?

  • Are fireworks, sparklers, or other special effects allowed?

  • Do you offer any unique features, such as a bridal suite, groom’s room, or on-site chapel?

  • Do you have special packages or services for elopements or micro-weddings?

  • Can you share examples of how other couples have used the space creatively?


Columbus Ohio wedding venue. Bride holding bouquet, standing with groom in suit in a grassy outdoor setting, bathed in warm evening light. Her dress is white.

The ability to personalize the space ensures the venue aligns with your unique vision.


Final Tips for Touring a Wedding Venue


When touring a venue, bring a notebook or digital checklist with these questions so you don’t miss any important details. Take photos, jot down impressions, and discuss what you loved or found challenging with your partner after the visit. Asking the right questions and gathering thorough answers will empower you to make a well-informed decision.


Central Columbus Ohio wedding venue. Wooden barn-like building with wide entrance and large windows. Clear blue sky in the background. Bright, sunny day. Rustic appearance.

Remember, the perfect venue is not just one that looks stunning but also one that feels aligned with your needs, vision, and budget. With thoughtful planning and these essential questions in hand, you’ll be well on your way to finding the wedding venue of your dreams.


We are more than happy to answer your questions at any point in your venue search! Please don’t hesitate to reach out. We answer many of these questions on our FAQs page, which you can find here:



 

Thank you for stopping by our blog! We hope that you will consider hiring a locally owned wedding venue for your big celebration. Locally owned wedding venues provide the best wedding experience, they tend to have little to no turnover, they support the local economy and they are part of the community. In an effort to support locally owned wedding venues, we will feature six small business wedding venues in each of our blogs. Find locally owned wedding venues in the wedding venue map on




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