As a wedding photographer, I’ve seen it all when it comes to wedding venues and I have put together my top 7 tips for booking your dream wedding venue. From grand ballrooms to rustic barns, each venue has its own unique charm that can set the tone for your special day. But before you get caught up in the excitement of touring venues and imagining your dream wedding, there are a few things you need to consider to ensure that the venue you choose is perfect for you.

In this blog post, I’ll be sharing my top tips for booking your dream wedding venue. From budgeting to location, to important questions to ask during your venue tour, I’ll cover everything you need to know to help you find the perfect venue that will make your wedding day unforgettable!

Here are some 7 tips for booking your dream wedding venue!

1. Start Early

One of the most important things to remember when booking your wedding venue is to start early. Many venues book up quickly, so it’s important to start looking and booking as soon as possible. You should start looking for your venue at least a year in advance, especially if you plan on getting married during peak wedding season. But don’t worry if you’re a last minute planner, there are plenty of beautiful wedding venues out there!!

2. Determine Your Budget

Before you start looking at venues, it’s important to determine your budget. Your venue is one of the biggest expenses of your wedding, so it’s important to know how much you can spend before you start looking. Make sure to include all costs associated with the venue, such as catering, decorations, and any other additional services that may be offered.

3. Know Your Guest Count

Your guest count will help determine the size of the venue you need. It’s important to have a general idea of how many guests you’ll be inviting before you start looking at venues. Some venues may have a minimum or maximum guest count, so it’s important to know this information before you book.

4. Consider the Location

The location of your wedding venue is also an important factor to consider. Do you want a venue that’s close to your home, or are you willing to travel for your dream venue? Consider the accessibility of the venue for your guests, as well as the scenery and backdrop that the location can offer.

5. Check Availability

Once you’ve narrowed down your list of potential wedding venues, check their availability for your wedding date. It’s important to have a few backup options in case your first choice is not available. It’s also a smart idea to go into it with an open mind for dates, this will give you a better chance of booking your dream venue.

6. Schedule a Site Visit

Before you book your wedding venue, schedule a site visit! This will give you an opportunity to see the venue in person and get a feel for the space. Make sure to ask any questions you may have and take note of any potential issues or concerns. Also make sure to take lots of photos and videos while you’re there so it’s easy to look back on and remember certain things.

7. Read the Contract

Before you sign any contracts, make sure to read through them thoroughly. Make sure you understand all of the terms and conditions, including the cancellation policy and any additional fees that may be added. Contracts are meant to protect both you and the venue so make sure to double check the contract and see that everything is in place.


Selecting the perfect wedding venue is an exciting but challenging task. By following these tips, you’ll be able to find a venue that fits your budget, location, and guest count needs. Remember to take your time, ask questions, and tour multiple venues to ensure that you find the perfect place to say “I do”. And when you do find that dream venue, be sure to book it early to secure your date and start planning the wedding of your dreams!!

I hope you learned a lot from this blog! To chat about having me capture your big day, click here. To see more of my work, click here!


Kind Words

” Gracie is your photographer. That’s all! She got me (a total introvert) to smile and have fun! I’m just so glad I met her, she’s my photog for life! ” – Brianna