Choosing your Wedding Venue

Booking your dream wedding venue is one of the first and most important decisions in planning your wedding, it will set the scene for the whole day so choose wisely!

We knew we wanted to marry near the sea, we both share a love for Greece so when we visited Zante together in 2009 on a wedding venue search, we were visiting a potential hotel in Tsilivi, but after inspection we realised that it just wasn’t what we were looking for. We were hungry so stopped off at a beach bar for lunch, we looked out to sea and noticed a platform over the water, we asked the staff if people got married there? They said yes, and right there we knew that’s where we would say ‘I do!’. It was in a lovely horseshoe bay, so simple and peaceful, just what we were looking for!

From beach weddings, to farm weddings, to beautiful barn weddings, there is so much choice out there. To help you on your search, here our top tips and advice on finding your perfect wedding venue.

The first thing you need to work out is how many guests will you be having? Get together your numbers on an estimated amount you expect for the day, if you are inviting extra evening guests, how many? So when you are ready to contact the venues, you will know if the venue can accommodate you and your guests. 

Will the venue suit your vision for the day? If you’ve always envisioned your wedding photos with green fields in the background, or you love the idea of light and airy photos with lots of clean white walls, you don’t want to book somewhere with no outdoor space or decorated with dark walls. Start googling wedding venues in the area, then look at the wedding images or the venues wedding galleries to get a feel of what photos you can expect on your wedding day.

Ask what the venue offers. Do they having an in house wedding coordinator? Do they have a list of preferred suppliers if you want help to find your florist, photographer etc. Some couples like to book their own suppliers, but if you want recommendations ask the venue. Ask if you have to use their suppliers? Are you happy with this?  If yes ask for a list to make sure there is a supplier you like. Most venues should have a good selection of suppliers if you have to use one of theirs. If they are happy for you to bring your own, they may have one or two suppliers they can recommend to you if you wish.

Ask about the venues facilities. Is there parking for your guests? Do they have disabled access? Do they have an alternative space for photos for an outdoor reception in case it’s raining? If you’ve booked this venue based on the outdoor space, what if is torrential rain all day? You will need options for your photos.

You don’t want to be travelling miles to your venue if you don’t live locally, so find out about accommodation. Some venues have cottages or a bridal suite for you to get ready. Ask if the accommodation is complimentary as some venues offer this to the bride & groom.

Do you get exclusive use of the venue? Some venues may allow the general public to still use the grounds. Are there limitations on which areas you can access? You may envision your wedding photos in a certain area of the grounds only to find out you will not be allowed access so double check before you book!

Inquire if the venue are supplying your food, are they flexible with the menu? You may have guests with particular dietary requirements.If you do want to use your own suppliers, double check a few things with the venue. Can you supply your own alcohol? Is there a corkage fee? We’ve heard the corkage fee can vary from £5 to £30 per bottle so please find out beforehand so you are aware of any extra charges.

Lastly, make a list of things that are important to you. Some examples: If you have your heart set on a traditional confetti exit, ask if the venue allows you to throw confetti? Do they allow fireworks if you wish to have them? What time does the bar close?

We wish you all the best on your journey to find your perfect wedding venue! We spoke at length about finding your dream wedding venue on our latest Facebook live, grab a coffee and come and join us https://www.facebook.com/JamesandKerriePhotography/videos/1615061911911138/ 

J & K x

Venues// Cambridge Cottage / Jimmys Farm / St Alfege Church / Froyle Park