Euridge Manor Moat with newlyweds on boat kissing.

wedding planning guide | how to find the perfect wedding venue

Roberta Burcheri - Wedding Planner | Planning and Design for Weddings and Events in London and Italy | Luxury Wedding Planner in London| Roberta Burcheri Events

Hi! I’m Roberta, a luxury wedding planner based in London, and I specialize in multi-day weddings in the UK, Italy, and France.

A dream wedding location is the perfect place to start your happily ever after, and with this guide, you’ll be on your way to finding the ideal spot for your special day.

Finding the perfect wedding venue can be a daunting task, but one of the most important decisions you’ll have to make is where to host the event. By following these steps on how to find the perfect venue, you’ll be able to select the place that best fits your vision, needs, and style.

When is the best time to start looking?

Oh, it’s always good to plan ahead! If you want to make sure you get your dream wedding venue and date, it’s best to start looking around 12–18 months in advance. Well, if you’re not too particular about when or where it takes place, you could probably get it all sorted out in about 9 months.

What are some things you should keep in mind when it comes to logistics?

Do you happen to know how far the venue is from the nearest airport?

Would guests with limited mobility find it easy to get there?

Do you think there’s enough room for the bridal party and all the guests? Do you think your visitors will be able to find accommodations nearby?

Consider your guest list

When selecting a wedding venue, it’s important to keep your guest list in mind.

A seaside house or garden may be ideal for modest wedding numbers. If you’re having a big wedding, you may want to consider a ballroom.

So, is it easy for everyone to book a transfer or not?

Take into account both your travel requirements and the number of guests you plan to invite. If you have many out-of-town visitors, choose a venue near hotels and transportation, considering shuttles and parking before booking.

Keep in mind: guest comfort, easy access for those who need step-free options, kid-friendly accommodations, as well as the view and ambiance of the venue.

If your preferred wedding location cannot fit your guest list, consider having a smaller ceremony or reception there and a larger celebration elsewhere. You can have your perfect venue without sacrificing guest comfort and experience.

What non-negotiables should a venue have?

When you’re thinking about your dream wedding location, what are the things that you absolutely can’t compromise on when it comes to the venue?
It might be helpful to figure out your ideal location first. Would you prefer to have your wedding indoors or outdoors? Are you thinking of having a destination wedding, or would you prefer to keep it closer to home?

You can then start searching with a clear goal in mind.

Wedding venues pricing policy should be clearly stated on their brochure, what is included, restrictions, and extra charges. If they don’t, I’d look elsewhere.

Tour the wedding venues

Once you’ve narrowed down your list of potential wedding venues, it’s important to schedule tours to see them in person. While photos online may look stunning, seeing the space in person can help you envision how your wedding day will come to life.


During your site inspections, be sure to pay attention to the small details that may not have been evident in the pictures. Is the space large enough to comfortably fit all of your guests? Do you have any specific decor or catering ideas in mind for your wedding? Are there any rules or limitations that you need to consider?

Once you’ve narrowed down your list of potential wedding venues, it’s important to schedule tours to see them in person.

While photos online may look stunning, seeing the space in person can help you envision how your wedding day will come to life.
During your site inspections, be sure to pay attention to the small details that may not have been evident in the pictures. Is the space large enough to comfortably fit all of your guests?

Do you have any specific decor or catering ideas in mind for your wedding? Are there any rules or limitations that you need to consider?

Don’t forget to have fun and enjoy the experience! In fact, did you know that visiting potential wedding venues can actually be a fun date idea? It allows you and your partner to envision your future together and get excited about the big day ahead.


Once you’ve completed all of your venue tours, take some time to review your notes and make a list of pros and cons for each location. Then, discuss your thoughts with your partner and wedding planner to make an informed decision. Remember, choosing the right venue is a big decision and can set the tone for your entire wedding day!

What questions do you need to be asking?

Do they only work with exclusive vendors? Is there on-site catering?

What is included in their fee? Is there a music curfew in effect?

How many guests can Plan A+B accommodate? Is there anything else you should be aware of?

Do they have a civil wedding license? Do they have a separate area for children to play?

Read their wedding venue client reviews

Oh yes, because we all know that anonymous strangers on the internet are the most reliable sources of information!

Hire a wedding planner

Stating the obvious here, a wedding planner can help you find the perfect venue with the overall planning process.

We can recommend venues that fit your style, budget, and guest count.

Not to mention, we often have connections in the industry that can help you secure your ideal venue, even if it’s not on the market yet.
A wedding planner can also help you negotiate prices with the venue, vendors, and other service providers.

They know what the standard rates are and can help you get the best deals. They can also help you avoid hidden fees and unexpected costs.

Choose your perfect wedding venue

Finally, it’s time to make a decision! This is the fun part, right? You’ve toured countless venues, asked a million questions, and have now collected enough information to make an informed choice. Or have you?

Think back to all of the factors you considered when choosing a venue: location, capacity, price, amenities, and how well it suits your overall vision for your big day. And let’s not forget about the intangibles: did you get good vibes from the staff?


If all signs point to yes, then congratulations! You’ve found your dream wedding venue.

Hey, why not go ahead and book it now before someone else gets it?
Just remember to choose the venue that makes your heart sing and gives you all the warm fuzzies. Remember, it’s your special day!

Top Featured image credit Indigo Images

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