The Only Wedding Venue Checklist You'll Ever Need - 75 Questions To Ask

Before you can say “I do” to the love of your life, you’ll need to have the perfect wedding venue lined up. There’s a lot more to choosing the right venue than just aligning on dates, pricing, and the aesthetic. While you’re visiting wedding venues, use this handy wedding venue checklist to ask all the right questions.

How Do You Tour A Wedding Venue?

Call the venue, or head to their website and book a tour date through their online portal! Depending on the venue, you might get a private tour or a group tour with other couples.

If the venue offers in-house catering, you might also have the opportunity to double your tour with a menu tasting!

75 Questions to Ask a Wedding Venue

Below, find a full list of 75 different wedding venue tour questions to ask, so you don’t have any last-minute surprises or hidden fees, and you’ll feel confident that you’ve booked the right wedding venue.

Logistics and Availability On Your Wedding Venue Checklist

These questions to ask when visiting wedding venues will help you cover the practical side of wedding planning before diving into the nitty-gritty of the ceremony and reception.

• Are you available on the dates I need?
• How far in advance do I need to book?
• How many weddings do you host in a single day?
• Will we be the only couple on our dates, or will we share our date?
• What are your peak and off-peak seasons?
• How many hours does the rental fee cover?
• How many guests can I host?
• Do you host events on holidays?
• Do you have in-house wedding planners or coordinators?

Getting Ready & Accommodations

Where will you and your fiancé get ready for your grand entrance down the wedding aisle? Use these questions to ask wedding venue when touring to make sure the venue has you covered and that no one gets a sneak peek (unless, of course, you want to do a pre-ceremony first look).

• Is there a bridal suite or a space for the bridal party to get ready?
• Is there a groom’s suite or a secondary space for the groomsmen to get ready?
• How many people can comfortably use the getting-ready spaces?
• Can we leave personal items overnight?

Important Wedding Venue Checklist Item: Ceremony Questions

Your ceremony is arguably the most crucial part of your entire wedding day. These wedding venue tour questions will help you understand if a venue can match your vision.

• What ceremony locations do you have on-site?
• Can we customize the ceremony venue layout and decor?
• Who is responsible for setting up ceremony chairs or any custom decorations?
• Are there restrictions on elements like flower petals or candles?
• Is a sound system available for ceremony music?
• Are microphones available for officiants and vows?
• Are pets allowed if we want our dog in the ceremony?

Reception Questions

These questions to ask when visiting wedding venues will help you make sure that your venue can host your dream reception with all your closest friends and family!

• What room or table layouts are available?
• Can we rearrange tables and chairs?
• Do you offer full-service dinner, or self-serve buffets?
• Are linens included?
• What cleanup services are provided?
• Are there noise ordinances or curfews for wedding reception music?
• Are candles or sparklers allowed?
• Is there a dedicated dance floor?
• Is there space for a live band?

Pricing & Fees

While money isn’t exactly a fun topic, it’s crucial to bring up early on so you’re not surprised by any hidden fees or unexpected charges, and you can plan your budget accordingly.

• What is included in the rental fee?
• Are taxes and service fees included in the quoted price?
• Is gratuity included?
• What is the deposit?
• Is the deposit non-refundable?
• What is the payment schedule? Can we split payments?
• What happens if our wedding runs long: Are we charged an overtime fee?
• What is your cancellation policy?
• Do you have wedding insurance, or can you work with our insurance company?
• Do you offer package discounts if we choose more in-house services?

Food & Drink on Your Wedding Venue Checklist

Every wedding needs delicious food and free-flowing drinks. These questions to ask when visiting wedding venues will help you figure out your food and beverage options and how much you can customize your menu.

• Do you provide in-house catering?
• If so, can we still bring our own caterer?
• Can we customize the menu and drinks?
• How do you accommodate dietary restrictions?
• Is a tasting included?
• Is cake-cutting service included, or is there an additional fee?
• Are bar packages included in the venue fee?
• Do you have on-staff bartenders?
• Can we provide our own alcohol?
• Are there mocktails or non-alcoholic beverage options?
• What happens with any leftover food or alcohol: Can we bring it home?

Outside Vendors

Even if your venue has in-house services like catering, you’ll likely still want to coordinate with third-party vendors, like photographers, bakers, and entertainers.

These questions give you a clearer idea of how your venue will accommodate outside vendors for a smooth ceremony and reception.

• Can outside vendors work at the venue?
• Do you require us to use preferred vendors, or can we choose our own?
• Will you work with our wedding planner?
• Is there a designated vendor entrance or unloading area?
• Do vendors need proof of insurance?
• Are vendor meals required?
• Are there restrictions on photographers or videographers?
• What happens if a vendor cancels unexpectedly? Can you help us find someone else?

Scheduling

These wedding tour questions will help you understand the timing of behind-the-scenes details, like setup and cleanup.

• When can outside vendors start setting up?
• Is there an on-site coordinator?
• If we’re not staying overnight, how early can the wedding party arrive?
• How early can guests arrive?
• What time must all guests leave?
• When must personal decorations be removed?

The Insurance Wedding Venue Checklist Item For Weather & Backups

When you’re booking a venue months in advance, the forecast on the day of might be fickle. These questions will help you understand the backup plans for rainy days or severe weather.

• If we choose an outdoor venue, are there rainy day options?
• When do we have to make the call to use the backup wedding space?
• What happens during severe weather, like snowstorms or hurricane warnings?
• Is there a generator in case the power goes out?

Guest Experience

These questions help you understand what the day will be like for your guests, and ensure that they’ll have everything they need to relax and celebrate with you!

• Is there a parking lot on site?
• Do guests self-park, or is there valet parking?
• Are there hotels or airports nearby, for out-of-town guests?
• Are there enough restrooms for guests?
• How accessible is the space for older guests? Are there mobility accommodations like elevators or wheelchair ramps?
• Are children allowed? Is there a minimum age for toddlers or babies?
• Is wi-fi available for guests?

Wedding Venue Checklist Tour FAQ

Do You Need to Dress Up to Tour A Wedding Venue?

Nope! It’s only a tour, so you don’t need to dress to the nines. If the venue has a dress code when events aren’t active, they should let you know what to wear to your wedding venue tour beforehand.

But, generally, as long as you’re comfortable and have good walking shoes, you should be fine!

How Long Should It Take to Tour A Wedding Venue?

That depends on how big the venue is and whether or not you’ve scheduled a tasting. But expect to spend about 30 minutes to an hour at a minimum.

If you’re planning on visiting multiple wedding venues in one day, try to block off at least an hour between tours as a buffer.

Book A Wedding Venue Tour with Kirkbrae Country Club

If you’re planning a wedding in Rhode Island, Kirkbrae Country Club can help you plan your dream day with spaces that accommodate up to 300 guests, in-house catering and cocktails, scenic views of the Blackstone Valley, and a professional team dedicated to answering all your wedding venue questions.

Get in touch with us today and book your tour at one of the best wedding venues in Rhode Island.