When you narrow down wedding venues that look great on the outside, you NEED to make sure you're asking these questions so you don't get blindsided after signing a contract! Some of these are easy to forget - but keep this page open or write some of them down when going to tour your venue!
Do you require a wedding planner?
This is great to know beforehand to know if you need to budget for that!
Do you require outside vendors to be insured?
If so, make sure to look for insured vendors and let them know that that is a requirement before signing any contracts! It's possible this may cost a little extra, so keep that in mind when budgeting!
Do you allow outside alcohol?
Different venues (and different states) have different alcohol rules, so make sure you have a plan for whatever type of alcohol you'll have!
Do you have an inclement weather plan?
Also ask if they need to know the day of, before, or several days before! Keep weather like snow and wind in mind as well!
Does it cost extra to have a rehearsal dinner here the night before the wedding? If we do have a rehearsal dinner here, can we set up the night before and/or leave stuff overnight?
If you cannot have a rehearsal in the space, you need to know that for scheduling purposes and budgeting purposes if you're planning on having a rehearsal elsewhere.
Do you have an example floorplan for the amount of guests we're expecting?
Definitely make sure the venue can hold MORE than the amount of guests you're thinking of inviting comfortably, in case you decide to invite more later on!
What all is included in the price as far as tables, chairs, ceremony chairs, and linens?
Make sure there are enough tables for dinner, food setup, cocktail hour, guest books, card/gift tables, memorial tables, etc! Also, knowing if they provide linens, chairs, etc will be helpful for your budget and schedule as well.
When does access to the venue begin and end, and does all decor need to be out at ending time or can things be left overnight?
Some rental companies prefer to pick up their items the day following the wedding, so keep this in mind when booking services so you can let these vendors know!
Can we leave our things in a private/locked room during the ceremony and reception?
Make sure venues have a space for you to store stuff you don't need until after the wedding, or later on into the night!
What things are not allowed at the venue?
If you're wanting to have a sparkler sendoff and sparklers are not allowed at the venue, you'll need to adjust your plans a bit! Ask about real candles, confetti, glitter, and sparklers!
These are more detailed questions and skip a bit over big questions (like how many guests can fit, if they're available for your date, etc.) but I say the more detailed, the better!