When planning your big day, knowing the right questions to ask a wedding venue is essential. At Chateau Bee, we’ve visited hundreds of venues and done much of the research for you. That’s why we’ve created this guide with 50+ must-ask questions, plus a free checklist to make your venue search stress-free.
Ingrid has put together this quick video to outline three key tips when visiting a venue.
Three key tips to keep in mind:
- Shortlist just 3–5 venues max – quality over quantity.
- Do your homework beforehand – get answers to practical questions before the visit.
- Take your time during the visit – feel the magic and assess the experience.
In this blog we will outline the questions to ask a venue before you visit, the questions to ask during your visit, as well as key things to think about whilst you’re visiting the venue. Let’s delve in…
Table of Contents
Before We Get Stuck In, Did You Know?
Chateau Bee makes it easy to narrow down your search with handy filters, so you don’t have to check each venue individually to see if it’s accessible or LGBT+ friendly. In the example below, we’ve selected our non-negotiables: the venue must be accessible, include a chapel, and have a pool.
Questions to Ask a Wedding Venue Before the Visit
Once you’ve shortlisted 3–5 of your favourite venues, make sure the basics are covered so your visit isn’t weighed down by logistics. At Chateau Bee, we’ve already helped you narrow down key fundamentals – like whether the venue has a pool – and for many venues we even provide a detailed price breakdown. After reaching out to the venue, it’s essential to ask the right questions so you clearly understand the pros and cons of each option.
Pricing & Payment
Know what’s included and avoid unexpected costs.
- What’s included in the hire fee?
- Are there different pricing tiers (weekend vs weekday)?
- Are VAT/taxes included?
- What is the payment schedule?
- What’s the cancellation or refund policy?
Availability & Booking
Make sure your date and timeline align with the venue’s schedule.
- Is our preferred date available?
- How far in advance should we book?
- Is there a minimum or maximum guest count?
- Do you offer exclusivity?
- How long is the venue hire period?
Guest Accommodation
Ensure your guests are comfortable and close by.
- Is there on-site accommodation for guests?
- What are the local hotel or B&B options?
- Can you provide transport recommendations?
Catering & Bar
Delicious decisions and drinks logistics to consider.
- Do you offer in-house catering or preferred caterers?
- Can we do tastings?
- Are outside caterers allowed?
- Do you provide staff for service?
- Is there a corkage fee or bar minimum?
- Can taxis or shuttles access the venue easily at night?
Venue Rules & Vendor Flexibility
It is important to understand whether the venue is dry-hire.
- Can we bring in our own vendors (photographer, florist, etc)?
- Do you have a preferred vendor list?
- Are food trucks or mobile bars allowed?
- Are fireworks, candles, or special installations allowed?
- Are there sound limits or curfews?
Wrap-up tip: Once you’ve covered the logistics, you’ll be free to focus on the feel of each venue during the visit – this is where the real magic happens.
Questions to Ask a Wedding Venue During the Visit
Now that the key logistics are out of the way, it’s time to focus on the part that really matters – the experience. A venue visit is your chance to step into the space, soak up the atmosphere, and imagine how your wedding day will unfold. Beyond the numbers and practical details, this stage is about flow, layout, and comfort: where guests will gather, how the celebrations will transition from one moment to the next, and whether the venue’s team feels supportive and professional.
Most importantly, it’s about paying attention to how the space makes you feel – because the right venue should feel like the perfect backdrop to your story. Here are the important questions to ask a wedding venue during your visit.
Flow & Layout
Imagining the flow of your special day is crucial.
- Where do the ceremony, cocktail hour, dinner, and dancing take place?
- How do guests move between those spaces?
- Is there a designated getting-ready area for the couple?
- Is the venue accessible for elderly or disabled guests?
Set-Up & On-the-Day Support
Ensure the staff are accustomed to weddings.
- What time can we access the venue for set-up?
- Who is our main point of contact before and during the event?
- Do you offer a dedicated wedding coordinator?
- Is there storage space for decorations, drinks, or floral elements?
Entertainment & Sound
Music and dancing are just as important as the ceremony.
- Do you provide sound equipment or should we bring our own?
- Is there a dance floor or space for the band/DJ?
- Are there noise restrictions in the evening?
Weather Contingency & Comfort
Sometimes the sun doesn’t shine, plan for rainy weather.
- What’s the rain plan (covered outdoor space, indoor backup)?
- Is the indoor area equally beautiful and functional?
- Is there heating/air-conditioning, depending on the season?
- Do you have a backup generator?
End of Night Logistics
Sometimes the boring details are important too!
- Who is responsible for clean-up and waste removal?
- What time must everything be packed down by?
- Can taxis or shuttles access the venue easily at night?
Final Observation Prompts:
Whilst you’re visiting it’s good to have these thoughts in the back of your mind.
- How friendly, flexible, and experienced is the team?
- How does the lighting change throughout the day?
- What are your instincts telling you – can you envision your day here?
Frequently Asked Questions About Visiting a Wedding Venue
What are the most important questions to ask a wedding venue before booking?
Some of the most important questions to ask a wedding venue include availability on your preferred date, what’s included in the hire fee, whether catering is in-house or external, guest capacity, and if there are curfews or noise restrictions.
Why is it important to prepare questions to ask a wedding venue?
Preparing questions ensures you avoid hidden costs, understand venue rules, and confirm that the venue matches your vision. By asking detailed questions early, you’ll save time, reduce stress, and avoid unpleasant surprises later.
What should I pay attention to while touring a wedding venue?
Notice how the venue feels — lighting, flow between spaces, and overall atmosphere. Ask practical questions about set-up times, on-the-day support, and guest facilities, but also trust your instincts. A good venue should feel like the perfect backdrop for your story.
How can I make the most of my venue visit?
Bring your checklist of questions to ask a wedding venue, take notes, and ask if you can revisit or see the space at different times of day. Taking photos and videos can also help you compare venues later when making your decision.
Download Your Free Wedding Venue Checklist
Now you know the key questions to ask a wedding venue, both before and during your visit, it’s time to decide which venue is for you. That’s why the final prompts are just as crucial, how you felt, and your gut feeling are important. Now you know the most important questions to ask a wedding venue, download our free checklist to make planning your French wedding stress-free.
50+ Essential Questions to Ask a Wedding Venue Before You Book By Olivia
