Knowing what questions to ask a wedding venue before booking is the key to throwing the knot-tying party of your dreams! This is a once-in-a-lifetime occasion, after all, so you can never be too careful.
Here at Alberton Orchards, we’ve hosted many happy couples and their guests at our wedding venue, so we know a thing or two about the planning process. Whether you decide to get married at our authentic Western ranch or elsewhere, we’re happy to provide guidance.
Here are the essential inquiries you should make before signing on the dotted line.
1. Start With the Basics
Before you bother getting into the nitty-gritty details, the most important questions to ask a wedding venue pertain to your party’s unique needs.
For example, if you plan on having hundreds of guests, your first question should be about the venue’s capacity. Or, if you’re working with a tight budget, inquiring about prices is a natural starting point.
Think about your top priorities, and start from there. The goal is to narrow down your long list to just a few venues that check all the major boxes. With a short list of only the major contenders, you’ll have a much easier time making a final decision.
Of course, every couple’s dream wedding is unique. In this early stage, you just need to know what questions to ask a wedding venue to determine if they’re worth researching further. Here are some common preliminary questions to ask.
- What dates are available?
- How many guests can your venue accommodate?
- How long do I have the rental, and can I extend my visit if desired?
- Are there indoor/outdoor spaces available?
- Can I have both the reception and ceremony there?
- What types of amenities and attractions are available?
- Is there transportation and/or parking available?
- Is the venue accessible for people with disabilities?
- What services are provided on-site?
- Do we need to bring our own tables, chairs, dishware, silverware, barware, and other supplies?
2. Get Into Specifics
Once you’ve put together a smaller list of potential sites, you may want to come up with some specific questions to ask the wedding venue, especially if there are any deal-breakers to consider.
For example, if your guest list includes the family dog, you’ll want to make sure pets are allowed. Or, if you plan on having a wild after-party with a live band, you should ask about noise level restrictions and cutoff times.
Make a list of the aspects of your wedding that you’re not willing to compromise on. Those questions are essential, as you don’t want to book the perfect venue, only to be disappointed because you forgot a crucial detail.
3. Discuss Fees
Your budget will inevitably play a role in what questions to ask a wedding venue. Even if your spending limit is flexible, it’s best to have concrete numbers to work with. If you’re struggling to choose between two venues, and one’s more affordable, that’s an easy tiebreaker!
Here are some common questions related to finances.
- What is the cost of the rental?
- Do you offer multiple rental packages?
- Are foods and drinks included in the cost?
- Are there additional charges for lodging, activities, and amenities?
- Is there a preferred vendor list, or can I go through my own vendors?
- Will there be a staff, or do I need to hire my own?
- What are your cancellation and refund policies?
- Do you have liability insurance, or do I need to provide my own?
- Are there discounts for wedding guests?
- What payment methods are accepted?
- Do you offer payment plans?
- Are there any other fees I should know about?
4. Research the Venue
Once you’ve covered all the essential questions to ask a wedding venue, it’s time to dive deeper. A venue might sound perfect on paper, but it’s important that you get a firm grasp on what to expect, especially if you’re not able to visit the venue before the big day.
In addition to doing independent research and reading reviews, you can ask the venue these questions to gain a better understanding of
what the wedding will look like.
- Can you provide photos and videos?
- Can you direct me to reviews of your venue?
- Do you have any feedback from previous guests that you can share?
- Can you provide a live video tour?
- Can I schedule a visit?
5. Inquire About Customization Options
As you determine what questions to ask a wedding venue, think about any personal touches you’d like to include. Some venues may simply hand you the keys and give you free rein, while others may have specific protocols that need to be followed.
Here are some questions to help you determine if the venue will be able to adapt to your plans.
- Can I decorate the venue myself?
- Can I rearrange the layout?
- Can my guests stay overnight?
- Is it okay if more people than expected show up?
- Is there a stage and equipment for a band or DJ?
- Can we be as loud as we want?
- Does the venue close, and if so, what time?
- Can we reserve group activities for the next day?
- Will there be a staff to help with setting up and breaking down the wedding?
- Can you provide transportation?
Book Your Dream Wedding at Alberton Orchards
We hope these questions to ask a wedding venue make the planning process a little easier! While you’re researching wedding venues, consider our all-inclusive Montana ranch resort.
Our indoor/outdoor nature wedding venue is a beautifully bucolic 1900s barn that has been meticulously restored and repurposed. With Montana’s picturesque nature serving as the backdrop, our charming venue offers an enchanting rural aesthetic and an authentic Western ranch experience with modern luxuries.
You and your guests will have access to our sprawling estate’s many upscale amenities, including a scenic vineyard and orchard with farm-to-table agrotourism comparable to Tuscany, Italy, as well as a lovely on-site restaurant, Vintner’s Grill. We even have genuine log cabins and glamping tents so you can stay for your honeymoon!
Contact Us to Learn More
Now that you know what questions to ask a wedding venue, please feel free to get in touch anytime. We’d be honored to help you plan your celebration, and you can count on us to go above and beyond to surpass your expectations.
Best of all, we offer 90% of what competitors do but for ⅓ of the price. Book your dream wedding today!