So you’ve said “yes,” popped the champagne, and now you’re staring down the biggest line item in your wedding budget: the venue. It’s the backdrop to your vows, your dance floor, your photo ops—and, let’s be real, your biggest financial commitment besides the honeymoon.
But don’t panic, even though I know from personal experience, that’s easier said than done. With a little strategy and a lot of research, you can find a venue that’s gorgeous, functional, and budget-friendly. Here’s your step-by-step guide to venue hunting like a boss.
📅 Step 1: Start Early—Like, Yesterday
When to Begin:
- 12–18 months before your wedding is ideal, especially if you’re eyeing a popular date or season.
- If you’re planning a shorter engagement, be flexible with your date or day of the week (hello, Friday weddings!).
Why It Matters:
- Venues book fast—especially the good ones.
- Early booking gives you leverage with vendors and more time to plan around your space.
💡 Pro Tip: Create a shortlist of 5–7 venues and start touring ASAP. Don’t wait until you’ve picked your dress—venues set the tone for everything else.
💰 Step 2: Know Your Budget (and Be Real About It)
How Much Should You Spend?
- Venues typically eat up 30–40% of your total wedding budget.
- For a $15–20K wedding, aim to spend $4,500–$8,000 on your venue (including rentals, fees, and taxes).
Budgeting Based on Household Income:
| Household Income | Suggested Venue Budget | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| $60K/year | $4,500 or less | Consider off-peak dates or all-inclusive packages |
| $80K/year | $6,000–$7,000 | Mid-range venues with flexibility |
| $100K+/year | $8,000+ | More options, but still be strategic |
💡 Reality Check: Don’t forget hidden costs like service fees, gratuities, and overtime charges. Ask for a full breakdown before signing anything.
🔍 Step 3: Know What You’re Looking For
Key Questions to Ask Yourself:
- Indoor or outdoor?
- Ceremony and reception in one place?
- Do you want a blank canvas or a fully styled space?
- Is there a noise ordinance or curfew?
- Can you bring your own vendors?
Must-Have Features:
- Clean bathrooms (seriously)
- Parking or shuttle options
- Backup plan for weather
- Space for dancing, dining, and mingling
💡 Trend Alert: In 2025, couples are loving hybrid venues with indoor-outdoor flow, historic charm, and natural beauty.
💻 Step 4: Use the Right Tools to Search
Skip the endless scrolling—these platforms make venue hunting smarter:
| Platform | Best For | Perks |
|---|---|---|
| WeddingWire | Broad search + planning tools | Reviews, pricing, vendor connections |
| The Knot * | Inspiration + venue filtering | Mood boards, guest list integration |
| Zola | All-in-one wedding management | Registry, invites, venue search |
| Wedding Spot | Budget-conscious couples | Real pricing calculators |
| Breezit | California weddings | AI-powered recommendations |
💡 Hack: Use filters for guest count, price range, and amenities to narrow your list fast.
* – Kyle and I are using the Knot for our wedding website! Stay tuned for more info on this amazing tool in future articles!
🌿 Step 5: Tour Like a Pro
What to Bring:
- A list of questions (about fees, capacity, restrictions – listed below) – A great tool I used for all of my wedding venue questions was TikTok! I just searched “Wedding Tips” or “Wedding Venue Tips” before finalizing our contract and it helped TREMENDOUSLY! * During my morning workouts I’d put my ear buds in and scroll TikTok listening to wedding planning advice. Helped me look forward to working out and gather useful information!*
- Your budget spreadsheet – here at Net Worth Insights we urge you to always know your numbers!
- Your partner, after you’ve narrowed it down to the final 2-3 venues so they aren’t too overwhelmed, and definitely your Type A bestie, if they live close (mine sadly does not).
Some Things To Ask Based On My Own Personal Research:
- What’s included in the rental fee?
- Are there noise restrictions or curfews?
- Can we bring our own alcohol or caterer? (Usually YES if these are not included in the venue itself, and usually NO if they are).
- What’s the rain plan? DO NOT forget this one!
- Discounts or packages that the venue offers?
- Are there military discounts for booking? Or if your venue is like mine and it’s also a hotel, do they offer military discounts for room bookings?
- Will there be another wedding at the venue on the same day? Some venues double book weddings on the same day depending on the size of the venue. Trust me ladies, you do NOT want to be fighting with another bride for the best picture spots on your big day.
- How many staff members will be there to assist? Additionally ask if there will be security on the premises should a tense situation arrive.
- What audio-visual equipment will be provided with the venue rental? Speakers and mic for the officiant/speakers for processional songs/etc.
- What things are prohibited? Confetti, real candles, outside food/drink, etc.
- Where are the bathrooms located? How many bathrooms are there for your guests? You don’t want the issue of having 1 stall in the women’s room for 100 wedding guests, trust me.
- Will there be any construction going on around the time that you have booked?
- Parking situation? Valet, assigned spots/lots, etc.
💡 Red Flag: If a venue dodges questions or won’t give you a full contract breakdown, walk away. Transparency is non-negotiable.
🔒 Step 6: Compare and Commit
Once you’ve toured a few spots:
- Create a comparison chart (cost, vibe, flexibility)
- Factor in travel time, vendor restrictions, and guest experience
- Don’t just go with the cheapest—go with the best value
💡 Bonus Tip: Ask about weekday or off-season discounts. A Sunday brunch wedding in October? Chic and affordable.
🍽️ Bonus Segment: What If Your Venue Includes Food & Alcohol? Let’s Talk Numbers
If your dream venue comes with catering and bar service baked into the package, congrats—you’re saving time and vendor coordination headaches. But you’re also stepping into a new pricing tier, so let’s break it down.
💰 What You Can Expect to Pay:
According to 2025 wedding data, venues that include food and alcohol typically fall into these ranges:
| Package Type | Average Cost (2025) | What’s Included |
|---|---|---|
| Mid-range venue * | $12,000–$18,000 | Space rental + catering + basic bar |
| High-end venue | $20,000–$30,000+ | Premium menu + top-shelf open bar + extras |
| Per-person pricing | $100–$300 per guest | Varies by menu, bar tier, and guest count |
💡 Example: A venue charging $150 per person for 100 guests = $15,000 total. That may include appetizers, plated dinner, dessert, and a standard open bar.
* – Kyle and I have fallen into this category because our venue includes venue cost/food/all beverages per person in their overall cost for the rental. It was a great way to relieve stress surrounding this step! Our wedding will be in Phoenix AZ which is local for us, but a destination wedding for MANY of our guests (mostly from Chicago). We chose a venue that is a hotel located in the downtown of a large suburb. We wanted to make sure that our guests can save money on transportation costs since many of them are flying in for us. They will only have to fly in then uber to and from the venue once each way. No rental car prices or hassle needed. When you’re budgeting for your wedding it’s also important to factor in the expenses your guests will be paying as well!
🧾 What to Watch Out For:
- Service fees: Often 20–25% added to food and beverage totals
- Gratuities: Sometimes included, sometimes not—ask!
- Bar minimums: Some venues require a minimum spend or charge by consumption
- Outside alcohol restrictions: Many venues won’t allow BYOB, or will charge corkage fees
🧠 Budgeting Tip:
If your total wedding budget is $20K, and your venue includes food and drink, aim to keep that package under $12K–$14K to leave room for attire, florals, entertainment, and other essentials.
💬 Final Thoughts: Your Venue Sets the Stage—But You’re the Stars
Finding the right venue isn’t just about aesthetics—it’s about alignment. With your budget, your values, and your vision. Whether it’s a greenhouse, a historic mansion, or a cozy backyard, the right space should feel like you and your partner.
So grab your spreadsheets, your questions, your fiancé—and start venue hunting like the main character you are.
