What to Ask Before Booking a Venue

A site visit shows you a room at its best: lights on, tables cleared, a coordinator who is very good at their job. What it rarely shows you is how the space works on a real Saturday with 140 guests and a cold rain outside.

So ask about the day, not the room. Where does the ceremony move if the weather turns, and how long does that changeover take? What time can your vendors load in, and when must everything be gone? Is there an exclusive caterer or bar service, and what does that do to your menu and your bar costs?

Ask what is included and what is merely available. Chairs, linen, staffing, security, cleaning and overtime can each turn a fair quote into a surprising invoice. And ask to speak with a couple who married there in the same season you are considering.