Questions To Ask A Wedding Venue

Start Your Wedding Planning Journey

Congratulations on your engagement! If you’re in the initial stages of wedding planning, selecting the ideal venue is likely one of the first, and most crucial, decisions you will face. Your venue establishes the atmosphere for your entire celebration, it significantly impacts your guests' experience, and often dictates many subsequent details, such as decor, vendor choices, and your overall financial plan.

With varying options of available wedding venues, it’s normal and understandable to feel overwhelmed about where to begin. Asking pertinent questions early in the process can save you both time and money, and reduce future stress. This comprehensive guide is designed to ensure you feel confident and fully prepared when touring potential locations, helping to prevent any unwelcome surprises and confirming that the space perfectly aligns with your vision for your special day.

The following is a detailed list of fundamental questions you should ask a prospective wedding venue.

Essential Questions To Ask a Wedding Venue

Is our preferred wedding date available?

This is the first and most important question. Even if you love everything else about a venue, availability will ultimately determine whether it’s an option for your wedding day, (unless you’re flexible with the date).

The Covenant Place:  This question can be answered before even coming for a tour by simply asking our director via email or text! 

How far in advance do couples typically book?

This helps you understand how competitive the venue is and how flexible you need to be with your date.

The Covenant Place:  On average we see couples booking about a year in advance! Although, some couples choose to book and plan a wedding within 6mo here at TCP in order to qualify for our 6mo promotion! (Ask for more information about our 6mo promo during your tour)

What is included in the venue rental fee?

Some venues include tables, chairs, linens, setup, and cleanup, while others may only provide the space. Understanding what’s included helps you accurately compare venues and budget for additional rentals if needed.

The Covenant Place:  Your rental fee covers access to our entire property from 7am-12am. We provide and set up all furniture pieces for you! This includes tables, chairs, backdrops, cocktail tables, wooden head tables, catering tables, etc. Your rental fee also covers our day of staff that is present throughout your entire event. On top of these, we also provide parking crew to ensure all guests are parked safely! 

Do you offer all-inclusive wedding packages?

Some wedding venues offer wedding packages which can simplify planning and reduce vendor coordination stress.

How many guests can the venue accommodate?

Knowing both the maximum and minimum guest capacity ensures your event won’t feel overcrowded or too empty. This is especially important if your guest list is still taking shape.

The Covenant Place:  We can accommodate up to 350 of your favorite people!

Is there a dedicated bridal suite and groom’s room?

Private getting-ready rooms add comfort, privacy, and organization on your wedding day.

The Covenant Place:  Our on-site suites are set up to provide the bridal party comfort and entertainment while getting ready! Our bridal suite is spacious and stunning, creating a perfect environment for fun with your best girls while getting ready! It is equipped with a hair and makeup bar, hooks for all your dresses, coffee bar and minifridge, your own restroom and various seating options! The groom room is designed to keep the guys occupied and comfortable! The space has an Xbox and TV, a locker room style space for suits and so much more!

Can we schedule a rehearsal at the venue?

Rehearsals improve confidence and ceremony flow.

The Covenant Place:  A 1hr rehearsal time slot is included in all of our bookings!

When do we get access to the bridal and groom suites?

Early access helps with hair, makeup, photography, and stress-free preparation.

The Covenant Place:  You are welcome to access all amenities of the property as early as 7am on the day of rental.

What are the ceremony and reception space options?

Some venues offer separate spaces for the ceremony and reception, which improves guest flow and reduces downtime during transitions, while others require room flips. This question helps you understand the flow of the day and any time constraints involved.

The Covenant Place:  We offer an outdoor courtyard area for ceremony and an indoor space for reception to follow! Though, if weather conditions do not allow for the ceremony to be outdoors both can take place indoors!

How many hours does the wedding venue rental include?

Ask when you can arrive for setup and when everything must be cleared out. Extended access can reduce stress on the wedding day, especially for décor setup and vendor coordination.

The Covenant Place:  Your rental package gives you access to the entire property for a total of 17hours!

Is audio-visual equipment included?

Ask about microphones, speakers, sound systems, projectors, and screens for ceremonies and receptions.

The Covenant Place:  At this time, we do not offer on-site audio-visual equipment for rent. Event organizers are welcome to bring their own equipment, or arrange for rental through an external vendor.

Are there noise restrictions or curfews?

This impacts music volume, live bands, and reception end times.

The Covenant Place:  All music must be stopped or turned off by 11pm to stay in alignment with the noise ordinance in our area.

Are DJs and live bands both allowed?

Some venues restrict certain types of entertainment.

The Covenant Place:  Yes! Either are welcome. 

Can decor be hung from walls, ceilings, or fixtures?

Restrictions on adhesives, hooks, and nails affect design plans.

The Covenant Place:  Any decor that you are wanting to be hung from posts, beams, walls or ceilings must be approved by TCP. Decorations attached to our backdrops or other furniture pieces must be done so with items that will leave no damage or residue behind. 

What is your pricing structure and payment schedule?

This clarifies the total cost, required deposits, and payment deadlines. Knowing this upfront helps avoid unexpected expenses and ensures the venue aligns with your budget.

The Covenant Place:  Our payment plans are split into 3 payments. The first payment is the deposit, due at signing of contract. The deposit is 50% of your total! The second payment is 25% of the total, due at 6mo prior to your event. The final payment is due 60 days before your event, and that is the remaining balance.

Is it possible to extend the rental time?

If your celebration runs late, ask whether overtime is allowed, and if so, what the additional cost would be.

The Covenant Place:  We do offer a 2 day package, allowing for additional rental hours to be added the day before your wedding. This allows for all decorating to take place prior to the day of your event, relieving any stress or time crunching. (Ask for more information regarding our 2 day package on your tour)

Are there any additional or hidden fees?

Some venues charge extra for things like overtime, security, cleaning, or staffing. Asking this question ensures full transparency and prevents surprise charges later.

The Covenant Place:  There are no hidden fees here at TCP! 

What is your cancellation and refund policy?

Life happens, and plans can change. Understanding the cancellation policy helps you know what financial protections are in place if you need to reschedule or cancel.

The Covenant Place:  The 50% deposit paid at the time of booking is non-refundable. If you were to cancel with us before your second and third payment, we do not require those payments to be made. 

Do you require or provide insurance?

Many venues require couples to carry event insurance. This is an important logistical detail that protects both you and the venue in case of accidents or unexpected issues.

The Covenant Place:  We do not require insurance, but do recommend it!

Are there preferred or required vendors?

Some venues allow complete freedom with vendors, while others require you to choose from an approved list. This can impact your flexibility and overall wedding vision.

The Covenant Place:  We allow you to choose and use all of your own preferred vendors! Though, we do have a list of recommended vendors that we know and trust that is sent out to our booked brides.

Is catering provided in-house, or can we bring our own?

Food is a major part of the guest experience. This question helps you understand your catering options and whether tastings, menu customization, or outside caterers are allowed.

The Covenant Place:  Catering is an outside service that would need to be booked and organized through an outside vendor.

Can we bring our own alcohol?

If allowed, ask about corkage fees, bar packages, and alcohol service rules.

The Covenant Place:  We allow beer and wine to be brought and served at our venue by a licensed bartender. We do require a one day temporary beer and wine permit to serve at our facility as well. 

Is a licensed bartender required?

Many venues require professional bartenders for liability and safety reasons.

The Covenant Place:  Yes, the bartender must be licensed and insured. 

Are there smoking or vaping areas?

Helps manage guest expectations and comfort.

The Covenant Place: We do have a designated smoking area outdoors.

Are pets allowed?

Important for couples planning pet-inclusive weddings.

The Covenant Place: We do allow for pets to be present outdoors at our venue, under certain circumstances and rules. There is a pet deposit required.

Are there restrictions on décor or entertainment?

Venues may have rules about candles, hanging décor, confetti, sparklers, or amplified music. Knowing these restrictions helps you plan your décor and entertainment without disappointment.

The Covenant Place:  We have minimal restrictions regarding decorations that are included in our contract. We do follow the noise ordinance of our area by turning music off by 11pm. 

What is the backup plan for bad weather?

For outdoor or partially outdoor venues, this is crucial. A solid rain plan ensures your day stays beautiful and stress-free no matter the forecast.

The Covenant Place: If weather does not allow the ceremony to happen outdoors, both events (ceremony and reception) take place indoors in our main area. 

Is parking available for guests and vendors?

Adequate and convenient parking improves the guest experience and ensures vendors can load in and out efficiently.

The Covenant Place:  Parking spaces are available for all guests and vendors, and included in your rental is a parking crew that takes care of it all for you!

Do taxis and rideshare services reach the venue?

This is especially important for rural or remote wedding venues.

The Covenant Place:  Yes. Taxis and rideshares reach the venue.

Are hotels nearby for guests?

Nearby accommodations improve attendance and convenience.

The Covenant Place: There are hotels nearby for guests to stay at while in town for your wedding. We have hotels that we recommend as options, ask for more information.

Are there private restrooms for the wedding party?

This adds comfort and convenience during prep and throughout the event.

The Covenant Place:  While getting ready there are restrooms located by the suites where bridal parties spend most of their time prior to the ceremony. The bridal suite does have its own private restroom inside the suite, for the girls to use at their convenience.

Is the venue accessible for all guests?

Accessibility for elderly guests or those with mobility needs is an important consideration. This includes ramps, restrooms, and ease of movement throughout the space.

The Covenant Place:  Yes! We have wheelchair accessible restrooms and accommodations put into place upon request in our outdoor courtyard area. 

Will there be a venue coordinator on-site?

An on-site coordinator can be incredibly helpful for managing logistics, timelines, and vendor communication on the wedding day.

The Covenant Place:  We have staff members present at all times during your event, taking care of our facility. They take out trash, answer questions, ensure items are stocked and the facility is kept clean. These members are here to take care of our facility, but do not do any "coordinating" of your timeline.

Where Every Celebration Feels Special

The Covenant Place

Final Thoughts

Choosing a wedding venue is about more than just falling in love with a space, it’s about finding a place that supports your vision, your budget, and your peace of mind. Asking thoughtful, detailed questions helps you compare options clearly and avoid surprises later in the planning process.

This complete wedding venue checklist is designed to help you feel confident, prepared, and empowered when touring venues and comparing options. The right venue won’t just look beautiful, it will feel right, function smoothly, and support every detail of your special day.