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5 Things to Do Before You Tour a Wedding Venue

Touring wedding venues is one of the most exciting parts of planning your big day, it’s when all those Pinterest boards start to feel real. But before you book that first tour, there are a few key things you’ll want to do to make sure you walk in prepared, confident, and ready to make the most of your visit.


Whether you’re newly engaged or deep into the research stage, here are five things to do before you tour a wedding venue so you can find a space that truly fits your vision.



1. Know Your Guest Count (Even a Rough One)


Before you fall in love with a venue, it’s important to know about how many people you plan to invite. A venue that’s perfect for 75 guests might feel tight for 200 and vice versa.

You don’t need an exact number yet, but having a rough idea helps you narrow down which spaces make sense and ensures your tour focuses on realistic options.


Pro tip: Make an A-list (must-invite guests) and B-list (nice-to-invite guests) to help estimate your count more accurately.



2. Set a Realistic Budget


Your venue often sets the tone for the rest of your wedding budget. Knowing your spending comfort zone ahead of time helps you compare spaces with confidence and avoid heartbreak later.


Be sure to ask what’s included in each venue’s pricing some include tables, chairs, linens, and even décor or setup assistance, while others are just the space.


Pro tip: Write down your “must-haves” and “nice-to-haves.” That way, you can evaluate each venue not just on price, but on overall value.



3. Define Your Vision and Style


Before you start touring, take a step back and think about what kind of atmosphere you want for your wedding day. Do you picture a romantic garden ceremony? A clean, modern space with elegant touches? A cozy indoor celebration filled with candlelight?


Having a clear vision will help you instantly know whether a venue fits your aesthetic. You don’t need to have every design detail nailed down just a general sense of your vibe, season, and what kind of experience you want to create.


Pro tip: Bring a few inspiration photos or your Pinterest board to your tour. It helps the venue team picture what you’re envisioning.



4. Research the Logistics


Before your tour, look into practical details that can impact your decision, like location, parking, and vendor policies. Is it close to hotels or accommodations? Does the venue allow outside catering or alcohol? How late can your event go?


Knowing these details ahead of time helps you ask the right questions during your tour and saves you from surprises later.


Tip: Don’t forget to think about weather and seasonality, especially in Utah, outdoor venues are stunning, but you’ll want a solid backup plan if your date falls during colder or rainier months.



5. Prepare Your Questions


Your venue tour is your time to get every question answered big or small. Come prepared with a list so you don’t forget anything in the excitement of seeing the space.


Here are a few must-ask questions:

  • What’s included in the rental fee?

  • How many hours are included for setup, the event, and cleanup?

  • What’s the backup plan if weather changes?

  • Do you have preferred or required vendors?

  • How far in advance should we book to secure our date?


The more informed you are, the easier it’ll be to picture your wedding day there and know if it’s the perfect fit.



Final Thoughts


Touring wedding venues is one of the most memorable parts of the planning process it’s where your vision starts to come to life. But doing a little prep work before you walk through the doors makes all the difference.


When you know your guest count, budget, style, and must-ask questions, you can focus less on logistics and more on how the space feels. Because ultimately, that’s what matters most, finding the place where you can truly picture yourself saying “I do.”




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