print this guidedownload the fillable pdf

a venue tour goes by fast. it is easy to fall in love with the view and forget to ask where your guests will park or what happens if it rains. this list covers the questions that actually change your day, and what a good answer sounds like. print it, bring it, and tick them off.

before you go

• book the tour for the time of day your ceremony would be
• bring someone who will be honest with you
• take photos and a few quick videos on your phone
• print the checklist so you are not relying on memory

if you are not sure what time your ceremony should be, our golden hour guide helps you pick one.

the 12 questions

1. what is included in the rental, and what costs extra? listen for a clear list and no surprise fees.
2. what is the rain plan, and who decides? a real backup space you can see today.
3. when can vendors arrive and when do we have to be out? enough time to set up, and a late enough end.
4. is there a place to get ready? clean, bright, with outlets and a mirror.
5. can we see the ceremony space at our time of day? so you see the actual light.
6. are there vendor rules or required vendors? few rules, and your team is welcome.
7. how many guests does it hold comfortably? room to move.
8. what is the sound limit, and when must music stop? a time that works for your dance floor.
9. what is parking like? simple for grandma and for a shuttle.
10. what are the restrooms like? plenty, clean, and close.
11. can we use candles, sparklers, or do a send-off? a clear yes or no with rules.
12. what is the deposit, and what if we need to reschedule? a fair written policy.

questions we wish more couples asked

as photographers and videographers, a few things matter to us that couples rarely think about. ask if there is a spot with open shade for portraits, how late the sun stays on the ceremony space, and whether there is a quiet corner for your first moments together. these make a real difference in your photos.

how to compare venues

after every tour, score the venue 1 to 5 on a few things: does it feel like you, is the light beautiful, is the rain plan real, does it fit your guest count, are the price and rules fair. write down one thing that stood out. our scorecard makes it simple, and the winner is usually clear in a minute.

questions we get a lot

when should we tour wedding venues?

tour at the time of day your ceremony would be so you see the real light. many couples tour 12 to 18 months ahead, since popular dates fill early.

how many venues should we tour?

three to five is plenty. more than that and they start to blur together.

should we bring our photographer?

you do not have to, but we are happy to give a quick opinion on light and layout if you ask.

what should we bring?

this checklist, a phone for photos, and one honest friend or family member.