10 Questions to Ask Before Booking Your Wedding Venue

By Kings Norton Weddings & Events

Choosing your wedding venue is one of the biggest decisions you’ll make during your planning journey. It sets the tone for the entire day, dictates your guest count, and influences nearly every other element—your theme, photos, décor, and even your dress.

But with so many options out there (and Pinterest making everything look perfect), it can be easy to get swept up in the charm of a venue before finding out whether it truly ticks all your boxes.

To help you avoid post-booking regret, here are 10 essential questions to ask before you say ‘yes’ to the venue.

1. Is My Preferred Date Available?

It sounds obvious, but you’d be surprised how often couples fall in love with a venue only to discover their dream date isn’t free for two years. Before you book your tour—or get emotionally attached—check availability. If you’re flexible on dates, great! But if you're set on a particular season, month or even day, ask early.

2. How Many Guests Can the Venue Comfortably Accommodate?

‘Capacity’ means different things at different venues. Some may squeeze in your 120 guests for the ceremony but only seat 80 for dinner. Others may hold your full party, but feel empty and echoey with a smaller crowd. Ask for real numbers for seated meals, ceremonies, and evening receptions—and what it feels like at each capacity.

3. What’s Included in the Price—and What Isn’t?

One venue might quote £6,000 for the room hire alone, while another offers £6,000 for a package including food, drinks, tables, linens, and even a coordinator. Always ask for a detailed breakdown of what's included. Are there hidden extras like corkage fees, cake-cutting charges, or overtime costs? Transparency now avoids awkward surprises later.

4. Is the Venue Licensed for Civil Ceremonies?

If you’re planning to have your ceremony and reception all in one place, check whether the venue is licensed to hold civil weddings. Not all are. And even if they are, make sure you understand which rooms are licensed, and what time slots are available.

5. What Does a Typical Wedding Day Timeline Look Like Here?

Every venue runs slightly differently. Some may have multiple weddings in a day, while others are exclusive-use only. Some may require an early finish due to noise restrictions, while others party until midnight. Get a sense of the rhythm of the day, including when you can access the venue, when suppliers can set up, and what time you’ll need to pack down the next morning.

6. Is There Space for Both Wet and Dry Weather Options?

No one wants to talk about rain on their wedding day, but it’s the UK—we have to. Make sure the venue has beautiful indoor options as well as outdoor spaces. Ask to see where the ceremony or drinks reception would be held if the weather doesn’t play ball. It’s peace of mind you won’t regret.

7. Can We Bring Our Own Suppliers, or Do We Have to Use Yours?

Some venues are fully flexible, letting you bring in any suppliers you like—from caterers to florists and DJs. Others have exclusive supplier lists or in-house teams. While this can make life easier, it’s worth checking whether their partners align with your style and budget. If not, see if there's any wiggle room.

8. What Are the Catering Options—and Can We Do a Tasting?

Food is a major part of the day, and you want your guests talking about it (in a good way!). Ask what catering is available—do they offer set menus, or can you create something bespoke? Is a tasting possible? And what about dietary requirements? It’s also worth asking if they cater for your evening guests, and what those options look like.

9. How Accessible Is the Venue for Guests?

Think about your guest list and how accessible your venue is. Are there elderly relatives who might struggle with stairs? Are there accessible toilets? Is there nearby parking? What about public transport or taxi availability at the end of the night?

10. What Kind of Support Will We Have on the Day?

Will you have a dedicated wedding coordinator, or will you be left to manage suppliers and timelines yourself? A good events team can make the difference between a smooth, stress-free day and one that feels like herding cats. Ask who your point of contact is and what they’ll be responsible for on the day.

Final Thoughts

Falling in love with a venue is easy—but making sure it’s the one takes a little due diligence. Ask the right questions, get everything in writing, and don’t be afraid to revisit a space if you need a second look.

At Kings Norton Weddings & Events, we know how important this decision is. That’s why we make sure every couple has the information, support, and flexibility they need to plan a day that’s truly theirs. If you're just starting your venue search, come take a look—we’d love to show you around and answer any of these questions (and more) in person.

Ready to find out if Kings Norton is your perfect venue? Book your tour today.