10 tips to help choose your wedding venue

When you first get engaged, it’s natural to feel excited, inspired… and a little bit unsure about where to start. One of the biggest decisions you’ll make early on is choosing your wedding venue. It’s more than just a backdrop — it shapes everything from your timeline to your styling, even your dress and your guest list.

We’ve been lucky to capture weddings at all sorts of beautiful venues, and over time, we’ve picked up on what helps couples make a decision they feel great about — not just on the day, but looking back years later.

Here’s our take on how to choose a wedding venue that feels right for you.

1. Start with Your Budget

It might not be the most romantic part of wedding planning, but it’s a crucial first step. Having a clear idea of your overall budget means you won’t fall in love with a venue only to realise it makes everything else a stretch.

A good venue doesn’t have to be the most expensive – it just needs to work for your style, your guest count, and your budget. Be honest about your limits, and factor in what’s included and not included in the hire fee.

Before locking in a venue, consider what other elements you need to pay for to make this venue realise your wedding day vision – if it’s a blank canvas, how much decorating, florals and lighting will you need to fill the space?  It can all add up quickly and some of those things might be included at another venue.

2. Venue or Date First?

Are you set on a season or specific date? Or are you more flexible with timing if it means locking in your dream location?

Some couples have a non-negotiable date. Others have their heart set on a particular venue. Knowing what matters more to you helps narrow your search. Keep in mind that the most popular venues tend to book out 12–18 months in advance – so the sooner you start looking, the more options you’ll have.

3. Keep Track with a Comparison Chart

Once you start visiting venues, the details can get blurry fast. A simple comparison chart or spreadsheet can help you stay organised. We recommend listing:

• Venue name & location
• Capacity
• Ceremony & reception options
• Pricing & availability
• Style/ambience
• Inclusions (tables, chairs, lighting, A/V, etc.)
• Parking & transport options
• Website or image links

If you’re a pen and paper kinda girlie like me, I’ve made a free Wedding Venue Comparison chart you can print off and take with you on your venue visits.  Use as a checklist, make notes, use smiley faces.  Anything to help you weigh up the pros and cons at a glance.

4. Know Your Wedding Style

Your venue will do a lot of the heavy lifting when it comes to your wedding vibe and theme.  And not all themes work at all venues, so locking down your venue can help to plan all the other details of your day!

Think about what aesthetic feels most “you”.  Going for timeless and elegant? A vineyard or heritage space could be perfect.  Love the outdoors? Think gardens, backyards, or beachside settings.  After something modern? City lofts and blank-canvas studios work great.  Want relaxed and rustic? A barn or homestead might suit you better.  Let your personal style lead the way, and this will refine your search.

5. Reviews and Research

Your venue will probably be one of, if not the most expensive part of your day, so do your homework.  Yes, read the reviews from past couples, they can give you insight into the stuff you won’t find on a venue’s website but don’t rely solely on them as their priorities might differ from yours.  Seek out the experience of the wedding vendors such as florists, wedding cake vendors, stylists and film and photo teams.  All of these vendors will have had numerous encounters with the venue, the staff, and the vibe throughout the day.  Some vendors are onsite throughout the day and witness the smooth running or the issues that come up regularly.  Do your own digging and go in with a list of questions.

6. Ask About Rules & Restrictions

Before your heart is set on a particular venue, ask about the small print.  Do they work exclusively with preferred suppliers, or charge a fee to bring your own vendors? That can limit your options, especially if you have a particular caterer, stylist, or DJ in mind.  Planning to dance the night away? Some venues have early noise restrictions or cut-off times.  Check when the music has to stop, whether you can extend the night (and how much that costs), and what kind of party atmosphere the venue is known for.

Get a list of rules and restrictions before booking to make sure you’re happy with the options before signing anything.

7. Using Two Venues? Plan the Logistics!

This is a huge one!  And is often overlooked in the early planning process, and can throw out the whole day if it’s not dealt with realistically.  If you’re planning to have your ceremony and reception in separate locations, think through the logistics for your guests and for the bridal party. How far apart are they? Is there adequate parking at both? Will guests know where to go? Is your wedding on a long weekend or is there an event on that can affect the traffic?

You’ll also want to consider where you’ll take your photos and how this location fits in-between your venues for timing.  Google Maps is helpful for mapping out timings and routes, with satellite layout it can be helpful to work out parking, but it’s not perfect and you want to build in an extra buffer for Auckland traffic, even on weekends!

8. Accommodation for Out-of-Town Guests

If you’re expecting guests from out of town, it helps to choose a venue that’s easy to get to, with accommodation nearby.  Early in the planning process, put yourselves in your out-of-town guests shoes and research the transport options, nearby shops and salons, activities and attractions for the weekend – imagine the whole trip from start to finish and create a thoughtful experience for your guests that leaves a lasting impression.

9. Ask About Backup Plans

If you’re going with an outdoor ceremony or reception, make sure there’s a clear Plan B for bad weather.  And ask yourself: Would I still be happy with the indoor option? If not, it might be worth continuing the search.

10. Any Renovations Planned?

One last thing: check if the venue (or surrounding area) has any scheduled renovations or construction coming up near your date.  When I was choosing my wedding venue, the country club we chose had a beautiful area on the golf course with gorgeous established trees which I thought would make for a lovely backdrop in the photos.  But, what I didn’t realise is that those same trees were earmarked for removal, so come my wedding day, there were just stumps! Lol!  Plus, even if it’s not at the venue itself, nearby scaffolding or road closures can impact your day.

Final Thoughts

At the end of the day, the right venue is one that feels right. It should feel like a space where you can imagine yourselves, surrounded by your people, creating memories you’ll hold onto forever.

If you’re still exploring and want some friendly advice or suggestions on venues we love working with — just reach out. We’re always happy to share what we’ve seen behind the scenes.