Mini Wedding Venue Guide: 6 Things to Consider Before Saying “YES!” When Selecting an Arizona Wedding Venue

You want your wedding to turn out as beautifully as it is in your dreams. So we understand wanting to find a venue that matches your vision! And while finding the right wedding venue takes time and research, it’s well worth it in the end once you have a beautiful space.  

Have you narrowed down your options? If you want to have more confidence you’re making the right decision, so we created a mini wedding venue guide below! 

Before you sign on the dotted line, here’s what you should look for in a wedding venue before you make a final decision!

#1: Venue Size and Capacity

Are you certain your wedding venue can comfortably fit everyone on your guest list? Before you book, make sure the venue’s capacity aligns with the number of attendees.

A crowded reception can be quite uncomfortable and if a venue is too large, it can affect the atmosphere.

We recommend putting together an initial guest list before you start venue shopping so you can make a more informed choice. Then, consider whether you'll need space for a dance floor, buffet stations, or other activities that might impact the usable space.

#2: Location and Accessibility

Location, location, location, right? Your venue's location plays a crucial role in your guests' experience. Make sure you consider:

• If the ceremony and reception sites are in different locations, be aware of how much time and distance are between the two

• Proximity to hotels for out-of-town guests

• Parking availability and costs

• Public transportation access

• Wheelchair accessibility and accommodations for elderly guests

• Overall travel time for the majority of your guests

This will save you so much time and stress during the rest of the planning process! You’ll know exactly when and where to direct your guests. 

#3: Beverage Service and Regulations

Alcohol and drinks are a big part of your wedding (signature cocktails, anyone?), so it's important to know the venue’s regulations. Can you bring your own alcohol? Are the costs of beverages covered in the venue price? Will the venue supply drinks?

You’ll also need a licensed bartender to serve alcohol — find out if the venue provides one or if you’ll need to hire externally.

A few more things to consider: 

• Corkage fees if bringing your own alcohol

• Bar minimum requirements

• Options for non-alcoholic beverages

• Bar service cut-off times

• Insurance requirements for alcohol service

Be sure to bring these questions up when touring your venue!

#4: Preferred Vendors

You're going to be working with several vendors to make your wedding happen! However, many venues require you to use their preferred vendor list. These vendors are typically trusted partners with proven experience.

If your venue has preferred vendors, ensure you’re happy with their style, pricing, and personalities. If they’re not a fit, you may want to consider a different venue that offers more flexibility.

#5: Design and Customization

We’re all for going with customized wedding decor! However, not every venue shares that same sentiment. Make sure that before you book, your venue allows the type of customization you want. 

This could include things like: 

• Props like fog machines or sparklers

• Food and beverage stations at the reception

• Restrictions on decorations and modifications

• Backdrop options for photos

• Lighting customization possibilities

• Floor plan flexibility

And much more! 

We know it’s not feasible to have every detail of your wedding planned before you choose your venue, but going into the decision-making process with somewhat of an idea will help!

#6: Contract and Cancellation Policies

It’s time to consider the logistics — what will happen if you need to cancel or reschedule? Before you sign on with a venue, carefully review the paperwork and consider the policies. 

What is their cancellation and refund policy? Are there insurance requirements? Payment schedules? Overtime fees and policies? 

All of these can greatly affect your budget, so really take the time to read them thoroughly. 

BONUS TIP: Budget

There’s more that goes into a venue’s overall cost than just the venue fee. You’ll also need to account for: 

• Security deposits and payment schedules

• Setup and cleanup fees

• Additional rentals needed (tables, chairs, linens)

• Lighting and sound system requirements

• Heating or cooling costs for outdoor spaces

We know it’s a lot to think about, but preparing for these costs upfront means you can spend more freely on the fun stuff (like decorations, your cake, or extra reception props)!

More budgeting tips below

A wedding budget should include more than what’s on your wedding venue checklist, though. If you want expert tips on budget considerations, be sure to check out our post here. 

We’re giving you a breakdown of the costs associated with a wedding in Arizona!