Wedding Venue Guides
You’ve gotten engaged, started sharing the news with your closest friends and family, have a rough date for your big day, and are buzzing with excitement. You probably want to start organising things ASAP. You may already have a Pinterest board or your favourite florist or wedding photographer lined up. That’s incredible, but you need a wedding venue before you get too carried away.
When choosing a venue, you should remember that your wedding venue serves as more than a physical space where you’ll get married; it’s the foundational context for your wedding celebration, shaping the practicalities and providing a backdrop for the memories you’ll have of the occasion, including being the setting of those all-important wedding photos.
It is paramount to choose a venue that meets your requirements and wants and, ideally, makes you go “wow” (even if you don’t say it out loud). It’s not just about finding somewhere that’s aesthetically appealing. When looking for a wedding location, consider the following:
Choosing Your Ideal Wedding Venue
It’s incredible how much your wedding venue can influence your special day. From the atmosphere to how many guests you invite, the overall vibe of your wedding, and, most importantly for me, the type of photos you can take, your wedding venue shapes many aspects of your wedding. Subsequently, choosing a wedding venue deserves careful consideration, so I’ve put together guides for the many stunning wedding venues throughout the UK, mainly covering the North West, where I’m based.
Ribble Valley
Lake District
Preston
- Does it match your style? Are you after a grand stately home for a proper regal affair? Or is a relaxed, down-to-earth, cosy wedding hall more your speed? You may want something more unique to match your personality. Your chosen venue should reflect your personality, but ultimately, it should live up to the day you dream of.
- Does it fit your guest list requirements? It might sound obvious, but you don't want to be rattling around in a massive ballroom with only 50 guests or cramming 150 into a space meant for 80. Get a realistic idea of your numbers early on. It'll save you a lot of heartache later.
- Does it fit within your budget? Weddings can be pricey, and the venue often takes up a substantial chunk of your budget. Be upfront about what you can realistically afford and look for venues that fit within that ballpark. Don't forget to factor in any extras the venue might charge for, like corkage fees or room hire.
- Will the logistics work for you? Think practically for a moment. Is the venue easy for your guests to get to? Does it have enough parking or good public transport links? What about accommodation for those travelling from afar? Is it accessible for those with access requirements? These aren’t the most romantic questions, but knowing everything is covered from the start will make a massive difference to your guests' experience.
- Does it offer the facilities you need? Do you need a separate space for the ceremony and the reception? What about a dance floor to boogie the night away? Check what the venue offers and ensure it ticks all your boxes.
- Does it have a good team? Trust me; the people running the venue can make a massive difference. A helpful and organised team will make the whole process smoother and less stressful. Don't be afraid to ask many questions and get a feel for their operations.
My Advice: Take Your Time
Whatever you do when choosing your wedding venue, don't rush into it. Take your time, research, and visit a few different places before deciding. Imagine yourselves there on your wedding day. Can you picture saying "I do" in that spot? Can you see your guests enjoying the celebrations? Can you envision all the fantastic photos a talented photographer could take that you’ll cherish for the rest of your lives?
Choosing the right wedding venue is a big decision, but it's an exciting part of planning your wedding, so make sure you enjoy it. It’s a big step too, so once you’ve secured your wedding venue, you'll be on your way to a truly unforgettable day.
Why Listen to Me?
I’m an experienced wedding photographer with years of experience photographing weddings throughout the UK. As a wedding photographer, I don’t just get to know the guests at the weddings I cover; I also get to know the venues and the teams who work at them, which gives me a lot of insight into the venues I have worked at.
@jdilworthphotography
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