Touring wedding venues is usually one of the first big milestones after you get engaged. It’s an exciting time and everything is fresh and filled with daydreams. Suddenly, the world is your oyster. You’re walking into beautiful spaces picturing: What if we said “I do” under this tree? Is this dance floor big enough for my rowdy crew? Does this place feel like “us”? This is your guide on how to tour a wedding venue with confidence and clarity.
Daydream away! That’s part of the magic! But to keep that blissful energy flowing (and avoid any stress), it’s helpful to be prepared. Here are a few key things to keep in mind to make your venue tours organized and fun!
Figure Out Your Budget
Let’s start here because this can make or break your venue search. Touring a spot that’s way out of your price range can lead to heartbreak. Venue pricing varies for good reasons including location, exclusivity, amenities, and more.
That doesn’t mean expensive equals better. A park wedding with meaningful details can be just as (if not more!) magical than a high-end ballroom. The best venue? The one that aligns with your values, vibe, and budget.
Pro Tip: Do your research. Look up average wedding costs in your area. Create a short list of venues in your range before scheduling any tours. If you’re learning how to tour a wedding venue, budgeting is your starting line.
Schedule an Appointment (Don’t Drop In!)
Venues fill up fast—especially the good ones. Booking your tour sooner rather than later increases your chances of snagging your ideal date. Try to set up appointments soon after you contact the venue rather than months later. Touring shortly after you contact the venue will ensure they have your preferred date available. Remember that weddings happen on weekends, so you may have to tour during the week. Drop-ins may be accommodated, but you may not get the personal attention you expect depending on who is there when you arrive or what else is happening on that day.
Be courteous: If you need to cancel or reschedule, let the venue know. Behind every appointment is a team adjusting schedules, prepping spaces, and coordinating staff just for you. Mastering how to tour a wedding venue means being prepared and respectful of the team behind the scenes.
Ideal Timeline: Book your venue 12–18 months in advance if possible.
Some venues offer:
- Virtual tours
- Seasonal open houses
- Weekday or evening appointment slots
What to Bring to Your Tour:
- A notebook or use your phone notes app
- Photos or inspiration boards
- A list of venue-specific and general questions
- Your phone/camera (take LOTS of pictures!)
Express Your Desires
Your venue team wants to hear your vision no matter how dreamy, out-there, or detailed it is. Tell them what matters most to you: outdoor ceremony, vintage vibes, all-night dancing, a champagne wall? They’ll help you see how (or if) their space can bring it to life.
Have a Pinterest board? Bring it! The more visual aids, the better. Have your list of questions ready, and if they don’t cover them in your conversations, bring them up before you leave so you walk away knowing exactly the information you need to make your decision.
Example Questions to Ask:
- What’s the weather backup plan?
- How many guests can the space comfortably hold?
- What’s included in the rental fee?
- Are there noise restrictions or curfews?
- What does setup/cleanup look like?
- Can we bring our own alcohol or is bar service required?
- Do you have preferred vendors or can we bring our own?
- Is there a dedicated getting-ready space for both parties?
Bring Someone with You
Your fiancé(e) should be your first call, of course. But if schedules don’t align, bring someone whose opinion you trust (and who won’t hijack the decision).
Before you even set foot on a venue, take time to sit down with your partner and align on your vision. What are your non-negotiables? Are you picturing a rustic barn or a grand estate? Big guest list or something intimate? Indoors or outdoors? Daytime or evening? It’s important to get on the same page or at least understand each other’s priorities so you can make decisions as a team. Psst, we love this website for helping you start the planning process.
Here are a few questions to ask each other:
- What kind of overall vibe or theme do we want?
- Are we prioritizing budget, aesthetics, or convenience?
- How many guests do we realistically want to invite?
- Do we want everything at one location (ceremony + reception)?
Once you’ve talked these through, touring becomes much easier and more focused. Understanding how to tour a wedding venue together ensures the experience is exciting and aligned with your shared vision.
If you’re ready to book and already smitten with a spot, bring any key decision-makers who need to see it firsthand.
Pay Attention to Customer Service
You’re not just booking a venue—you’re entering a partnership that can last a year or more, so how you’re treated from the first email says a lot. Is the communication prompt, clear, and kind? Do they answer your questions with patience, or rush you off the phone? These early interactions are a preview of what your planning experience will be like.
Green Flags:
- Fast replies and clear, helpful answers
- Willingness to listen to your ideas and adapt
- Transparency about pricing, policies, and what’s included
Red Flags:
- Slow or inconsistent communication
- Vague or noncommittal answers to direct questions
- High-pressure tactics that make you feel rushed to sign
Remember, this team will be involved in one of the most personal days of your life. Choose people you feel comfortable with—those who genuinely care about making your vision a reality. Good customer service isn’t a bonus; it’s a necessity.
What to Do After Your Tour?
Make notes!
- What did you love?
- What didn’t work for you?
- What questions popped up afterward?
Right after each tour, take a few minutes to jot down your impressions while everything is still fresh in your mind. What stood out? Was the staff welcoming? Did the space feel like a good fit for your vision and guest count? Be honest about what you loved and just as importantly, what didn’t sit quite right. Maybe the layout felt cramped, or the vibe was off. Capture those gut reactions now before they fade.
Also, make sure to log the practical details: the estimated price, available dates, included amenities, and any restrictions. Pros and cons lists are your friend here. You may even want to create a simple spreadsheet to compare features side by side. These notes will help cut through the emotional fog later when it’s time to make a final decision. Trust us, once you’ve toured a few venues, they can start to blur together. Solid notes make all the difference!
Common Mistakes to Avoid When Touring Venues
Even the most organized couples can overlook key details during a venue tour, especially when you’re caught up in the excitement. One of the most common mistakes? Not asking about a weather backup plan—this is crucial for outdoor weddings and can be the difference between a smooth pivot and a total scramble.
Another pitfall is not thinking through logistics like parking or guest accessibility. Is there enough space for cars? Are the paths wheelchair-friendly? These things might not seem urgent now but can cause big headaches down the road.
Don’t forget to clarify any rules or restrictions around décor, vendors, music volume, and timing. Some venues have limitations that could impact your plans (no open flames, required use of their caterer, or early curfews, for example).
And perhaps the biggest one—falling in love before reading the fine print. That dreamy venue might come with hidden fees or a contract that doesn’t align with your needs. Stay excited, but stay sharp! Knowing how to tour a wedding venue thoroughly will help you avoid these common pitfalls.
Quick List
- Not asking about weather contingency plans
- Overlooking accessibility or parking
- Forgetting to ask about restrictions (decor, vendors, music, etc.)
- Falling in love before confirming the price
Why Drumore Estate?
At Drumore Estate, our award-winning wedding venue is the perfect place to hold your special occasion. Our attentive and experienced staff will ensure that you and your loved ones experience an unforgettable fairy tale wedding that is everything you dreamed of and more!
Our all-inclusive packages come with your own experienced event planner who will walk with you every step of the way—from initial vision boards to your last dance. With award-winning gardens, breathtaking views, and flexible indoor/outdoor options, Drumore Estate is the backdrop your love story deserves.
“We knew Drumore was the one the second we stepped onto the grounds. The team made the whole process stress-free and magical.” – Emily & Chris, married 2023
Want to see it for yourself? Call us at (717) 284-5076 or fill out our contact form to schedule a personalized tour. Let’s start planning your best day ever! We make it easy to schedule a personalized tour so you can explore all our venue options and get all your questions answered.