Finding the right venue that fits your vision and personality can feel like looking for a needle in a (very expensive) haystack! If you’re planning your special day and feeling a little confused or overwhelmed and wondering how to find the best wedding venues near me. 

You’re in the right spot! Follow these tips and read our most commonly asked questions to make your venue search a whole lot easier.

Here’s your guide to finding the perfect wedding venue right in your own backyard!

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In This Article:

How to Find the Best Wedding Venues Near Me
What is the Average Cost of a Wedding Venue?
How Much Does the Average Wedding Cost?
What is the Cheapest Day to Book a Wedding Venue?
How Do You Know If a Wedding Venue is Right For You?
What is the Most Expensive Month to Get Married?
What is the Least Expensive Month to Get Married?

How to Find the Best Wedding Venues Near Me

Step 1: Define Your Vision

Start by envisioning your dream wedding. Maybe you have an image in your mind of what you’re looking for already, or you can do a few Pinterest searches to get inspired! Do you picture an elegant ballroom, a charming garden, or a rustic barn? Depending where you’re looking at venues, there can be a lot of options, so clarifying your preferences will help narrow down your options and guide your search.

Step 2: Set Your Budget

Just as important as figuring out your venue vision, setting your budget and being realistic about it is going to be the other biggest factor in narrowing down your search.

Determine your overall wedding budget and allocate a reasonable amount for the venue as this tends to be one of the biggest expenses. Keep in mind that venue costs can vary widely depending on factors such as location, size, and amenities. 

These days, there are a lot of venues offering different packages that include different levels of service like an on-site wedding day coordinator, in-house catering, set up and tear down, decor, etc. This can be really helpful but you’ll want to pay attention to the fine print and make sure you’re still staying within your budget!

Step 3: Research Online

Use wedding venue directories, great wedding advice websites (like this one!) and review venue websites to explore venues in your area. Filter your search based on location, style, capacity, and budget to find options that align with your preferences. This may require going through a lot of different venues and pictures and writing down important information and any pricing information you find, and then creating a list of ones you want to tour.

Step 4: Schedule Tours

Once you’ve narrowed down your list of potential venues, schedule tours to see them in person. Pay attention to the ambiance, layout, and overall vibe of each venue to determine if it matches your vision. And don’t even think about visiting venues that are out of your budget! That’s a sure way to leave you disappointed and frustrated.

During venue tours, don’t hesitate to ask questions about pricing, availability, policies, and any special requirements you may have. Clear communication with venue coordinators will ensure a smooth planning process.

Step 5: Explore Venue Packages

Many venues offer wedding packages that include catering, decorations, and other services. Evaluate the packages offered by each venue to determine which one best fits your needs and budget. Having all of this information written down and easily accessible can help you make the decision if you’re torn between a couple of different venues. 

Step 6: Book Early

Once you’ve found the perfect wedding venue, don’t wait to secure your date! Popular venues can book up quickly, especially during peak wedding seasons, so act promptly to reserve your spot.

What is the Average Cost of a Wedding Venue?

Wedding venue costs range very widely based on location, but on average, you can expect for the venue rental to cost $6,000 to $12,000. 

How Much Does the Average Wedding Cost?

While the actual average wedding cost varies heavily depending on factors such as location, guest count, and personal preferences, the average cost of a wedding in the United States has hovered around $30,000. This number includes expenses like venue rental, catering, attire, decorations, photography, and entertainment.

What is the Cheapest Day to Book a Wedding Venue?

Just like booking a venue for an off-peak wedding date, off-peak wedding days are also a way to score a bargain on your wedding venue! You can do this by choosing to get hitched on a less popular day of the week, like Monday through Thursday. Many venues will have a considerable discount for Friday weddings as well, and this day is becoming more and more common for couples to book as it helps them save money, or spring for their dream venue that they otherwise wouldn’t be in their budget on a peak wedding day like Saturday or Sunday!

However, you’ll want to keep in mind that your guests will likely not be thrilled about a mid-week date and many may not be able to attend due to work or life responsibilities. So if you do choose a non-weekend date, you may want to expect a lower turnout.

How Do You Know If a Wedding Venue is Right For You?

It can be hard to know what venue is truly the best fit for you. While you’ll want to make sure you tour your potential venue spaces, there are a few things you’ll want to keep in mind before and during your tours so you can make the best decision possible for your big day:

• Budget: Ensure the venue fits within your budget. Don’t forget to account for additional costs such as catering, decor, and rentals.
• Capacity: Make sure the venue can accommodate your guest list comfortably. You don’t want it to feel overcrowded or too spacious.
• Location: Consider the accessibility of the venue for both you and your guests. Is it convenient to reach? Is there ample parking or nearby accommodations for out-of-town guests?
• Aesthetic: Does the venue match your vision for your wedding day? Consider the style, ambiance, and overall look of the venue.
• Services and Amenities: What services does the venue offer? Do they provide catering, decoration, or have preferred vendors? Also, check if they have essential amenities such as restrooms, dressing rooms, and backup plans for inclement weather.
• Reviews and Reputation: Look for reviews and testimonials from previous couples who have used the venue. This can give you insights into their experiences and help you gauge the venue’s reputation.

What is the Most Expensive Month to Get Married?

Typically, the most expensive time of year to get married are the months of June, September and October because they’re very popular with couples. However, this is also going to depend on your venue’s location. For example, if you’re getting married at a beach venue in Florida, the warm, sunny months (before and after the blazing heat) are probably going to be the most popular and expensive, and the cool, winter months less expensive. 

In the busy months, you’ll also find that a lot of your preferred vendors are booked up or charging a premium for their services because of this increased demand, leading to higher prices and therefore overall more expensive weddings during these months.

What is the Least Expensive Month to Get Married?

While there’s always extra factors at play such as your venue’s location and demand, in general the least expensive time of year to get married are the months of January, March, and November. Often, many venues this time of year will offer discounted rates as this is “off-peak” season.