The key to choosing your venue is to know exactly what you require from it before you even step out the door.

How many guests are you inviting? Make a rough guest list as a first step and work how the size of venue accordingly. Remember that only looking at small venues when you have a large guest list is not going to work.
What kind of wedding do you want? If you dream of classic elegance then the country house option might be for you; on the other hand, a rustic woodland setting will invoke a Bohemian feel. Do you already have a theme and style in mind? Will it match the type of venue you have in mind? Remember that the princess dress of your dreams might not fare so well in a muddy field.
What is your budget? There is no point looking at the grounds of a stately home if all you will be able to afford is your back garden. It might seem obvious but it is easy to make venue decisions based on your heart rather than your head and you do not want to commit to something you will struggle to pay for.
Site visits – Try to visit more than one venue. Ask friends and family for recommendations and when you are at a venue, ask to see photos of previous weddings. If you plan to have the ceremony and reception at the same location, check the suitability of the marquee site as well any buildings you will be able to use for things such as the bride getting ready or toilet facilities. Finally, try to imagine your big day there and if you can’t see it, the venue isn’t right for you.
Travel and accommodation – Consider how your guests (and yourselves) will travel to any ceremony or reception. Choosing a venue in the middle of nowhere means you may have to lay on transport or at least make sure there is adequate access and parking on the land. Some guests may require overnight accommodation: if this isn’t provided on site, find local hotels or bed and breakfasts nearby who can cater for your numbers.

We deal with a varied selection of locations across the south of England so if you need some advice on the perfect place to hold your event, we are happy to help. We can also attend a site visit at any venue you have chosen to talk through both your requirements and the suitability of the site. For example, we can advise you on issues such as power, underground cables, water supply and toilet facilities and we can liaise on your behalf with your suppliers or the venue itself to ensure that your big day runs smoothly and completely problem free.