10 Mistakes Couples Make When Touring Wedding Venues

Are you in the process of choosing your dream wedding venue? 

Are you worried you might overlook something important when touring wedding venues?

As you tour wedding venues, including Zion Springs, it’s easy to get swept up in the excitement and miss a few important details that could make all the difference on your big day. 

At Zion Springs, we’ve hosted over 500 weddings since 2010, and we want to help you find the perfect venue that fits your needs—even if it isn’t ours. In this guide, we’ll cover common oversights, like hidden fees and logistics, so you can confidently choose the right spot and enjoy a day that’s everything you’ve dreamed of.

Here are 10 things to watch for as you visit potential venues, so you can enjoy the process and select the perfect spot for your big day.

Before reading further, you might want to download our Wedding Venue Checklist—it’s a great tool to have on hand during your tours. This guide can help you catch small oversights that might otherwise turn into big regrets on your wedding day.

Mistake #1: Focusing Only on Aesthetics and Ignoring Practicality

While a stunning venue can make a strong first impression, it's essential to think about how the space will actually work for your wedding day. Beyond its visual appeal, consider how well the venue handles your guest count and keeps the celebration flowing smoothly.

Avoid this mistake: As you tour potential venues, visualize how your guest count will fit into the space and how easy it will be to transition between the ceremony, reception, and other activities. Pay attention to:

• How guests will move between the ceremony and reception areas.
• Space for seating, dancing, and mingling.
• Restroom accessibility and capacity for your guest list.
• The venue’s ability to adjust if your guest list changes slightly.

Make sure the venue matches your guest count. If you’re expecting 75 guests, confirm the venue can comfortably accommodate them. Ask how it would handle a slightly larger group—like 85 guests. Will adding more guests mean sacrificing space for a dance floor or live music?

Mistake #2: Overlooking Hidden Venue Fees

The base price of a venue may look attractive, but hidden fees can add up quickly. After signing, many couples add extra decor, extended hours, or upgraded services.

Avoid this mistake: Ask for a breakdown of all fees, including:

• Corkage fees for bringing your own alcohol
• Setup or teardown charges
• Overtime rates for staying past the agreed-upon time
• Fees for using outside vendors

Mistake #3: Forgetting to Consider Venue Logistics

Even the most picturesque venue can fall short if logistical details aren’t well managed. The flow of traffic, vendor access, and ease of setup play a crucial role in creating a smooth event.

Avoid this mistake: As you visit venues, dig into the practical aspects that could affect your day:

• Is there ample parking, and is it conveniently located for guests?
• How easy is it for vendors to access the venue and set up their equipment?
• Does the venue offer designated spaces for vendors to prepare, like caterers or photographers?

Mistake #4: Not Having a Backup Plan for Bad Weather

An outdoor wedding can be amazing, but the weather doesn’t always cooperate. Without a solid backup plan, unexpected rain or extreme heat could add stress to your day.

Avoid this mistake: Ask about the venue’s weather contingency options during your tour. Do they have indoor spaces or tents available if needed? It’s important to see these options in person so you feel confident no matter the forecast.

Mistake #5: Ignoring Vendor Restrictions at the Wedding Venue

You’re touring the wedding venue, and everything seems perfect—until you find out they have a strict list of approved vendors. Whether it’s the caterer who makes your favorite dish or a photographer whose style you love, vendor restrictions can throw off your plans if you’ve already picked your dream team.

Avoid this mistake: Before you get too far into planning, check if the venue has a preferred vendor list or if they allow outside professionals. If there are restrictions, find out how flexible they are and what alternatives are available. You want to know this upfront so there are no surprises later!

Mistake #6: Touring the Venue Outside of Peak Wedding Season

Touring a venue on a quiet weekday or during the off-season may not give you a complete picture of how it handles busier events. While it might seem calm and spacious now, a packed wedding weekend or peak season could feel very different.

Avoid this mistake: Ask the venue staff about their experience hosting larger events or busy weekends.

• How do they manage the flow of guests through different spaces?
• Do they handle multiple events simultaneously?

You can also request photos or videos of past peak-season weddings to see how everything comes together when the venue is buzzing with activity.

Mistake #7: Not Prioritizing Guest Accommodations and Transportation

If your venue is in a remote location or you're planning a destination wedding, guest accommodations and transportation deserve extra attention.

To avoid potential issues, ask during your tour:

• Are there nearby hotels or on-site lodging options for guests?
• How far are the accommodations from the venue?
• Does the venue offer shuttles or suggest local transportation services?

Choosing a venue with on-site lodging or nearby accommodations helps guests relax and enjoy the celebration without the hassle of long travel times.

Mistake #8: Failing to Ask About Venue Exclusivity

Some venues may host multiple events simultaneously, which can diminish the personal feel you're aiming for at your wedding. If you're looking for a more private, intimate atmosphere, it’s important to check during your tour whether you’ll have the venue entirely to yourselves.

Avoid this mistake: Ask if you can have the whole venue to yourselves and find out if there are any extra fees. As you walk through the space, consider how other events or shared areas could interfere with your day. Securing exclusive access means all the attention stays on your celebration without unexpected interruptions.

Mistake #9: Assuming Décor and Furniture Are Included with the Venue Rental

It’s easy to assume that essential items like chairs, tables, and linens are included with your venue rental, but that’s not always the case. Unexpected rental costs could impact your budget if these items aren’t provided.

• To avoid surprises: Ask upfront what’s included in the venue rental package. Do they provide furniture, linens, or other décor essentials?
• Check their options—if the venue only offers plastic folding chairs or linens in colors that don’t match your theme, you may need to bring your own. These small details can affect your budget and the overall look of your day.

Mistake #10: Rushing the Decision Without Comparing Multiple Venues

It's tempting to fall in love with the first venue you tour, especially if it seems to tick all the boxes. However, rushing into a decision without exploring a few options could mean missing out on a better fit—whether in terms of budget, style, or included services.

Avoid this mistake: Make time to visit at least two or three venues, even if you think you’ve found “the one.” This comparison can give you a clearer picture of what’s available and help you make a more confident decision. During each visit, take notes on:

• Venue Perks: Does the venue include any unexpected perks, like a complimentary tasting session, a bridal suite for getting ready, or a dedicated wedding coordinator?
• Flexibility with Layout: Can the venue adapt its space to fit your vision, such as moving tables or adjusting the ceremony location to match the season or your specific preferences?
• Noise Levels: Is the venue close to a highway, airport, or other noise sources that could affect outdoor ceremonies or open-air receptions?
• Lighting Options: How does the venue’s lighting look at different times of day, and do they have options for adding romantic touches like string lights or uplighting?

Avoiding common venue-related mistakes is essential for a stress-free wedding day, no matter where you celebrate. At Zion Springs, we’ve implemented features that help couples sidestep these pitfalls and enjoy a flawless event.

• Seamless Flow: Our venue layout is designed to create effortless transitions between the ceremony, cocktail hour, and reception. With both indoor and outdoor spaces, guests remain comfortable and engaged, whether your celebration involves 50 or 250 people.
• Comprehensive Services: By providing in-house services such as catering, florals, and day-of coordination, we reduce reliance on outside vendors and minimize the risk of unexpected problems or hidden costs.
• Weather Contingency Plans: Our venue provides flexible indoor and outdoor options, offering peace of mind in unpredictable weather conditions.
• Exclusive Use: Zion Springs hosts only one wedding at a time, guaranteeing a private, focused experience with all attention and resources dedicated to your event.

Choosing a wedding venue goes beyond appearance—you need a space that functions well for your event. This article has covered ten mistakes to avoid when touring venues, from logistics and guest accommodations to vendor options and space flow.

Avoiding these mistakes will lead you to the perfect venue and a wedding day that feels just right. Explore our guide on 47 Questions to Ask Before Choosing Your Wedding Venue for more tips.

Ready to plan with confidence? Visit our Answers and Advice page for expert tips to make your wedding planning journey stress-free and enjoyable.