Have you started touring wedding venues but aren’t quite sure what to look out for?
Do you feel like you’re missing something important that could affect your wedding day experience—or your budget?
At Zion Springs, we’ve hosted more than 500 weddings since 2010, and we’ve seen firsthand the common oversights that cause couples stress, delays, or unexpected costs.
In this article, we’ll walk you through the 10 most common mistakes couples make when touring venues—so you can avoid regrets and choose the space that’s perfect for your celebration.
Mistakes to Avoid When Touring Wedding Venues
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
A beautiful venue doesn’t matter if it can’t comfortably accommodate your guest list and event flow.
It’s easy to be dazzled by a venue’s beauty, but there’s more to it than just good looks. While gorgeous décor and scenic views set the stage for an amazing day, how the venue handles your guest count and event flow matters just as much.
A place that looks great in photos should also feel spacious and inviting once everyone’s there, making it easy for your celebration to move smoothly from start to finish.
To prevent this: As you explore the venue, look at how it’s set up to host your guest list.
- Where will the seating go?
- How much space is available for dancing?
- How will guests flow through busy spots like the bar or lounge?
Tight spaces can make guests uncomfortable, while a venue too spread out can diminish the atmosphere. Find a space that balances both, allowing guests to move freely and enjoy the day.
Mistake #2: Overlooking Hidden Venue Fees
The base price of a venue might seem appealing, but hidden fees can quickly add up. Many venues include extra costs, like setup charges or overtime rates, that may not be immediately obvious.
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
Here’s a breakdown of the most common hidden wedding fees couples face—and how to avoid them before they impact your budget:
| Tip: Before signing the venue contract, ask, “If I sign this contract, what additional costs could I incur later?” This can help you avoid surprises and plan your budget accurately. |
Mistake #3: Forgetting to Consider Venue Logistics
A beautiful venue is important, but how practical is it for your wedding? Logistics like parking, vendor access, and restroom availability can cause delays or inconvenience if not planned.
Avoid this mistake: When touring the venue, check:
- Is there enough parking for all of your guests?
- Can vendors easily access the venue for setup?
- Are the restrooms conveniently located and sufficient for the size of your guest list, especially during peak times?
Mistake #4: Not Planning a Weather Backup Option for Outdoor Weddings
An outdoor wedding can be amazing, but the weather doesn’t always cooperate. Without a solid backup plan, unexpected rain or extreme heat could stress your day.
Make sure to address this: 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.
| Haley & Tucker experienced this firsthand at Zion Springs: “We were looking for a venue that had both outdoor and indoor spaces. Zion Springs offers beautiful outdoor and indoor options for every event of the wedding weekend, so we didn’t have to stress about weather. We had a tropical storm hit on our wedding day and had full confidence that the Zion Springs team would still make it our best day ever! (And they did!!!)” |
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.
How to avoid this: 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.
| Samantha & Patrick loved this about their wedding at Zion Springs:“We loved that the wedding party and families could stay at the venue and not have to worry about driving somewhere else. Rooms were spacious and comfortable, and the food for breakfast and lunch was yummy!” |
Mistake #8: Choosing a Venue That’s the Wrong Size for Your Guest List
It’s easy to fall in love with a venue’s charm, but the size of your guest list can make or break the experience. A cozy space with 50 guests can feel overcrowded with 150, leaving everyone bumping into each other. On the flip side, a venue that’s too large can make your celebration feel sparse and disconnected.
Avoid this mistake: As you tour the venue, picture how the space will handle your guest count. Visualize the seating layout, the placement of the dance floor, and how guests will move through high-traffic areas like the bar or lounge. The goal is to find a space that keeps everyone comfortably mingling and maintains the lively energy of your celebration.
Mistake #9: 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 #10: Assuming Furniture, Linens, and Décor Are Included in 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 what’s included in the venue rental package upfront. 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.
How to Avoid Venue Mistakes: Insights from Zion Springs
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.
Want to make sure you’re asking the right questions at every venue you visit?
Don’t miss our 47 Essential Wedding Venue Questions to Ask Before You Book—a practical tool to help you stay in control of your planning and avoid surprises.
Touring Venues with Confidence
You’ve done the work to avoid the most common venue mistakes—now it’s time to take the next step with confidence.
Visit our Answers and Advice for expert planning tips that take you from ‘engaged’ to ‘everything’s handled.’
And when you’re ready to explore a venue that’s designed to make your planning easier and your day flow effortlessly, we’d love to show you around.
