Maine & NH Wedding Photographer //How to Pick a Wedding Venue Without Losing Your Damn Mind

Alright, lovebirds — if you're deep into wedding planning and the venue hunt is already making you want to elope in Vegas with a Slim Jim bouquet... breathe.

I got you.

Picking your wedding venue is literally the biggest vibe-setter of your whole day. It's not just “Is this place cute?” It’s “Will this place keep me from rage-crying on my wedding day?”

Here’s what you actually need to be looking for before you sign your life (and your paycheck) away:

1. Can This Place Actually Fit All Your Favorite Humans?

I know it’s tempting to fall in love with that Pinterest-worthy barn that looks like Taylor Swift’s side project, but if it can't fit your 150 guests comfortably, you're setting yourself up for a disaster.

Ask yourself:

- Is there enough space for everyone to sit during the ceremony?

- Will half your guests be shoved in the hallway like sad extras in a soap opera?

- Can everyone actually see you during the ceremony, or will Grandma just be staring at a random column the whole time?

I've been to weddings where guests were legit seated outside the room because the venue oversold their capacity. Those poor souls had to listen to vows through a cracked door, and you KNOW they were just scrolling on their phones pretending to care.

Don't do that to your people.

2. What's the Rain Plan? (And Does It Suck?)

I don't care if you’ve been doing secret sun dances every morning — hope is not a strategy.

If you're planning an outdoor wedding, make sure the venue has a backup option you actually like.

Not, "Oh well, we could cram you into the garage next to the lawnmowers," but a legit indoor space that's still pretty enough that you won't cry harder than you already planned to during your vows.

Pro tip: Ask to SEE the rain plan space when you tour. Don't let them just "explain it." We need eyes on that situation, my friend.

3. What’s the Deal With Guest Lodging?

- Is there on-site lodging?

- Is there a hotel close by, or are your guests going to have to sleep in their cars like music festival rejects?

- If it’s super far, will you need to rent a shuttle service? (Yes, that's extra $$$, sorry.)

Nobody wants your drunk uncle navigating backcountry roads at 11PM. Help your people out.

4. Is the Ceremony and Reception in the Same Spot?

Having it all in one place = way less stress and less chance of your guests getting lost between events.

If you have to move everyone from a church to a barn to a reception hall, just know you're also moving guests and making sure that they get their in one piece. We also have to figure this into your timeline.

5. What’s Your Budget? (No, Really.)

Before you even walk in for a tour, be brutally honest with your wallet.

Some venues include a lot (tables, chairs, lighting, staff) and some places are like, "Here’s four walls and a dream, good luck."

Make sure you understand what’s included in the price and what’s going to cost you extra — like mandatory insurance, additional cleaning fees, “oops you went 10 minutes over” charges, etc. The sneaky stuff adds up fast, and your bank account deserves better.

6. DIY Options — Or Nah?

Some venues allow you to bring your own booze, caterers, flowers, and general awesomeness — which can save a TON of cash if you’re willing to put in some sweat equity.

Others will absolutely force you to use their $18-per-meatball catering company and $10,000-per-event "preferred" DJ who peaked in 2007.

Neither is wrong!

But you need to decide: do you want to hand them a check and let them handle everything, or do you want more freedom (and a possible few extra gray hairs)?

7. Do You Have to Use Their Vendors?

Some venues have preferred vendors lists. Cool. I’m actually on a lot of those lists.

Some venues have required vendors lists. Less cool (and often more expensive).

Ask if you're locked in or if you can bring your dream team (ahem, like me for photos, wink wink).

If you're stuck using their list, do some heavy stalking of those vendors ahead of time. Your whole experience could depend on it.

8. Do They Offer Day-Of Coordination? (A.K.A. Will Someone Actually Be in Charge?)

Listen, unless you want to spend your wedding morning answering questions like “Where should the cupcakes go?” while you're trying to keep your lashes from sliding off your face, you need a point person.

Ask the venue:

- Do they have an in-house coordinator or planner?

- Will someone be there on your wedding day making sure the cake shows up, the chairs are set up, and your DJ doesn’t get lost looking for an outlet?

Even if you’re Type A enough to run a small country, you don’t want to be the boss on your wedding day.

If the venue offers a solid day-of coordinator, that’s a major green flag. If they don't? You’re gonna wanna seriously consider hiring one yourself.

Trust me: Future You will send Present You a love letter for thinking of this.

Picking a wedding venue isn't just about "cute Instagram moments" — it’s about finding a place that can actually handle your guest count, won’t leave you screwed in bad weather, keeps your people comfy, fits your budget, helps your day run smooth, and lets you enjoy your damn day without needing a clipboard.

(You’ll save your crying for the ceremony like a normal person, duh.)

Go in with questions. Go in with standards.

And for the love of snacks, go in with a rain plan.