Some venues will have enough space so you can have your ceremony and reception on-site, and some may only have a reception space. Or you may have always dreamt of getting married at your family church then having your reception at a rustic barn. If you will have different locations for your wedding day, we have questions to ask when touring ceremony venues and a Wedding Ceremony Checklist and Timeline.
Questions to Ask Your Ceremony Venue
- Is your space available on my preferred date?
- Will there be any other events on the day of my wedding?
- When is the full payment due?
- Do you charge a standard fee? Is it a donation to the house of worship or a rental fee?
- What is your cancellation policy?
- What extra venue-related costs are there?
- Do you have enough space for my guest list number?
- Where will performers and the wedding party stand?
- Do you have outdoor space available?
- Do you have a list of packages?
- What is all included in the rental fee?
- Can I bring in my own rental company?
- Does your space have restrictions on floral or decor?
- Can we bring in our own officiant?
- Do you have liability insurance?
- How many restrooms are on-site?
- Do you have getting ready spaces?
- How early can we access the space?
- Where can we load in and out?
- When does the space have to be clear?
- Will there be staff on-site for the entire time we are there?
- Do you provide security?
- Do you have rehearsal dinner accommodations?
- Are we able to have a ceremony rehearsal the day prior?
- What do you have for on-site AV equipment?
- What parking do you provide? If applicable, what does valet cost?
- Do you offer a coat check?
- Do you have a day-of coordinator and/or require one?
WEDDING CEREMONY CHECKLIST + TIMELINE
- Research ceremony site venues
- Discover venue locations on our Vendors page
- Book tours
- Decide on and book your ceremony site
- Interview officiants and book their services (if you do not have a priest, minister, or rabbi)
- Brainstorm unique ceremony ideas
- Reserve rental and decor items for the ceremony
- Chairs
- Arch
- Candles
- Portable restrooms
- Heaters
- Fans
- Sound equipment
- Determine floor plan layout
- Gift display
- Musicians
- Arch
- Wedding party
- Seating
- Unity candle location
- Meet with officiant to go over the ceremony
- Schedule delivery and set up of rentals
- Write vows
- Finalize ceremony schedule including readings, music, and the unity ceremony
- Buy items for the ceremony
- Unity candle, aisle runner, ring bearer pillow, arch, arch decor, flower girl basket, fans or blankets for guests, card box
- Finalize and print wedding programs
- Purchase a marriage license
- Decide on photo locations between ceremony and reception
- Send final guest count to the ceremony venue
- Confirm arrival time and details with all vendors
- Give copy of details to Maid of Honor, Personal Attendant, and Planner/Coordinator
- Rehearse ceremony with the entire wedding party
- Give marriage license to officiant
- Bring all ceremony accessories to the venue
- Give wedding rings to the Best Man or Maid of Honor
- Complete the marriage license to make it official!
OR CLICK THE BELOW IMAGES TO SAVE TO YOUR CAMERA ROLL
Be sure to check out our other planning checklists!
