Selecting the perfect venue and (aside from choosing the best wedding photographer) is the biggest decision in planning your California dream wedding, and can consume one of the largest chunks of your budget! There is so much to consider and balance. For many, this is a huge hurdle to overcome before the rest of the planning may commence. As someone who has shot weddings at hundreds of wedding venues in the San Francisco Bay Area, thought I’d share my 2 cents to make your wedding planning a little bit easier. Here’s a list of what to consider before choosing your venue.
The gorgeous UC Berkeley Botanical Gardens has the best setup for a wedding ceremony in the redwoods.
Select your wedding date for availability
As you can imagine, 2021 and 2022 will be very busy for weddings. As California reopens couples who have rescheduled their weddings are lining up for their favorite spots. Whether you have an exact date or a range of dates, this is necessary to have in mind when approaching a venue. Off season and weekday rates tend to be cheaper whereas peak season Saturdays and Sundays are more expensive due to high demand. Flexibility may help your wallet.
Guest list
How many people are expected to attend? Size is everything. Bear in mind that certain faraway locations or destination weddings will likely have a much shorter list than a central location convenient to most of the guests.
Budget
Is this location budget-appropriate? Are there any sacrifices or trade-offs that will have to be made to secure this venue? You don’t want to spend more than 50% of your overall budget on the venue.
Search online for previous events or visit the venue.
Are there any other weddings tagged with the venue by location on instagram? Or any online blogs who have hosted an event here? These should be “unstaged” photos that give a truer insight to this venue than a styled shoot that may be on the venue’s website. Of course, a visit is always the best way to see the spot. Also, look at the bride & groom portraits to get a feel for what you’ll get from your wedding photographer.
Are tables/chairs and other items provided?
Some venues such as restaurants or country clubs may already have restrooms, staff, tables, cutlery and the like. Other locations may essentially be an “blank canvas” where you will be expected to provide all of these items, and that can get costly. Know your options, and do the math.
Ask a planner for help.
Planners are an incredible resource and may already have connections with great venues, or have awareness of options you hadn’t considered. Don’t be afraid to ask for help when things feel too confusing or complex.
Guest accommodation
Are there nearby lodging options for guests? Remote estates can cause a legistics problem. No one wants their guests to risk drunk driving, or having to cut the party short to get to bed. This is especially true if guests are dealing with a long commute from their home, or traveling in from out of town.
Parking for guests?
Convenient parking is crucial. Metered parking in urban settings is a huge hassle in more ways than one. There are safety concerns with faraway parking as well - you don’t want guests walking alone at night through unfamiliar streets. Arrange a shuttle service or scout a nearby lot if needed.
Chose a venue that fits your aesthetic
This one seems like a no-brainer, but can be easily overlooked. Consider your theme, your personality, and find a space you feel connected with and adds to your overall mood. This is YOUR wedding, and it is imperative to find a location that feels uniquely YOU.
Classic architecture and vibes for this wedding at the Bently Reserve in San Francisco
Hope these questions give you some logistics to consider. You might be wondering, what are my favorite places to get married in Northern California? Look out for my next blog post where I’ll share my favorite venues and what makes them so perfect.
The barn at my favorite wedding venue, Oz Farm in Point Arena, CA