Tips for a Great Wedding Venue Tour 

make your milestone decision with confidence

Visiting wedding venues is one of the most exciting steps in your planning journey. It’s your first chance to explore where your wedding day will unfold, meet the team who’ll help make it happen, and gather what you need to choose the perfect setting. 

However many couples find themselves caught between excitement and uncertainty on their wedding venue tour, wondering how to get the best out of it. 

If that’s you, we hope our handy guide will help you feel prepared and ready to make the most of your venue tours, and feel inspired and confident as you make your final decision.

1. Prepare a list of questions

Every couple has unique priorities for their wedding day, so start by jotting down what matters most to you. Beyond the basics— date availability, capacity, and packages—think about your must-haves. 

If food is important, ask about menu options, dietary accommodations, and whether tastings are available. Décor enthusiasts should inquire about included items, what setup support is provided, or trusted suppliers. If entertainment is a big part of your vision, you could ask about DJ and live band options.  

For example, at The Ferry House, we offer award-winning in-house dining using our own produce, décor freebies, a DJ in most packages, and our team ready to help set up on the day.  

Tailoring your questions to your vision ensures you walk away from your venue viewing feeling well-informed and confident in your decision. So, take your time – and ask as many questions as you need! A good venue will never rush you. 

Still feeling a little lost? No worries – here are the questions our Wedding Team is asked most often on viewings. 

2. Envision Your Day in the Space

While touring, take a moment to imagine your wedding day unfolding in the space, with a mental walkthrough considering the flow of the day. 

Picture walking down the aisle and how your décor ideas might bring the venue to life. Imagine how guests will move from ceremony, to drinks, to dinner and dancing… 

During this process, think how the venue aligns to your vision for your celebration. For instance, during your wedding breakfast do you see banquet-style tables to invite conversation, or round tables for a more intimate feel? How does the spot where you cut the cake make you feel? What about the dancefloor for your first dance? Is there a quiet spot so you can catch an intimate moment together? 

Don’t forget to take in your favourite spots for photos, and imagine your celebration from the point of view of your guests, as they mingle and enjoy the ambiance of your celebration.  

At The Ferry House, our rustic barns and idyllic wetland waterfront provide a stunning and relaxed backdrop for your wedding day. 

By taking the time to imagine your day at each venue you view, you’re sure to discover which you build the strongest emotional connection with.

3. Take Photos & Videos

Don’t hesitate to document your venue tour with photos and videos. These will be invaluable when comparing venues later!  

Snap details that catch your eye, like sunlight streaming into a ceremony space and special nooks for photo opportunities. Don’t forget the surrounding landscape for this!  

If the venue has unique touches – like our Secret Orchard or beautiful readying-room – make sure to take a few photos to remember those too. 

When you’re back home, these photos and videos will help you relive each tour. You might not be ready to make a final decision for weeks, or even months. When you do look back, these photos and videos will help you remember not just the layout, but the vibe, those special touches and how the venue made you feel. 

4. Check the Practicalities

It’s easy to get swept up in the magic, but practical considerations ensure a seamless day. Check the venue’s accessibility for all guests – things like parking availability, how much accommodation do they have, and how they can support less mobile guests.  

What about getting ready? Is there a room available for each of you, where you don’t risk bumping into each other? Who is going to be there to lead your wedding on the day? 

The Ferry House is designed with all of this in mind, from our two beautiful readying rooms, to ample parking and luxurious accommodation for up to 70+ guests in our ensuite rooms and cottages. Your wedding is run by one of our Wedding Coordinators – they know your day best, making for the most relaxed and enjoyable celebration for you. 

These practical details might not be the most exciting part of your venue viewing, but they can really make a difference when it comes to your comfort and peace of mind on the day, letting you focus on celebrating with the people you love. 

5. Observe the Atmosphere

The atmosphere of a venue can make all the difference on your wedding day. When viewing, take your time as you explore the spaces, noticing how natural light fills the rooms and how the overall vibe makes you feel. Sometimes it’s the little things that resonate most, like the warmth of the welcome or the peacefulness of the garden. 

If possible, spend time at the venue beyond the tour and explore on your own. A quiet walk through the venue, just the two of you, can bring up more questions, and it’s a great way to imagine how the space might feel on your actual wedding day.  

If the venue has a restaurant or bar, it’s worth sticking around for a drink or a bite to eat. It gives you a taste of what your guests might experience. Plus, you’ll get the chance to meet a few more of the venue’s team. 

Ultimately, you want to be somewhere that makes you feel comfortable and excited about your wedding day—a place where you can see your friends and family having a great time too!

6. Ask About Flexibility

Every couple’s vision is unique, so ask how flexible the venue is with layouts, timings, and decor. Understanding this can really help you see how well the space can be adapted to fit your ideas. 

At The Ferry House, no two weddings are alike. Our team is always happy to chat through the possibilities to help bring your vision to life, whether it’s bespoke layouts or incorporating personal touches. It’s all about creating a day that feels perfectly ‘you.’ 

Knowing these options upfront helps you feel confident that the venue will support your ideas, leaving you free to enjoy the planning process. 

7. Trust Your Gut Feeling

Ultimately, choosing a wedding venue is about much more than ticking boxes – it’s about how it makes you feel. Can you imagine celebrating your love there? Does the space spark joy and excitement? 

While it’s important to ask the right questions, sometimes you just know when a place feels right. Trust those little moments when you can see your day unfolding beautifully in the space. 

If a venue makes you feel welcome, excited, and at ease, it’s probably a great sign that you’ve found the ‘the one’ for your wedding day. 

If you’d like to arrange a viewing at The Ferry House, we’ll look forward to welcoming you!