Questions to (Definitely) Ask Your Destination Wedding Venue Before You Book
Planning a destination wedding? Whether you're dreaming of a Tuscan villa, a beachside ceremony in Spain, or a charming countryside estate in France, your venue sets the tone for everything. But before you sign on the dotted line, it's important to ask the right questions to make sure it’s the one.
At WedAwai, we help couples like you find, compare, and book verified destination wedding venues abroad—so you don’t have to stress over the unknowns. Here's our expert list of questions you should definitely be asking your wedding venue before you say "yes" to the place where you’ll say “I do.”
1. Is the Venue Licensed for Legal Ceremonies?
If you’re planning a civil ceremony abroad, make sure the venue is licensed. Not all destination wedding venues have the legal paperwork in place for official ceremonies—some only offer symbolic ones.
💡 At WedAwai, we list whether a venue is licensed for legal, symbolic, or religious ceremonies right in the profile—saving you hours of Googling.
2. What's Included in the Venue Hire?
Venue hire can vary widely, especially with destination weddings. Ask what’s actually included—do you get exclusive use of the space? Are tables, chairs, and staff part of the package? What about Plan B spaces for rain or wind?
✔️ WedAwai shows a clear breakdown of what’s included in your venue rental, so there are no surprises later.
3. What’s the Capacity?
This sounds basic, but it’s a biggie. Whether you're inviting 30 guests or 200, you'll want to know if your venue can comfortably accommodate everyone—especially if you're hoping to dine under the stars or dance the night away indoors.
4. Are There Restrictions on Music, Décor or Finish Time?
Some venues have local sound regulations, especially outdoor locations. Ask about noise curfews, décor rules (candles, confetti, etc.) and whether there are additional charges for extending the celebration past midnight.
💡 WedAwai includes all this info upfront, so you won’t need to chase it down later.
5. What’s the Payment Schedule & Cancellation Policy?
Destination weddings often involve deposits in another currency and longer lead times. Make sure you know when payments are due, what the cancellation terms are, and what happens if something unexpected occurs.
💬 We help you understand the fine print before you commit, and only work with trusted venues and local partners abroad.
6. Is There Onsite Accommodation or Nearby Hotel?
You’ll want to know how many guests can stay onsite—or how far the nearest hotel is. Bonus points if your venue helps organise guest transfers or welcome drinks on arrival.
🏡 Many of our WedAwai venues include curated accommodation options nearby, plus planning help for travel and logistics.
7. Is There a Plan B for Weather?
This is especially important if you're planning an outdoor ceremony or reception. Ask if the venue offers an indoor option—or the ability to hire a marquee.
☂️ With WedAwai, you can filter for venues with indoor options so you're never caught out by a rainy forecast.
8. Can we bring in our own suppliers/wedding vendors?
Some venues have preferred vendors or strict rules. If you’ve got your heart set on a certain florist or caterer, double-check what’s allowed.
9. When can we access the venue for set-up?
This is especially important for décor-heavy weddings or when working with a stylist. Ask if you can set up the day before or early on the day itself.
