Your venue is one of your most important decisions during your wedding planning journey. It sets the tone, style, and even the date of your big day. But how far in advance should you book it?

Let’s break down the timing, the process, and the steps you can take to secure your dream venue and date.

When do you think you should book your wedding venue?

The short answer: as early as possible, especially if you’re eyeing a popular date or a high-demand season.

• 12 to 18 Months in Advance: This is the sweet spot for most couples. Booking at least a year out gives you the best chance to lock in your preferred date, particularly for Saturdays during peak wedding seasons (spring through fall).

• 6 to 12 Months: Still feasible, but you may need to be flexible with your date or day of the week (think Friday or Sunday weddings).

• Less than 6 Months: Some venues do have last-minute availability, especially for weekday weddings or off-season months. It’s always worth checking!

What Does the Booking Process Look Like?

While every venue operates a little differently, here’s a general idea of how the booking process typically works:

1. Inquiry & Tour
   Reach out to your potential venues to check availability. Schedule a tour (virtual or in-person) to see the space, ask questions, and get a feel for the atmosphere.

2. Proposal & Pricing
   After your visit, most venues will send a customized proposal with pricing based on your guest count, preferred date, and package options.

3. Secure Your Date with a Deposit
   Once you’ve made your decision, you’ll sign a contract and pay a deposit to officially reserve your date. Most venues require a deposit ranging from 25% to 50% of the total rental cost.

4. Ongoing Planning & Coordination
   After booking, your venue team will help guide you through the planning process, from vendor recommendations to final walkthroughs and timeline coordination.

Tips to Secure Your Preferred Date

• Be Flexible: If your heart is set on a specific venue, consider alternative dates, seasons, or even weekdays to increase availability.

• Act Fast After Touring: If a venue checks all your boxes, don’t wait too long. Popular dates can book up within days.

• Ask About Tentative Holds: Some venues offer short-term holds on dates while you make a final decision.

• Know What You Want: Have a rough guest count, budget, and general vision ready. This speeds up the process and shows you’re serious.

Final Thoughts

Booking your wedding venue early not only ensures you get the space you want—it also creates a solid foundation for the rest of your planning. With the date and location locked in, everything else—from the photographer to the florist—can start falling into place.

If you’re ready to explore your options, we’d love to show you around our venue. Contact us today to check availability and start planning your perfect day!