Whether you’re planning a destination wedding, or COVID-19 has put a damper on visiting potential wedding venues – you may have to choose a wedding venue without actually getting to visit it in person.

When choosing a venue you obviously want to pick somewhere that speaks to you as a couple and where you feel a connection. But is it possible to get that when you can’t actually visit? Of course!

Here are a few tips for choosing your venue, when you can’t see it in person!

Look at Reviews

Hit up Google; Yelp and Wedding websites (like EventSource) to get a picture of what other people are saying about your potential venue. Look at the lowest ratings as well as the highest ones to see what the potential problems are, and what people are saying about the staff, the service and the venue itself. Look for reviews that talk about things that are most important to you, for instance. If you are concerned about having awesome food – pay attention to reviews that mention the quality of the food.

Choose A Wedding Venue

Photo Courtesy of Bows & Lavender

Look at Past Events

Head to the venue’s Instagram page and look in their ‘tagged’ section to see photos that couples or vendors have posted. It’s also a great idea to look for photographers that have been there and taken photos so you can get an idea of what your photos will look like. You can even head over to the real weddings section of the EventSource blog to find weddings at your prospective venue!

Ask For A Video Call With The Event Coordinator

If you are unable to visit the venue in person, arrange for a video call with the event coordinator. Ask them for a tour and make sure you have your questions ready. This will give you an idea of the space as well as an idea of how you get along with the event coordinator. Tip: Record the call and tour so you can play it back again for yourself and VIPs.

Do A Drive By

If you live close by the venue but are unable to see it in person thanks to COVID-19, do a drive by! This way you will be able to get a feel for the area that the venue is in and list any potential issues that you may have with the location. For instance, is the venue beautiful but also on a busy street? Is the area safe? Are there activities for your guests to do in the area between ceremony and reception?

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Trust Your Gut

At the end of the day, whether you are seeing the space in person or through a virtual tour, you need to trust your gut. If something feels off, listen to that feeling. Make sure to keep dialogue open between you and your partner so you can be sure you’re on the same page!