Choosing your wedding venue is one of the most important decisions you’ll make about the day. And while you might have certain non-negotiables—like the location or availability—your venue also needs to feel right. Does it have the right vibe for your day? Will it look nice in photos? And, crucially—can you see yourself tying the knot here?
If that feels like a lot to bear in mind, we’ve got you. Here’s our guide to choosing the perfect wedding venue.
Contents
How to choose a wedding venue: what to look for
What’s the average cost of a wedding venue?
What should I ask my wedding venue?
How far in advance should I book my wedding venue?
How to choose a wedding venue: what to look for
These are the key factors you should weigh up when looking for your dream venue.
Size
This one seems obvious, but it’s probably the most important. Is your venue the right size to comfortably fit all of your guests?
The key word here is “comfortably.” You don’t want them packed in too tight—there should be enough space for people to move about easily, with areas to both sit and stand. Equally, you don’t want the space to feel too big, as this might ruin the warm and convivial vibe.
Start with the information you can find on a venue’s website or other marketing materials. Are there any pictures that give a sense of how the space looks when filled?
Once you have a shortlist, it’s best to go and visit those spaces in person (if it’s feasible!). Then, walk through the space in the same order your guests will on the day. For example: initial reception, ceremony, drinks reception, dinner, dance floor. You’ll be able to get a good sense of whether the venue is a fit.
Budget
Around 40-45% of an overall wedding budget tends to go on venue hire and catering. When setting yours, it’s important to be clear about what you’re able to spend and how flexible you’re willing to be.
Our advice is to sit down with your partner and decide on what’s most important to you in a venue. Do you have any non-negotiables (for example, that there has to be space for a dance floor)? What about nice-to-haves?
Use this list when considering each of your possible venues. How well are they meeting your criteria, and how much do they charge?
Pro tip: because the venue hire is usually the biggest cost, many couples choose to look into this first and then allocate the rest of their budget accordingly.
Catering and drinks
Food and drink are crucial elements of your celebration. Many venues offer in-house catering (we do!) but some don’t—so you’ll need to bring in another supplier. Think about which option makes the most sense for you personally.
Either way, your supplier will show you their menu and (usually) offer you a tasting. Make a note of which you liked best and why. Weigh this up against the cost and how well your guests will be catered for (for instance, if you have some dietary restrictions to cover) when making the call.
At Kindred, we offer menus for seated and standing receptions, as well as grazing and late-night comfort food. And we’ve got plenty of delicious options for guests with dietary requirements.
Design and feel
How you feel inside the space matters hugely. If you have a particular theme or look in mind for the day—for example, rustic or romantic—consider how well your potential venues fit the bill.
But what if you don’t have an idea of how you want your wedding to look? In that case, focus on how you feel. Do the interiors grab you? Do they speak to your preferences and personalities? Can you see yourself marrying your person here, surrounded by your loved ones?
One thing to keep in mind is the focal point of the ceremony space. That’s where everyone will see you tie the knot and where you’ll be photographed from in the moment. Ask yourself: do you feel excited about being married in that spot? Do you think the photos will turn out as beautifully as you’d like them to?
Trust us: you’ll know if a venue feels right. Take a bunch of photos or videos when you go to visit your potential venues and revisit them a day or so afterwards, to weigh up your options again with fresh eyes.
Entertainment
Different venues will have their own rules around the types of entertainment they can host. While most spaces will allow music of some kind—whether that’s a live band, DJ, or playlist—they might not allow it outside, for example. Or there may be a cutoff time for loud music in general.
If you’re after other types of entertainment, like photobooths or karaoke, ask venues specifically if they allow it.
It’s also worth asking whether you’ll need a late licence, if you’re planning a knees-up into the early hours. Usually, this will come with an extra fee.
Location
Now think about where you’d like to get married. It needs to be a location you and your partner are both happy with—but you might also want to think about logistics for your guests. Is this a place that’s easy for them to get to?
One of the reasons why city weddings are so popular is convenience. Kindred is just a few minutes’ walk from Hammersmith tube station, making travel super straightforward for you and your guests.
Consider the whole package
Once you’ve thought about all the factors above, it’s time to look at the complete package that each of the venues on your shortlist has to offer.
Some extra bits that might be included are:
- A dedicated events manager
- Table linens and chairs
- Bridal suites to get ready in
- Cake knives
- Any restrictions on decorations (this is common with historical/heritage venues)
- AV fees
- Corkage fees (if you’re bringing your own drinks)
- Welcome drinks or wine for the table
Some of these things might seem small, but trust us—it all adds up. And it’s worth having absolutely everything down on paper, as early as possible, to avoid any nasty surprises when you get your bill.
At Kindred, we’re always transparent about our costs. Our dedicated events team will work with you to create a plan for the day, and make sure it goes off without a hitch.
What’s the average cost of a wedding venue?
As you can imagine: this varies hugely, depending on all the factors mentioned above. According to Bridebook, the average cost of a wedding venue (excluding catering) is around £6,000. But for moderate-more luxurious options, you might pay between £5,000-15,000.
What should I ask my wedding venue?
When you’re shopping around for your venue, be sure to ask plenty of questions. Here’s some that might help:
- How many guests can you accommodate for the ceremony and in the evening?
- Is the venue licensed for civil ceremonies?
- Is the venue accessible?
- Will I be able to hire the whole venue for the day?
- Do I have to hire the whole venue for the day?
- How long can I hold my wedding date for?
- What is the damage deposit and when is it payable?
- What’s included in the hire fee?
- Can we get ready here before the wedding? Can our bridal party and groomsmen?
- What are the parking arrangements?
- Who will be the main point of contact during planning, and on the day?
- From what time can guests arrive at the venue?
- Do we have to use your recommended suppliers?
- Can we throw confetti?
- When do you need to know the final number of guests?
- Do you have a children’s menu?
- Can I bring my own cake?
How far in advance should I book my wedding venue?
There’s no set rule here. But in general, it’s advised to book your venue around 12-18 months in advance. That’s because wedding venues (particularly if you want to get married during peak times or on a weekend) tend to book up quickly.
However, if your timeline looks a little different to that—don’t panic. It’s perfectly possible to find a wonderful venue with less than a year to go. Though it might just take a bit more legwork.
One approach is to have a rough date in mind, so you’ve got a bit of wiggle room when working with venue availability.
Again, it’s totally up to you. There’s no such thing as booking your venue “too early” and no penalty for booking it later than most. However, you do want to leave yourself enough time to deal with the other aspects of planning, including giving your guests enough time to RSVP and make any necessary travel arrangements.
Your big day
You’ll remember your wedding day forever, so it’s worth taking the time to find a venue that you love.
Right in the heart of Hammersmith, Kindred is a West London wedding venue known for its unique and charming interiors. Our Grade II listed building offers a modern twist on heritage design: we’ve got arched windows and high ceilings, plus a speakeasy-style lounge and plenty of cosy corners.
Whether you’re looking to host an intimate wedding or a late-night dance party, we’ve got the space to suit.
And then there’s the food. Cellar, our on-site Hammersmith restaurant will be at your service—while your guests enjoy top-shelf tipples from any of our private bars.
Have a look at our wedding brochure to learn more about weddings at Kindred. We welcome you to come and see the space for yourself, with no obligation—simply get in touch with our team to arrange it.
