Planning your wedding is one of the most exciting chapters of your life, and choosing the right venue is the cornerstone of your big day. From setting the mood to capturing once-in-a-lifetime moments on film, your venue plays a starring role in how your wedding unfolds—and how it will be remembered forever.
As professional wedding videographers, we’ve had the privilege of documenting hundreds of weddings at a wide variety of venues. We’ve learned exactly what makes a location perfect, not just for the celebration but also for telling your love story beautifully on camera. That’s why we’ve created The Ultimate Wedding Venue Checklist—to help you and your partner find a venue that ticks every box and sets the stage for an unforgettable wedding.
1. Venue Style & Atmosphere
Ask Yourself:
- Does this venue match our wedding theme or vibe?
- Is it romantic, rustic, modern, or classic?
- Will it reflect our personalities and vision?
Videographer Tips: Venues with distinct architecture, natural lighting, or picturesque landscapes make your wedding film more cinematic and visually stunning.
2. Capacity & Layout
Ask Yourself:
- Can the venue comfortably host our guest list?
- Is there enough space for dining, dancing, and lounging?
- Are there separate areas for the ceremony and reception?
Videographer Tips: A spacious, well-laid-out venue allows for smoother transitions and better coverage—ideal for capturing emotional moments from all angles without disruption.
3. Lighting Conditions
Ask Yourself:
- What’s the lighting like during the day we plan to get married?
- Are there ample windows for natural light?
- Is the evening lighting flattering and adjustable?
Videographer Tips: Natural light makes a huge difference in how your wedding film turns out. Venues with soft daylight and warm ambient lighting make skin tones glow and emotions pop on video.
4. Scenic Photo & Video Spots
Ask Yourself:
- Are there beautiful outdoor or indoor backdrops for video shoots?
- Is there a garden, waterfront, courtyard, or historic architecture?
Videographer Tips: A venue with a variety of scenic locations provides endless creative opportunities for romantic couple shots, candid moments, and drone footage.
5. Availability & Seasonality
Ask Yourself:
- Is the venue available on our preferred date?
- Does the venue look its best during our chosen season?
Videographer Tips: Each season offers a different mood—autumn leaves, winter coziness, spring blossoms, or summer sunsets. Consider how your venue’s seasonal beauty will shine in your video.
6. Venue Restrictions
Ask Yourself:
- Are there noise ordinances or time limits?
- Can we bring in our own vendors (like our preferred videographer?
- Are drones allowed for aerial shots?
Videographer Tips: Make sure the venue supports your full creative vision. Some locations restrict certain equipment, timeframes, or vendor access, which can limit how your day is captured.
7. On-Site Amenities & Logistics
Ask Yourself:
- Is there a bridal suite and groom’s lounge?
- Are there clean, accessible restrooms for guests?
- Is parking or valet available?
Videographer Tips: Having a comfortable bridal suite is essential for capturing those heartfelt “getting ready” moments with your closest loved ones.
8. Backup Plan for Weather
Ask Yourself:
- Is there a covered or indoor option in case of rain?
- Can we transition smoothly between indoor and outdoor spaces?
Videographer Tips: Sudden weather changes are unpredictable, but with a good backup plan, your video will still capture the magic without a hitch.
9. Acoustics & Sound Systems
Ask Yourself:
- Does the venue have a built-in sound system?
- Is it suitable for speeches, music, and video audio?
Videographer Tips: Clear audio is just as important as stunning visuals. Good acoustics mean your vows, speeches, and laughter are captured clearly and beautifully.
10. Vendor Coordination & Support
Ask Yourself:
- Does the venue provide a coordinator or point of contact?
- Are they responsive and easy to work with?
Videographer Tips: A supportive venue team can help everything run smoothly on the day, allowing us to focus on capturing every beautiful moment without interruptions.
Ask for a Video Tour
Before booking, request a video tour of past weddings at the venue. Seeing how it comes to life on film is the best way to envision your own big day—and to make sure it’ll look incredible in your wedding video.
Final Thoughts
Choosing the perfect venue is a personal journey, but with this checklist in hand, you’ll be ready to make an informed decision that aligns with your dream wedding—and one that looks amazing on camera.
At Tower Studios, we work closely with couples and venues to ensure every precious moment is artfully preserved. If you’ve found your dream location (or are still searching), let’s talk about how we can bring your wedding story to life through video.