8 Essential Questions to Ask a Wedding Venue Before You Book

Walking into your potential wedding venue for the first time is an unforgettable moment. The excitement builds as you picture yourself saying 'I do' surrounded by your closest family and friends, in the place that will hold the memories of one of the most important days of your life. But while it’s easy to get swept up in the romance of it all, your venue tour is also a chance to get real clarity. From timelines to backup plans, décor to guest logistics, the more you know now, the more relaxed you’ll feel later. That’s why it helps to come prepared with a list of thoughtful, practical questions that go beyond the surface. And don’t be shy about speaking up! After all, this is your moment to get the answers you need.

Whether you're planning to test-drive your wedding in person or take a virtual walkthrough from home, we’ve made it easier by compiling the essential questions to ask a wedding venue when touring a destination. Armed with these eight destination wedding venue questions, you can walk away confident that it’s the right place for your big moment.

1. What ceremony and reception locations are available?

Picture: Sandals Royal Bahamian Overwater Chapel is the perfect setting for Caribbean vibes for bride, groom, and guests!

Your wedding location sets the tone for your entire celebration, so you’ll want to see all the options. At Sandals Resorts, venues range from beachfront setups and overwater chapels to tropical gardens and open-air pavilions. Ask to view spaces designated for the ceremony, cocktail hour, and reception, and make sure to inquire about indoor options, too. You’ll also want to see where you’ll be getting ready on the day – this space matters more than you think.

For each venue, clarify the maximum guest capacity and what’s considered comfortable versus tight. Some locations may look picturesque but are better suited to intimate gatherings, while others are designed for larger celebrations. Touring multiple spaces helps you get a sense of the flow of your wedding day. For example, you’ll understand how long it will take guests to walk from one part of the resort to another. Another thing to keep in mind as you tour the spaces is what will photograph beautifully from start to finish.

2. What’s included in the wedding package – and what’s extra?

Picture: Inspired by Sandals’ Blissful Beach, check out all our island inspired wedding themes and create a wedding uniquely your own.

During your tour, request a detailed breakdown of what’s included in your wedding package. All-inclusive weddings often include more than you think, but every resort has its own version of what ‘included’ really means. You may also have the option for upgraded versions of the standard inclusions, like linens or chairs. Ask to see samples of these if possible.

3. What is the backup plan in case of bad weather?

Even in the Caribbean, where sunshine reigns, you’ll need a Plan B! It’s essential to discuss weather contingency plans. In the event of rain or high winds, where will your ceremony and reception be relocated to? Ask to see the space. At Sandals Resorts, backup venues are selected to honor your wedding vision while ensuring comfort and safety. However, it’s still important to ask about venue availability, whether your décor can be transferred seamlessly, and how last-minute the call might be.

When you ask this most important of destination wedding venue questions, you’ll feel more confident knowing that even if the weather shifts, your celebration won’t miss a beat.

4. How many weddings happen per day at this resort?

Asking about the resort’s wedding schedule and exclusivity policy is key. Find out if any other weddings are already booked for your preferred date (or how many are typically hosted at that time of year). Some resorts limit to just one per day, while others host multiple, especially during peak season.

At Sandals Resorts, we take care to space out wedding events so each celebration feels personal and unrushed.

5. What are the options for accommodations and guest experiences?

Your wedding guests will be traveling to celebrate with you, so it’s important to know where they’ll stay and what they’ll experience. During your venue tour, ask to see the room categories your guests will have access to, especially if you’re setting up a block booking. Ensure there is a variety of accommodations to suit different preferences. Also, ask what’s included in the room rate.

At Sandals Resorts, guests can enjoy all-inclusive access to up to 16 specialty restaurants at each resort with a wide range of cuisines, meal and snack options, top-shelf liquors, a variety of land and water sports, nightly entertainment, and roundtrip airport transfers.

6. What support do we receive from the wedding team?

Having the right team on your side makes all the difference. Ask for a clear overview of who you’ll be working with before and during your stay. At Sandals Resorts, our Wedding Team will handle everything for you – vendor coordination, itinerary planning, setup, décor, and more. You should feel supported, not overwhelmed, and a good resort team will make you feel like they’ve got it all covered (because they do).

Ask what hours they’re available, whether they’re reachable by phone or email, and how hands-on you’d like them to be, as well as any other destination wedding venue questions you have.

7. Can we personalize our ceremony and reception?

Picture: Inspired by Bahamian seashells available exclusively at Sandals Royal Bahamian

Your wedding should reflect your style – and the best venues help you to bring your unique vision to life. Ask about customization options, including florals, table settings, signage, signature cocktails, and music selections. Can you swap out ceremony chairs? Adjust the layout? Bring in elements that feel personal to you?

At Sandals Resorts, many décor elements come standard as part of your wedding package. For additional personalization, we’ll also provide you with a catalog of floral and decor rental options, available on the island specific to your resort and destination wedding events.

8. What menu items are available?

Food and drink are often the heart of a great celebration, so take time to explore your catering options. Ask for a sample menu, and if possible, request a tasting during your visit. Some resorts offer multiple wedding menu tiers or packages, while others may allow you to mix and match selections.

At Sandals Resorts, dining is a highlight – locally sourced ingredients, island flavors, and global dishes are all part of the experience. From Caribbean Jerk beach barbecues to formal plated dinners, there’s a huge range of options to suit your style.

Touring your destination wedding venue is more than just a scenic walkthrough. It’s your chance to ask smart questions, gather details, and envision your celebration coming to life. Whether you're dreaming of a ceremony beneath swaying palms or exchanging vows in an overwater chapel, Sandals’ expert wedding team is here to guide you every step of the way – from your first look at the venue to the final dance under the stars. View Sandals' Wedding FAQ page for even more questions that may be important to you.

Feeling inspired? Visit our inquiry page, fill out the form, and let's start creating a celebration that’s as unique and unforgettable as your love story.