Dreaming of a relaxed waterfront wedding? Well, grab your rashie and boardies — we’ve got you covered.
The east coast of Australia is known for its beautiful beaches and great surfing locations. There are plenty of fantastic beach wedding venue for both your ceremony and reception, and as well as somewhere you can stay on or before your big day. These include lovely hotels by the waterfront, restaurants, cafes, and function centres.
Located in Melbourne, Victoria, planning a wedding and looking for the best beach and waterside wedding accommodation? When you are planning your big day, you probably want everything just perfect. One of the best ways to make sure that it all turns out the way you dreamed is to select every vendor yourself personally. This way, you can choose the ultimate location, the best entertainment and the most delicious food, and craft your ideal wedding day.
We've created an ultimate list of beach and waterside wedding accommodation in Melbourne, Victoria to save you time and money.
List of Best Beach and Waterside Wedding Accommodation in Melbourne
Brighton Savoy Beach and Waterside Wedding Accommodation Melbourne
Website: brightonsavoy.com.au
Contact number: 0395928233
Address: 150 Esplanade, Brighton VIC 3186, Australia.
Superb Beach Hotel in Brighton.
The Brighton Savoy is the area's only full-service boutique hotel and is located directly on the beachfront.
During your stay, we invite you to enjoy our full range of services including 24-hour front desk, free high-speed wifi internet, Seaview dining, daily housekeeping and free onsite parking, and much much more.
The Brighton Savoy has been a long-standing Bayside icon since 1967, and our award-winning facilities serve as a wedding reception venue, full-service function & conference centre with hotel accommodation, and Seaview Restaurant making us one of the finest Hotels Brighton has on offer.
Owned exclusively by the Lee Family, the Brighton Savoy is one of the premier hotels in Brighton which features the best of contemporary design with unparalleled customer service and attention to detail that only a 4-star hotel can provide.
Stay in Brighton -Brighton's most OK full-service hotel.
The Brighton Savoy offers its guests 4-star quality accommodation right on Brighton Beach.
As the gateway to the world-famous Brighton bathing boxes, and just a moment from world-class shopping, the Brighton Savoy is ready to host your stay.
Treat yourself to the panoramic bayside atmosphere of Brighton Beach's most iconic venue - Brighton Savoy.
Our hotel features include:
- 24-hour front desk
- Fine international cuisine at the Seaview Restaurant
- Free WIFI internet access
- Daily housekeeping
- Free undercover parking
We offer two styles of accommodation, with either King-sized or Queen Sized beds. Our standard rooms or enjoy a beach view by booking one of our deluxe rooms that have superb vistas overlooking Port Philip Bay.
For over 52 years, the Brighton Savoy has been the premier choice for accommodation in Brighton.
The Rich History of the Brighton Savoy
Starting as a Brighton motel, Brighton Savoy is into a modern, contemporary boutique hotel.
Our hotel is a unique property located in one of Melbourne's best known and desirable suburbs.
Our sixty accommodation rooms offer 4-star accommodation with private ensuites.
Tastefully decorated, the hotel located on Brighton Beach is only a short drive from the Melbourne CBD.
Enjoy the beautiful bayside atmosphere, whilst being close enough to Melbourne to enjoy the many attractions that Victoria's capital has to offer.
Business guests will especially enjoy the close proximity to the city, and the industrial south-east suburbs of Melbourne.
The Seaview Restaurant & Corporate Events
As a result of the current challenging global circumstances, we have had to make some changes to the service offering at the Brighton Savoy. The Seaview Restaurant is closed until further notice.
Hotel room service is available from 5.00 pm - 10.00 pm nightly.
The world-class Seaview Restaurant is open for breakfast and dinner and features an international menu with highlights from around the world.
It is also ideal for corporate events, meetings, and conferences. The hotel features four meeting rooms and plenty of space to hold corporate conferences whose guests come from all over Australia and beyond.
Corporate travellers looking for luxurious accommodation in close proximity to Melbourne can take advantage of our special corporate rates by contacting our staff for more information, or come and visit us in person to experience the best Brighton Beach has to offer.
In addition to serving our corporate clients, the Brighton Savoy is also an ideal location to host wedding receptions and onsite ceremony venues, with free car parking. And you do not need to be a corporate guest to appreciate the free WIFI internet and guest laundry services.
Local Shopping
We are located across the road from Brighton beach, which is only a 5-8 minute walk to the Church Street Shopping Strip & Middle Brighton Train Station.
In addition to being a great shopping destination, the Brighton Savoy also accommodates iconic venues like the Sandringham Yacht Club & the Royal Brighton Yacht Club.
Corporate & Business Accommodation
Brighton Savoy offers 4 star, AAA rated accommodation – an excellent choice for business guests requiring short term accommodation, or modern, functional conference and meeting room facilities. Business guests, please contact Brighton Savoy's Conference Coordinator on (03) 9592 8233.
Rendezvous Hotel Beach and Waterside Wedding Accommodation Melbourne
1392501887
One of the best old hotels in the nation is the Rendezvous Hotel in Melbourne.
This Melbourne hotel has a great location in the midst of the central business district that is suitable for both work and relaxation. It is situated on Flinders Street, three minutes' walk from Flinders Street Station, and overlooks the gorgeous Yarra River.
Sea Cove On The Beach Wedding Accommodation Melbourne
0408148842
Absolute beach frontage & your own pool
Located 70 kilometres (40 miles) south of Melbourne, Victoria, on the shoreline of Rosebud. Watch the passing ships, laze by your very own solar-heated pool, stroll the beach, take in the sunset, fish off the pier, or simply unwind while taking in the many nearby Mornington Peninsula regional tourist sites.
Apartment SeaCove on the Beach
is a fully self-contained ground floor two-bedroom apartment nestled in stunning tropical award-winning gardens, ideal for couples or families. The apartment is located in Central Rosebud, just a short walk from stores, cinemas, hotels, cafes, and restaurants.
The apartment is directly connected to Rosebud's safe swimming beach, Bay walking/cycling track, and Rosebud Pier.
Norwood House Beach and Waterside Wedding Accommodation Melbourne
1359757975
The Setting
The Mornington Peninsula is a well-known and popular beachfront location for the unique wedding! Weddings were in mind when Norwood House in Mount Eliza was constructed.
The massive Corinthian columns and Tuscany warmth set the stage for the "grand entrance." The 2 acre property's lovely gardens and grass provide several picture options. Gazebos, ponds, and waterfalls create lovely, serene, and elegant settings for the perfect day. The exquisite Reception Room, with its superb parquetry dance floor, provides the atmosphere for an unforgettable encounter.
The Management
The Managers at Norwood House are the Owners, Ida and Chris, who have a long history of success in the hospitality industry. They are the ones you interact with from the initial contact through all of the planning phases - and THEY will be there on the day to ensure that all of the planning is carried out.
Ida is involved in every aspect of planning and prioritises the requirements of the engaged couple. Ida makes sure the bridal couple has all the support, inspiration, and expert guidance they need to realise their wedding vision, and no request or demand is too much for her.
Circa 1902 Queenscliff Beach and Waterside Wedding Accommodation Melbourne
499771675
The Circa 1902 Team
Circa 1902's team is competent and adaptive, cooking and catering for large or small parties to meet your needs. The tapas menu is large and well-known. Our fresh international food caters to all preferences, resulting in a devoted following.
We provide in-house catering for parties, weddings, and conferences. Accommodation can be reserved at very reasonable rates, making your special event even more inexpensive and unforgettable.
We have an organic kitchen garden. What we don't grow we source locally, freshness counts and won't be compromised at Circa.
The Nunnery Beach and Waterside Wedding Accommodation Melbourne
1800032636
Authentically Melbourne - One-of-a-Kind Building in Prime Inner City Location
The Nunnery provides lodging for visitors from near and far. We provide private rooms with access to cosy lounge and kitchen spaces as well as traditional, dorm-style traveller lodging. The separate guesthouse, which has two levels and detailed features, is ideal for groups travelling together or families visiting Melbourne.
Backpackers
The previous residence of the Daughters of Charity is now the low-cost hostel, blessed be the holy traveller. There are both private and communal accommodations available on the three storeys of this traditional Georgian building.
Guesthouse
A stunning private structure brimming with personality and charm, The Nunnery guesthouse is perfect for couples, families, and parties celebrating special occasions.
History
History of the Nunnery The Nunnery was established in 1888 for Dr. Thomas Hewlett, a distinguished English physician. Herbert Hewlett, one of his sons, was a pioneer of x-ray technology in Australia, and x-ray apparatus was placed here in 1902. The archdiocese paid 5,732 pounds for the Daughters of Charity building in 1944. The Daughters of Charity renamed it St Vincent's Hall and began pastoral/parish work in Fitzroy and Collingwood.
In a big space on the ground level, a chapel and a confessional were created for reflection, and prayer and eventually a little service were held. The sisters founded St Mary's House of Welcome on Brunswick Street in 1960. The Sisters also housed young ladies aged 16 to 19 who had come from the countryside to work or study in the city.The Nuns were known to be tough on their young charges, with curfews and clothing checks being typical.
Crest on Park - Beach and Waterside Wedding Accommodation Melbourne
1395254135
Our city peripheral location with accessible public transportation access allows us to offer an exceptional standard of accommodation and services at reasonable costs. Crest On Park is a 5-minute walk from Acland Street and is flanked by pubs, cafes, restaurants, and businesses, as well as the famous St Kilda beach near to Luna Park.
For tourists interested in theatres, shopping, dining, the beach, and bars, St Kilda is a terrific option. Every amenity, including a tea/coffee maker, towels, linens, and amenities Fridges and plasma TVs. The accommodations come with a few extras that are complimentary for our visitors.
Clarendon Hotel - Beach and Waterside Wedding Accommodation Melbourne
399956891
Clarendon Melbourne
Charles Chessell established the Albion Hotel in 1861. In 1866 it was renamed the Glasgow Arms, in 1889 it was rebuilt and then in 1913 renamed the Federal Hotel. One of the most substantial hotels in the area prominently located on the uphill corner of Clarendon and Market Streets, its architecture reflects its late Victorian date of construction.
With three storeys clad in render, its two main facades are embellished and feature highly decorated windows. It was known as the Clarendon Hotel for much of his existence, then renamed the Intrepid Fox, yet maintained the same style as the Clarendon – a seven-day-a-week venue with a central bar, a bottle shop and pub meals. In 2001, it was bought by a division of Lion Nathan Australia, and was converted into the Clarendon Lounge Bar. Purchased by the current owners and fully renovated and now known as Clarendon Hotel Melbourne.
Welcome to Clarendon Hotel
Welcome to Clarendon Hotel, where we deliver a luxurious and outstanding boutique hotel experience by replacing the building's history with contemporary elegance whilst blending with the famous Clarendon Street atmosphere.
Our brand new, 12 room boutique hotel is located in the heart of South Melbourne. The elegant and affordable Clarendon Hotel accommodation is the perfect place for business and leisure travellers to enjoy Australia's most vibrant city. Clarendon Melbourne is a mere stone's throw away from Melbourne CBD.
Pullman Hotels and Resorts - Beach and Waterside Wedding Accommodation Melbourne
395294304
Pullman hotels are where the new nomads find inspiration and make connections. Premium technology and services break down the boundaries between work and leisure and provide high-intensity experiences. Central locations in the major cities of the world, the best professional and sports amenities, timeless and functional design as well as balanced culinary concepts are some of the features to be found in Pullman hotels.
Artist Playground
The "Artist Playground" is an initiative intended to add elements of local interest, cultural intrigue and visual ingenuity to the hotel's communal space, designed to be a permanent space within the hotel; it can be "fixed" or "moveable" and should be easily visible to all guests (i.e. lobby, bar space...).
Each "Artist Playground" project is all about creating excitement and curiosity, and establishing the Pullman hotels as a part of the surrounding community's cultural scene.
Business Playground
Pullman has reinvented meetings with "Business Playground" created exclusively by French designer Mathieu Lehanneur. This room reflects the brand's global nomad inspiration and the lifestyle of its guests. It combines efficiency and pleasure with a fresh take on the traditional aspects of a meeting: The Pullman Poker Table for pleasurable experience between work and game; The Pullman Canopy Break allows participants to relax comfortably and take a botanic break or have an informal conversation; The Pullman Curiosity Boxes display trigger ideas and transport guests to unexpected places; the best of the "Connectivity by Pullman" concept and Food & beverage services.
Wildwood Lodge - Beach and Waterside Wedding Accommodation Melbourne
416748485
A little, upscale bed and breakfast called Wildwood Lodge is located in Victoria's Dandenong Ranges. It offers a tranquil bush setting only a short distance from Belgrave Village, the Metro Train Station, and the Puffing Billy Tourist Train.
The property is a lovely 100+ year old hills lodge set in mature grounds with an in-ground pool and breathtaking views of the surrounding countryside from every window.
Marriott Hotel Beach and Waterside Wedding Accommodation Melbourne
1396623903
Relax in chic, roomy accommodations with luxurious bedding and free wifi, many with views of Melbourne's cityscape. Those booking luxury accommodations have access to the luxury Lounge, which offers additional benefits.
Our versatile event venues are ideal for conferences, meetings and weddings in Melbourne, Australia, enhanced by expert planning and catering services. With the Royal Exhibition Building, the Melbourne Museum, and the Melbourne Cricket Ground all close by, exploring the city's main attractions couldn't be more convenient from our hotel's ideal downtown location.
Seasons Heritage Beach and Waterside Wedding Accommodation Melbourne
1385068885
Welcome to Seasons Heritage Melbourne
Situated at the southern end of St Kilda Road, Seasons Heritage Melbourne provides accessibility to public transport, Albert Park Lake, the CBD, South Yarra, Chapel Street and St Kilda offering an extensive range of shopping, bars, restaurants and nightlife.
Seasons Heritage Melbourne is an apartment hotel providing 24-hour reception, undercover parking and gymnasium. Other facilities include the restaurant and a boardroom (seating 12 people) Ideal for small functions or meetings.
The front façade of the Seasons Heritage Melbourne is a fully restored heritage mansion featuring a beautiful entrance which leads you to the foyer, reception and restaurant. The estate also features three magnificent heritage suites ideally suited for those celebrating a special occasion or just feeling indulgent.
At the back of the apartment, the hotel is a tower of contemporary accommodation offering a choice of standard rooms, one, two or three-bedroom apartments. All rooms feature modern furnishings with a chic kitchenette, and most apartments are equipped with laundry facilities and a balcony.
Our Rooms
Whether you're in town on business or settling in for an extended stay, Seasons Heritage Melbourne puts you in a prime position for experiencing Melbourne.
Birches Beach and Waterside Wedding Accommodation Melbourne
1394172345
If you are seeking self-contained apartments to make your next visit to Melbourne a homely experience; we are sure you will be delighted with our accommodation. Whether it is for business or a holiday, or even visiting loved ones at the nearby hospitals; you will feel at home at Birches.
Boutique One Bedroom Apartment – Queen
Our boutique one-bedroom apartments feature a queen bed in the bedroom and space for a luxurious blow-up couch in the living area, which can sleep an additional person. Prices are for two people. Up to three persons can sleep in each of our chic flats.
Our apartments have been thoughtfully constructed with your comfort and convenience in mind. Every apartment has a modern kitchen with a dining table. Each apartment is attractively arranged and equipped with high-quality furnishings and fixtures.
Wheelchair Accessible Deluxe One Bedroom/Maximum Occupancy 4
FULLY ACCREDITED BY Melbourne City Council Disabled apartment with disabled access and disabled parking. FREE HIGH-SPEED WIFI! BOOKING IS NON-REFUNDABLE. Rates are for 2 people. Maximum occupancy is 4.
We can provide comfortable deluxe blow up beds in single or double size to accommodate more than two guests (max 4 in room). Child under three years free of charge. Dedicated disabled car park attached to place for those that require disabled/wheelchair accessible parking.
Port Sea Hotel Beach and Waterside Wedding Accommodation Melbourne
359842212
Spectacular waterfront function & event spaces
We provide lodging at the hotel if you wish to extend your event for a conference or an overnight stay for a one-stop shopping experience.
Let our specialised events team provide a stress-free experience for you and your guests at the Mornington Peninsula's greatest function location, whether it's a birthday party, engagement, conference, training day, or simply a relaxed sundowner.
Amora Hotel Riverwalk - Beach and Waterside Wedding Accommodation Melbourne
1392461201
Rooms & Suites In Melbourne
Meetings & Events
Meet With Us
The hotel has eight purpose built function rooms and can cater for up to 300 people using a range of conference configurations. Our Event Pavilion has four seperate private dining spaces and is available for lunches, dinners, cocktail events and can be transformed into the perfect setting for a wedding.
Venues
We have a room to accommodate everything from a small wedding reception to a major celebration. Our modern Bridge and Yarra Room with dance floor is excellent for a more formal wedding celebration, while the Park Room is ideal for a more intimate reception.
Your Special Day
The hotel, located on the city's crest and overlooking the Yarra River, is the ideal backdrop for your special day. We have a variety of function venues and catering options for your Melbourne wedding ceremony.
The parklands overlooking the river provide a beautiful backdrop for a heartfelt ceremony and garden photo session.
Park Hyatt - Beach and Waterside Wedding Accommodation Melbourne
1392241233
Luxury Hotel in Melbourne
Our superbly designed 5-star hotel is conveniently located in Melbourne's CBD and has the largest 245 bedrooms and suites in the city. A welcoming atmosphere, high levels of individualised service, and sumptuous amenities in magnificent surroundings give guests with a quiet refuge in Australia's most liveable city.
Park Suite King
The Park Suite, a 55 square metre (592 square foot) sanctuary that celebrates upscale home style living, has one king bedroom, a large living area with study, and an ensuite bathroom with double vanities.
The ancient St. Patrick's Cathedral in Melbourne or the cityscape are both visible from Park Suite rooms, which have lots of natural light. This suite is typical. For qualifying for upgrades, see the World of Hyatt programme rules.
Seaside B and B - Beach and Waterside Wedding Accommodation Melbourne
410164429
Elwood's coastal suburbs are served by Seaside Home Bed & Breakfast and Beachfront Apartment. The Santa Monica 2 bedroom Apartment is located in Carnegie. In our boutique style accommodation, guests may enjoy a peaceful and pleasant 'home away from home' experience, just yards from the beach, trains, yachts, golf course, shops, restaurants, and bars.
Elwood's art deco building spoke to its wild, eccentric past as a cabaret nightspot in the 1970s. Today, the increasingly gentrified neighbourhood is one of Melbourne's most desirable addresses. Elwood's famed cafe culture can be found in Elwood Village, the major retail centre, which is only a few minutes' walk from our apartment.
Carnegie, on the other side, is one of Melbourne's best inner suburbs, located 12 kilometres from the city. It combines the best of several worlds. Santa Monica Apartment is within a one-minute walk from Koornang Road's shops and restaurants, as well as two Woolworth supermarkets, an Aldi supermarket, and a variety of Asian, Greek, Indian, and Russian grocery stores. It's nearly remarkable to find such a diverse range of civilisations on a one street.
The Bay Motel Beach and Waterside Wedding Accommodation Melbourne
10359872311
Welcome To The Bay Motel Gateway to the Mornington Peninsula
One of Port Phillip Bay's most family-friendly beaches, as well as a range of Dromana's cafés, restaurants, and bars, are all within walking distance (250 mt) of The Bay Motel - Safety Beach's combination of one- and two-bedroom suites.
Due to its prime Mornington Peninsula location, it also serves as the ideal home base for visiting the many world-class vineyards, golf courses, national parks, and art galleries that the area has to offer.
The Mornington Peninsula
It would be reasonable to conclude that water activities are the Peninsula's primary focus given that it is surrounded by water, has the rocky Bass Strait shoreline on one side, and has the family-friendly beaches of Port Phillip Bay on the other.
The Mornington Peninsula, however, has something for everyone and will keep you going back for more if you add in its more than 90 wineries, restaurants, golf courses, mazes, parks, art galleries, produce markets, natural hot springs, and cookery workshops, to mention a few.
Wining & Dining
The peninsula is home to more than 90 wineries, and in addition to the region's renowned cellar door tastings of great wines, you can indulge your palate at a variety of cafes and restaurants.
Elizabethan Lodge Beach and Waterside Wedding Accommodation Melbourne
1398989553
Weddings
The Elizabethan Lodge, located just 20 minutes from Melbourne's CBD, is one of the eastern suburbs' best kept secrets.
Our custom built Grand Heritage ballroom, inviting gardens & all-in-one package make the Elizabethan Lodge the perfect choice for your dream wedding.
Chapel
The Elizabethan Lodge's sandstone chapel features artisanal timber pews and hand crafted lead light windows.
Ballroom
Our chandelier lit Grand Heritage ballroom is a short stroll from our sandstone chapel & romantic gardens.
Catering to up to 180 guests, our newly updated Grand Heritage ballroom is a spacious location for your reception.
Photography Studio
Our onsite professional photography studio & make up station are designed to make capturing your special day easy.
Fairways Resort Beach and Waterside Wedding Accommodation Melbourne
1359502111
Welcome to Fairways Resort
Fairways Resort, located near Rosebud and only a short drive from Melbourne, is an ideal location for visiting the Mornington Peninsula. Nestled between the gum trees in a native bushland environment, and on a 36-hole golf course with Restaurant and Bar on-site, you can escape the hustle and bustle and relax onsite, or get out and enjoy everything the Peninsula has to offer.
Spa suites provide a little more luxury and are ideal for couples seeking a romantic getaway. Guest BBQs and an undercover eating area, a small conference room, and guest laundry are among the further hotel features. A fantastic base for leisure, golfing, business, and family travellers.
Saint Domain Hotel - Beach and Waterside Wedding Accommodation Melbourne
385484662
Melbourne is a city rich in culture, food, and entertainment. Melbourne has something for everyone: laneways, parks and gardens, nightlife and festivals. Saint Domain is the ideal starting point for your Melbourne adventure, offering everything you need to make the most of the city. Free wifi, fully furnished kitchens, and the choice of one or two bedrooms are all included. Simply arrive, relax in, and enjoy all that Melbourne has to offer.
Tips for Finding Wedding Accommodation Melbourne
Where do you even start when it comes to deciding how to pick a wedding venue? After all, it is one of the first and most important steps in the wedding planning process. Since the wedding venue sets the backdrop for the whole event and locks in the date for your wedding, it’s important to get it finalized before moving on to other details. The further in advance you’re able to start looking at venues, the better chance you’ll have of finding one that fits your needs and is also available for the dates you want. Getting started early also gives you the opportunity to view numerous wedding venues, giving you a better sense of what exactly you’re looking for and what’s important to you.
When focusing on how to choose a wedding venue, there are a number of things to take into consideration, like the venue’s size, location, parking availability, bathroom options, and so much more! Finding your dream venue can be a tricky process, so we have pieced together advice on what to consider when selecting the place that’s just right for you and your special day. Don’t forget to print out our comprehensive list of questions to ask your wedding venue, as you start your site visits!
Picking a wedding venue is a big deal. It’s expensive. It sets the tone. It’s the “meat” in the wedding sandwich, if you will. It’s also an incredibly overwhelming process. How can you possibly find a venue that A) you can afford, B) you actually like, C) is convenient for your guests, and D) isn’t already booked? (Hint: it is possible.)
Budget / Cost
There’s nothing more disappointing than finding what feels like your dream venue but then realizing later down the line that it doesn’t fit into your wedding budget. To help you get started, we’ve created a handy guide on how to create a wedding budget so you can draft a wedding budget before you start your wedding venue hunt. Think about how much you’re willing to spend on the entirety of your wedding and how much of that should be allocated to the venue specifically. Don’t forget to consider the cost of the venue holistically. Some venues might provide some important event services already in their overall price quote while others might charge extra for the same services. Expenses can add up quickly if you have to rent tables, chairs, a dancefloor, lighting, and other key day-of elements. Your budget is usually the leading factor in how to choose a wedding venue right for you. Sometimes off-season weddings or Sunday weddings can yield a lower price tag.
Consider location.
Are you okay with needing to provide transportation for guests from a hotel to your remote venue? Does the centrally located venue allow for guests to get themselves there via walking or public transportation? If everyone is driving, is there ample parking (paid or unpaid)? Again, transportation can be a fairly big line item on your budget if you’re bussing or shuttling people to and fro.
Sit down with your fiancé and figure out how much you are willing to spend.
Do your homework and find out what the going rates are in your desired wedding location. Online venue directories, such as The Venue Report, allow you to search by location, price, and venue type, among other criteria. Determining how much you can afford will help you avoid the heartache of falling in love with a place that's well out of your price range — you don't want to spend more than 50% of your total wedding budget on your venue. "Frequently, couples hire us after they find the venue, and we wish they would book us first before doing anything. Couples get so excited and want to lock in the date and place that they don't think about all of the other expenses that they have to cover," says Danielle Rothweiler from Rothweiler Event Design. Rushing into contracts before you have all of the figures in front of you may leave you "house poor," and you'll have to figure out what to cut out to compensate for overspending.
Choose your wedding date.
"Wedding dates can be significant for a variety of reasons; some couples choose to wed on the day they met, their parents' or grandparents' anniversary date, or for auspicious reasons that numbers have in their culture or religion. Others may pick a specific time of year and season but not a specific day," says Margo Fischer from Bright Occasions. If you can be flexible with your date and choose an off-season month, you’ll often be able to secure the venue of your dreams at a lower rate. For example, you'd likely pay less for a Friday wedding in February than you would for a Saturday in June. Time of year, day of the week, and your engagement length will all impact your negotiating leverage with vendors.
Does this venue fit your general vibe?
This is a hard one to nail down, as it’s usually a gut feeling and completely depends on the type of wedding you’re hoping to have. If you’re looking for a casual barbecue wedding, a historic, marble-laden hall isn’t the best fit. Or a black tie barn wedding might not make those guests in stilettos and gowns very happy. I do recommend you stay open to possibilities until you do a site visit. I’ve had lots of clients think they want one thing, only to visit a venue and then switch gears altogether. This is also where you should consider decor. Is the venue naturally beautiful and impressive, so it doesn’t require additional lighting or pizzazz? Or is it a blank slate that will need uplighting to warm it up, and additional decor? Take a close look at those marketing photos the venue shows you online—often they have a TON of uplighting and draping to decorate the space. Make sure you’ve either made room in your budget for that, or that you prefer the space as-is.
What is the Privacy Like?
When searching for your wedding venue, you want to make sure you find a place that is personal and private enough for you. Sometimes a venue will be hosting multiple events or weddings on the same day. If this is the case, ask how much of the place you’ll have to yourselves or how separated the different parties will be. Sometimes venues will also allow you to pay to book out the whole place for an extra cost. If you’re leaning toward an outdoor location, also think about how private it is. Is there a possibility strangers could snoop in or watch from afar? This could be a big distraction for all your guests.
What Are The Vendor Options?
Some venues allow you to use your own vendors while others want you to use their floral company, catering, alcohol, wedding planner, band, etc. If you prefer to choose your own vendors, be sure to pick a venue that accommodates for that.