How to Choose a Wedding Venue

Kadija Felipe
15 minutes ago
3 min read

How to Choose a Wedding Venue (Without the Stress)

Choosing your wedding venue is one of the biggest decisions you’ll make during the planning process—and it sets the tone for everything else to come. No pressure, right?

At The Happiness Ring, we believe that finding the right space for your celebration shouldn’t feel overwhelming. It should feel exciting, empowering, and most of all—like you.

Whether you’re dreaming of coastal views, inner-city elegance, or a romantic garden oasis, here’s your step-by-step guide to choosing a wedding venue that truly fits.

🏛️ 1. Start with Your Vision

Before you dive into site visits, take a quiet moment to imagine your day.Close your eyes and ask:

What kind of atmosphere do we want—romantic, relaxed, modern, formal?
Do we picture it indoors, outdoors, or a mix of both?
Do we see long tables, lounge spaces, fairy lights, barefoot dancing?

This helps narrow down your options and ensures the venue aligns with the feeling you want—not just the look.

🧑‍🤝‍🧑 2. Think About Your Guest List

Your venue needs to feel comfortable and spacious (but not too empty or cramped).

Start with a rough guest count so you’re only considering venues that can realistically accommodate your celebration—whether that’s an intimate 40-person gathering or a 200-guest party.

📍 3. Location, Location… and Logistics

Especially in a city like Sydney, location can affect everything—from transport to vendor access to budget.

Ask yourself:

Is it easy for guests to get to (and get home from)?
Is there nearby accommodation if needed?
Will we need to organise shuttles or parking?

For regional or destination-style venues, check what’s included—like furniture, wet-weather options, or a space for the bridal party to get ready.

💸 4. Understand the Budget (All of It)

Venues can eat up a large portion of your wedding budget—but the price on the brochure isn’t always the full story.

Watch for hidden costs like:

Cleaning or security fees
Minimum spend requirements
BYO corkage or service charges
Additional hours or after-dark noise restrictions

At The Happiness Ring, we help couples compare apples with apples, so you can make an informed choice without any last-minute surprises.

💬 5. Ask the Right Questions

During your venue tour, don’t be afraid to ask questions that go beyond the pretty styling or Instagrammable views.

Here are a few of our favourites:

Who will be our main point of contact on the day?
What’s the wet weather plan?
What’s the latest time guests can stay?
Do we have exclusive access, or will other events be happening nearby?

We also recommend bringing your planner along (or booking a venue consult with us!)—so we can see the space with logistics and flow in mind.

🫶 6. Go With Your Gut

Yes, it’s about capacity, budget, and practicality—but choosing a venue is also about how it makes you feel.

If you walk in and think “this is it,” trust that feeling. If you walk away unsure or overwhelmed, it’s okay to keep looking.

You deserve a space that supports your vision and your love story—not one that forces you to compromise on what matters most.

💛 Final Thoughts from The Happiness Ring

Your venue sets the stage, but you bring the meaning.When you choose a space that aligns with your values, your energy, and your dreams, everything else falls beautifully into place.

Still deciding? We’d love to support you through this part of your journey—with expert advice, site visit support, or even full planning from the very beginning.

Let’s make this process feel calm, confident, and full of joy. 💫