Where To Say “I Do”: 5 Must-Ask Questions Before Booking Your Wedding Venue
You’ve toured countless wedding venues and had just as many conversations with wedding planners. After weeks (or months) of searching for the right fit, you’ve finally found the one — the venue of your dreams, where you can already picture your ceremony, the first dance, and all the little moments unfolding. At first and second glance, it checks all the boxes. But before you make the leap and lock in your venue, there’s an array of practical details to consider.
It’s important to ask the right questions to avoid surprises later.
Not sure where to start? Luckily, our wedding-planning experts at Twenty Mile House are here to help. With years of experience hosting unforgettable celebrations in our historic outdoor wedding venue tucked away in the Sierra Nevada mountains, they know just what soon-to-weds need to ask to ensure the perfect fit. Below, they highlight the must-know questions every couple should include on their list (e.g. “Is my date of choice available?” or “How early or late can our wedding occur?”) to ensure their wedding is just as they’ve always envisioned.
Table of Contents
1: “Is My Preferred Date Available?”
For some couples, getting married on a specific date or during a particular time of year holds a lot of significance. Maybe it marks an important moment in their relationship, or maybe it’s about honoring an ancestor or a loved one who passed away. More simply, it could be a personal preference for a specific season. If you already have a day in mind for your union, it’s worth asking if your venue of choice is actually available on that date. If not, ask if they have a waitlist for specific dates, and if you have more flexibility, it’s also a good idea to inquire about surrounding dates.
For example, at Twenty Mile House, we offer a “Wed on a Weekday” option, which means you can save on your all-inclusive wedding package base cost for all remaining 2025 dates — should you opt to tie the knot on a weekday. Additionally, you’ll also want to check if there are other events happening at your venue on your day of choice. Ideally, you’ll want your wedding to be the star, as another event could cut into your setup time or restrict your venue access.
Finally, confirm the required deposit to secure your date — a Saturday wedding could differ in amount from a Sunday-through-Thursday wedding.
2: “What’s the Venue’s Capacity? Is There Any On-Site Lodging?”
No matter how beautiful the venue is, if it doesn’t fit the number of guests on your invite list, it can quickly turn your dream day into a logistical challenge. The last thing you want is for your guests to feel cramped or uncomfortable. A venue that’s too small for your guest list will feel overcrowded. On the other hand, if the venue is significantly larger than your guest list, it can feel empty and deserted. Before you fall in love with a wedding venue, it’s best to check on its capacity and minimum guest requirements to make sure it will fit your needs.
Saturday weddings at Twenty Mile House call for a minimum of 100 guests, while Sunday through Thursday events require a minimum of 50. The maximum capacity of our venue is 275. (Note: We’re always happy to accommodate smaller groups, however, with a customized pricing plan.)
Another factor to consider, especially if you’re interested in hosting a multi-day affair, is whether a venue provides on-site lodging. Not only does it make the entire experience smoother for out-of-town guests, it also serves as a basecamp for exploring the area’s attractions. At Twenty Mile House, you will find several cozy, well-appointment retreats for 54 of your guests — it’s like a wedding vacation and a celebration all wrapped into one.
3: “Are There Any Noise Restrictions or Time Limitations?”
If you’re planning to dance the night away then surprise your guests with a little late-night snack session, you definitely need to inquire about noise level restrictions and event hour limitations. Many venues place time limits — how early an event can start and how late it can go — as well as restrictions on how much noise you can make, due to a number of factors, including other events happening that same day or the next day or the proximity of its neighbors.
Some outdoor wedding venues have a little more leeway when it comes to noise ordinances. For example, our venue is located on 200 acres of private property, so there is no need to worry about noise ordinances. You and your guests are free to keep the celebration going well into the night; we offer twinkling string lights and custom reception lighting design so you can party as long as you’d like.
4: “Is There Dedicated Space To Get Ready?”
Before you say “yes” to your dream wedding venue, it’s important to know if there’s a dedicated getting-ready space for you and your wedding party. You will need ample room to prepare for the big moment — plus some time to relax and clink your champagne flutes in your matching pajama sets ahead of the day’s festivities. The space should be large enough to accommodate your hairstylist and makeup artist, as well as a photographer who will be capturing all the behind-the-scenes action.
If having a comfortable suite to spend the hours before your wedding with your besties is on your priority list, we’ve got you covered at Twenty Mile House. Our venue boasts plenty of spaces — from the historic Main Guest House (complete with a photo-ready staircase) and the elegant Mountain View Escape to the two-story Northfield Cabin or the secluded Trackside Cabin. Each one offers a distinctly different vibe, depending on where you and your wedding party are looking to get glammed up.
5: “Do You Offer All-Inclusive Packages? What’s Included?”
Wedding venues that offer all-inclusive packages can help simplify the planning process and alleviate some of the stress that’s often associated with securing the right vendors. Bundling services can even reduce hidden costs and provide a budget-friendly option. But what “all-inclusive” means can vary venue to venue, so it’s best to ask what services your dream venue actually covers. If you have a preferred vendor you’d like to use, make sure the venue is able to customize your wedding package and accommodate your request.
At Twenty Mile House, we offer three all-inclusive wedding packages, which include everything you need for a seamless, stress-free wedding experience — like, a wedding coordination team, DJ, catering, cake or dessert bar, ceremony and reception flowers, a bartender and service staff, and so much more. We are also able to customize our pricing and packages to suit your unique needs.
Venues will also vary on whether or not alcohol is included, so be sure to ask. If you are able to bring your own, inquire about any potential corkage fee or serving fee. (Twenty Mile House encourages you to bring your own alcohol and does not charge fees.)
Experience an All-Inclusive Wedding With Twenty Mile House, Where Everything Is Covered From Start to Finish
Your wedding day is one of the biggest moments in your life — and finding the perfect venue is an important milestone in the wedding-planning journey. Interested in learning more about hosting your big day at Twenty Mile House? Schedule a tour today, and let us answer all of your planning questions.