How to choose a wedding venue: 10 questions to ask before you book

Farmhouses among the vineyards, a cove on the Costa Brava, a garden by the sea or a rooftop in Barcelona: Catalonia has beautiful venues for every style. The challenge isn’t finding a beautiful one — it’s finding the one that fits your wedding. These questions will save you surprises.

1. How many guests does it really hold?

Maximum capacity isn’t comfortable capacity. Ask how many people fit seated for dinner, how many at the drinks reception and how many on the dance floor. A space that’s too big can feel empty, too.

2. Does it have an in-house or exclusive caterer?

Many venues work with their own caterer or a closed list. Others let you bring your own, sometimes for a fee. This changes the budget a lot.

3. Until what time can you stay and play music?

The party’s finishing time, sound limiters, rules for outdoor music. If you’re dreaming of a long party, it’s one of the first things to ask.

4. What if it rains?

If the ceremony or the dinner is outdoors, you need a real plan B: an indoor room, a marquee or a covered terrace. Ask when the decision is made and whether it costs extra.

5. What does it cost and what’s included?

The venue fee may include furniture, set-up, cleaning or security — or none of them. Ask in writing what’s included and what’s extra.

6. Can we hold the ceremony there?

If you want the ceremony and the reception in the same place, check there’s a beautiful spot for the ceremony and how guests move from one to the other.

7. How do guests get there?

Distance from Barcelona or from the hotels, parking, access for older guests or those with reduced mobility. If it’s far, you’ll need to arrange transport.

8. Is there accommodation nearby?

For a wedding weekend or guests travelling from abroad, it’s key. Some farmhouses have rooms; others have hotels nearby.

9. Which suppliers can we bring?

Some venues restrict music, décor or photography suppliers. Ask before booking anyone else.

10. What’s available?

The most popular dates book up a year or more ahead. If you’re flexible with the day or the month, you’ll have more options and often a better price.

A tip: visit the venue at the same time of day as your wedding. The light, the sun and the temperature change a lot.

How we help

We suggest venues that fit your wedding, not a closed list. We visit them with you — or for you, if you live abroad — ask all these questions and coordinate everything with the venue you choose.

Looking for the place for your wedding? Tell us what you have in mind.