When choosing a wedding venue there is a lot to consider. I’ll walk you through the checklist that I preferred when shopping for that perfect spot!
- Location, Location, Location
Where do you want to be married? Do you want to be married close to home, do you live farther away from home and want to do it where you live, or do you want to elope? Each option has their pros and cons, I have even seen couples split their wedding up. In this case, the couple elopes but does an after party closer to home in order to celebrate with friends and family.
- Venue Timeframes
Something I wasn’t aware of was timeframes. Not scheduling but some venues only allow you on the property for a certain amount of time for your big day. Be sure you check the fine print when booking. I felt more comfortable with a venue that allowed us in 24 hours prior to the wedding, allowed the reception to go as long as we wanted, and gave us 24 hours after our day to clean up. This gave us the flexibility to plan and decorate along with ensuring the venue was spotless afterwards.
- Venue Accommodations
It’s always nice when the venue provides a getting ready suite for the bride and groom. Pictures are fantastic and you don’t have to worry about finding a place to get ready or scheduling the travel arrangements. Other accommodations to look for are if the venue has tables and chairs or do you have to rent, does the venue provide a Plan B (tent, indoor area, etc.) if there is inclement weather, what is the restroom situation (do you need to bring in a porta potty), are there locations for guests to stay that are close by (does the venue have RV hookups), is there a dance floor, does the venue supply any decorations, and is there enough room for parking? If the venue you are looking at doesn’t have some of these items, you may need to budget for them.
- Tour the Venues
This one seems like a no brainer but ask to walk the venue – you won’t regret it. Get a feel of the space and the views to see what works best for your vision. Place where you want the ceremony during your walk through, where you are going to have your food setup, your cocktail setup, etc. This will help to give you a feel of the venue and if it is going to work for you and your day.
- Consider Multiple Venues
I’m not saying book multiple venues, but consider them. Write down the pros and cons to each venue, I recommend choosing your top three, and writing down honest and fair feedback for all three. This will give you a chance to compare and plan if you need to rent or buy anything additional once you choose a venue.
- Venue Locations
Let’s talk about some locations in my neck of the woods. Here are 7 locations that are great and offer different accommodations depending on what you are looking for. Each venue brings something unique and interesting to weddings!
- Anglers Lodge and Cabins – https://www.bitterrootrvpark.com/ – Located in Hamilton, MT and is great for that outdoorsy person.
- Bitterroot River Inn – https://www.bitterrootriverinn.com/ – Located in the heart of Hamilton, MT and has a lot of space with a pond and is a short walking distance to the Bitterroot River.
- Daly Mansion – https://www.dalymansion.org/ – A historic mansion just on the outskirts of Hamilton. The architecture and views are to die for!
- Hidden Legend Winery – https://www.hiddenlegendwinery.com/ – Located in Victor, MT is the unique spot you’ve been looking for!
- Rye Creek Lodge – https://www.ryecreeklodge.com/ – Nestled into Darby, MT, these hand hewn log cabins and outdoor accommodations are fit for any rustic wedding.
- Teller Wildlife Refuge/The Barn at Teller – https://www.tellerwildlife.org/weddings – That classic barn wedding with an old time feel in Corvallis, MT.
- The Barn on Mullan – https://ranchclub.com/barn-events/ – Located in Missoula, MT, this rustic but elegant venue is perfect for your Montana wedding.
JPalin Photography 