9 Tips to Help You Choose the Perfect Wedding Venue

Finding the one—your ideal wedding venue, that is—sets the tone for your entire celebration. Whether you're after an elegant estate, a tropical garden escape or one of the best wedding venues in Australia, choosing the right setting means your big day will feel uniquely you.

If you’re wondering how to choose a wedding venue that ticks all your boxes, you’re in the right place. We’ve listed nine smart, practical tips to help you narrow it down and find a space worthy of your big day.

Make the Right Choice with These Wedding Venue Tips

From guest comfort to gorgeous backdrops for your photos, here's how to pick a wedding venue that ticks every box.

1. Set a Wedding Budget

Before you fall in love with grand wedding venues and luxury estates, know your numbers. On average, your venue may account for around 30% of your total wedding budget—including hire fees, food, drinks and staff. Sticking to a figure early on can save you heartbreak, especially if comparing luxe inclusions.

2. Define Your Wedding Vision

Are you picturing an elegant cocktail reception under the stars? A barefoot beach ceremony with tropical drinks and tunes? Or perhaps a more traditional banquet in a grand ballroom?

Before you start touring venues, sit down as a couple and talk about the kind of celebration that feels most you. This helps you narrow down between outdoor wedding venues, grand wedding venues, or even more unique locations that suit your style. If you’re planning a luxury wedding, don’t be afraid to lean into opulence—think dramatic florals, vineyard views and five-star food.

For a destination venue that combines glamour and natural beauty, Oaks Cypress Lakes Resort in the Hunter Valley is a standout. For couples dreaming of a coastal wedding in a tropical paradise, Oaks Sunshine Coast Oasis Resort offers a picturesque setting with palm-lined gardens, lagoon views and spaces for every style.

3. Create Your Wedding Guest List (At Least Roughly)

Size really does matter—especially when choosing a venue. A classy wedding venue that’s too small can feel cramped, while a large ballroom with only 30 guests might feel awkwardly empty.

Once you have a ballpark number, you can filter out venues that don’t suit your guest list. If you're planning a multi-day celebration or want to host out-of-town guests, resorts that offer on-site accommodation—like Oaks properties—make it easy to plan a longer stay, family holiday, or romantic getaway as part of the celebration.

4. Consider Your Wedding Guests’ Experience

Think beyond the ceremony and reception. Where will guests stay? Is the venue easy to get to? Are there places for downtime between your big day’s events? The best wedding venues don’t just wow the couple—they consider the whole guest experience.

For example, Sunshine Coast Oasis Resort is just an hour north of Brisbane and offers studio apartments, villas and even a waterpark for guests with kids. It’s a beautiful venue for a wedding that doubles as a mini getaway.

And if you’re inviting interstate or international guests and want a wedding with iconic vineyard views, somewhere like the Hunter Valley’s Cypress Lakes Resort, just two hours from Sydney, can make travel easier.

5. Think About What’s Included in Your Wedding Venue

Many luxury wedding venues offer styling packages, catering, coordination and even celebrant services. Others are more bare-bones, meaning you’ll need to source vendors and bring in furniture or decor.

Make sure you ask:

• What’s included in the hire fee?
• Are there preferred or exclusive vendors?
• Is catering on-site?
• Is there a wet-weather backup option?

Choosing a venue with built-in flexibility can reduce stress and streamline your planning. If concerned, opt for venues that offer multiple wedding packages to suit different tastes and budgets.

6. Talk to a Wedding Planner (Even If You’re a DIY Planner)

A wedding planner isn’t just for big-budget weddings—they can actually save you money (and stress) in the long run. They know what to ask, which red flags to look out for, and how to negotiate with vendors.

Even if you’re planning most of the day yourself, consider bringing a planner or coordinator to your venue inspections. They’ll help you assess whether the space suits your style and can accommodate your vision, especially if you're booking a luxury wedding venue with lots of moving parts.

7. Ask the Right Questions about Your Wedding Venue

It’s easy to get distracted by stunning views and photo ops, but don’t forget to ask the practical questions. For example:

• What’s the noise curfew?
• Is there space for an afterparty?
• Are there restrictions on styling or decor?
• Can the venue accommodate special dietary needs?
• Are there load-in/out requirements for suppliers?

The best wedding venue for you will not only be beautiful but also logistically sound. Asking upfront can help you avoid surprises later.

8. Check the Date (And the Weather!)

If you already have a wedding date in mind, check whether the venue is available. If not, are you flexible? Popular venues can book out up to 18 months in advance, especially during peak seasons.

Also, consider the weather for your preferred wedding date. Outdoor wedding venues are magical, but if you’re marrying in summer, you’ll need good shade, water stations and a wet-weather backup plan. In cooler months, indoor options with warm lighting and climate control are ideal for a romantic, cosy vibe.

9. Trust Your Gut

You can compare packages and inspect a dozen spaces, but sometimes, it’s just a feeling. When you find the right wedding venue, it’ll feel right.

You’ll be able to picture your day unfolding there: walking down the aisle, sipping bubbles with loved ones, dancing into the night. You’ll see your vision come to life.

Trust your instincts—and don’t be afraid to say no to a space that doesn’t spark joy, no matter how “perfect” it looks on paper.

Discover the Best Wedding Venues in Australia

Searching for the best wedding venue? From tropical gardens in Queensland to vineyard views in the Hunter Valley, Oaks Hotels & Resorts offers a curated collection of stunning Australian wedding venues perfect for your special day.

Looking for something romantic, relaxed or a little luxe? Let Oaks help you find a wedding venue that’s everything you’ve dreamed of—and more.