Finding the Perfect Wedding Venue

The search for the perfect wedding venue is often the very first thing engaged couples dive into – and for good reason. The place where you say “I do” sets the tone for the entire day. But how do you find something that truly feels like you – whether that’s a romantic château in France, a sunny quinta in Portugal, or a historic estate in the Dutch countryside?

1. Start with the feeling, not the checklist

Most couples start with practicalities: guest count, accessibility, price per person. But flip it around: what feeling do you want the location to evoke? Once you know that clearly, a lot of options will naturally fall off the list. A little hidden beach in Portugal might be perfect for an intimate barefoot wedding, but not so much for a 200-person dance party.

2. Look beyond the usual “wedding venues”

Not every dream location is listed on a wedding website. Think of an old vineyard in the Dordogne, a modern art gallery in Madrid, or a castle ruin in Limburg. Many of these spots can be found through word-of-mouth (or even Airbnb!) and turned into a one-of-a-kind celebration space. Often, they don’t come with a standard wedding package, which means more freedom to make it your own.

3. Test the vibe on a regular day

A venue can look dreamy online, but what does it feel like on a random Tuesday afternoon? Visit it in person, soak up the atmosphere, listen to the sounds. How does it smell? How’s the acoustics? These are the subtle details your guests will notice too, even if they can’t quite put their finger on it.

4. Consider your guests – but not too much

It’s nice if grandma can get there easily, but this is your day. A wedding in Spain might mean some guests have to fly, but it could also turn into a mini-holiday for everyone. Decide where your priorities lie and build your wedding around that.

5. Leave room for surprise

The perfect venue isn’t always the one that looks perfect on paper. Sometimes you fall in love with a place that wasn’t even on your radar, but it just feels right. Give yourself permission to be surprised, that’s part of the magic.

6. Choose a venue that tells your story

At the end of the day, your wedding is about your story. Are you saying yes on the beach because you had your first date there? Choosing a Spanish country house because it was the setting of your first holiday together? These kinds of personal choices make the day unforgettable – for you and for your guests.

In short, find a venue that feels like your perfect place. Dare to look beyond the obvious, be creative in how you use the space and trust your gut. You won’t just create a beautiful wedding day, you’ll create a story everyone will still be talking about years later.