There are many steps in the wedding planning process, and one of the first ones is choosing your venue. If you hire Epic Thyme as your Lake Tahoe wedding planner before selecting a venue, we can help you choose the perfect location based on your wedding vision, size, and budget. We also go on venue tours with you and look over all contracts to ensure you’re comfortable and confident with your choice. However, if you’ve already started looking at wedding venues in Lake Tahoe or have your dream venue in mind, there are a few things you'll want to ask before finalizing your decision. Take note of these 48 questions to ask when looking at wedding venues and bring them along on your next tour.
48 Questions to Ask Lake Tahoe Wedding Venues
First, think about your wedding type, style, and the kind of atmosphere you want to create. Do you want a large indoor wedding or an intimate outdoor ceremony by the lake? Knowing this will help you narrow your search, as there are many wedding venues in Lake Tahoe to choose from. Next, do some research online and schedule a tour of the venues you're interested in. While they may look great in pictures, it’s important to see them in person to ensure they fit your needs. Finally, ask the right questions to determine whether or not the venue is truly perfect for your wedding day.
Questions About Pricing and Availability
Is the venue available for my desired date?
Do you hold multiple events on the same day?
How many guests can this space hold?
How far in advance can we book?
What is your venue rental fee?
How long can we use this space?
What is the cost for additional hours?
Does your venue fee change depending on the month and day (i.e., weekday vs. weekend wedding)?
What services are included in the rental fee?
Does the fee cover the ceremony and reception spaces?
Can we host our rehearsal dinner in the same space? If so, how many hours?
Does the fee cover service charges, gratuity, and cleaning?
How much is the deposit?
What is the payment schedule for the remainder of the fee?
What are your cancellation and refund policies?
Are there any rules or restrictions that I have not covered?
These questions to ask when looking at wedding venues in Lake Tahoe give you an idea as to whether the cost of the venue works within your budget. It’s important to know what’s included in the rental fee and what services come at an extra charge. If you feel comfortable with the answers to these questions, it’s time to dive into more details.
Questions About Logistics
Do you have both indoor and outdoor event spaces?
When I book the venue, what spaces are included?
How many guests does each space accommodate?
Is there WiFi and audio/visual equipment available?
What is the electricity capacity?
How many outlets are available in the venue space?
Is free on-site parking available for guests and vendors?
Is the venue near guest hotels?
Are there noise restrictions on-site?
How many restrooms are available to guests?
Do you provide a dance floor?
Do you provide complimentary tables, linens, chairs, plates, silverware, and glassware?
Do you provide complimentary heaters or tents for outdoor spaces?
What’s your backup plan for outdoor spaces if affected by fires, bees, snow, or other inclement weather?
These questions to ask when looking at wedding venues in Lake Tahoe will give you a better understanding of the venue spaces available to you. They will also ensure you know what’s included in the venue fee and what services come at additional costs, like parking or bringing in portable restrooms if needed.
Questions About Vendors
Can I hire outside vendors?
Are there any restrictions on the vendors I can use?
Can you accommodate a DJ or live band?
Can I rearrange the space if needed?
Are there any restrictions on the type of decor allowed in the space?
Can I have real candles?
What time can my vendors start setting up?
When do my vendors need to be out of the venue?
Do you provide set-up or tear-down staff?
Do you have any production staff that will be on-site during my wedding?
Knowing whether or not you can hire outside vendors is essential when choosing your Lake Tahoe wedding venue. Some venues require you to select vendors from their preferred list, limiting your ability to choose the perfect vendors for your event. While not always a deal-breaker, it’s good to know and share with your wedding planner.
Questions About Food and Drinks
Do you have in-house catering?
If so, are food and drinks included in the venue fee?
If so, do you have a food and drink minimum?
If not, are there any restrictions on the caterers I can use?
If I hire an outside caterer, is there an on-site kitchen they can use?
Can I hire outside drink services?
Can I bring my own alcohol to the wedding?
If so, is there a fee to serve outside drinks on the property?
Food and drinks are an essential part of your wedding. They can influence your wedding style and impact the guest experience. Knowing whether or not you can hire outside caterers is important. Also, some venues don’t have a liquor license. These questions to ask when looking at wedding venues will ensure you know the policies around the food and drinks you can serve at your wedding.
The Best Wedding Venues in Lake Tahoe
At Epic Thyme, we have the privilege of planning hundreds of breathtaking weddings in Lake Tahoe and the surrounding areas. There are so many amazing venues that it can be hard to narrow down your search or even know where to start. To help, we’ve put together The Ultimate Lake Take Venue Guide, where we share some of our favorites in the area.
Whether you have a venue in mind or are just starting to think about your wedding details, we’d love to work with you to plan the wedding of your dreams. At Epic Thyme, we provide full-service wedding planning packages to help couples navigate the planning process with ease. We are by your side every step of the way to ensure you don’t miss a thing and have a perfect wedding, from the venue you choose to the vendors you work with to every little not-so-obvious detail in between. Contact us today to learn more about how we can help you choose the best wedding venue in Lake Tahoe and transform it to make your wedding vision come to life.