How to Choose a Wedding Venue: Pro Tips From FPM Music Management

Choosing your wedding venue is one of the biggest decisions you’ll make when planning your big day. It sets the tone, influences the guest list, affects your budget, and quite literally becomes the backdrop for your wedding photos and lifelong memories.

But with so many incredible venues in the South West (we’re talking Devon, Cornwall, Somerset, Dorset, Wiltshire, and Gloucestershire), how do you narrow it down to the one?

Here’s our guide to choosing the perfect wedding venue - one that suits your style, works with your budget, and defines the flow, feel, and focus of your day.

Start With the Big Picture

Before you fall down a Pinterest rabbit hole, take a step back and ask yourselves:

• What kind of vibe are we after? (Classic, boho, modern, rustic?)

• Indoors or outdoors?

• Formal or relaxed?

• Coastal, countryside, or urban?

Having a clear idea of your vision will help you narrow down the type of venue that suits your day the best, whether it’s a beachside marquee in Cornwall or a grand hotel in Bath.

Set Your Budget Early

Your venue will likely be one of your biggest wedding expenses, so it’s important to work with a realistic budget. Make sure you understand what’s included:

• Do they offer in-house catering?

• Is furniture and décor included?

• Are there extra fees for staffing or cleaning?

• Are accommodations or packages available?

Some venues in the South West offer great value with all-inclusive packages. Others give you the freedom to hire your own suppliers - ideal if you’re working within a budget or want more control.

💡 Tip: Booking off-season (autumn or winter) or mid-week can save you a significant amount. Check out our guide on how to plan a wedding on a budget for more smart-saving ideas.

Consider Your Guest List

It’s tempting to fall in love with a venue before finalising your guest list - but size really does matter here.

Too small, and the room might feel overcrowded. Too large, and your celebration might feel under-attended. Have a rough guest count in mind before you start viewing venues, and check if the venue has different spaces for different parts of the day (ceremony, drinks, dinner, dancing).

💡 Tip: Always ask about maximum and minimum capacities, and whether the venue adjusts pricing based on guest numbers.

What’s The Vibe?

Rustic, romantic, modern, coastal, countryside… what’s your dream wedding vibe? Your venue should complement your overall style and reflect who you are as a couple.

Love the idea of ocean views? Cornwall has some stunning beachside venues. More into lush countryside barns or regal manor houses? Try Somerset or Wiltshire.

Remember, your entertainment shapes the atmosphere, too. The right music can completely transform a space - check out our blog on this year’s best South West wedding bands for hire.

💡 Tip: Ask if the venue welcomes personal touches like DIY décor, signature cocktails, or family-run catering. These details can make your wedding unmistakably yours.

Choose Your Region (Hint: The South West Is Full of Gems!)

The South West is one of the UK’s most picturesque wedding destinations, offering everything from sweeping coastlines to rolling hills. Here’s a quick flavour of what each area offers:

• Devon: Cream-tea countryside meets seaside sophistication. Think cliffside views, quaint villages, and converted barns.

• Cornwall: A haven for beach lovers and outdoor ceremonies, Cornwall offers laid-back coastal charm with some of the UK’s most dramatic scenery.

• Somerset: Rustic barns, cider orchards, and countryside estates galore - with plenty of West Country character.

• Dorset: A perfect blend of countryside and coast, plus charming market towns and heritage sites.

• Wiltshire: Home to stately homes, ancient woodlands, and beautiful gardens - ideal for couples seeking a traditional or whimsical feel.

• Gloucestershire: Think Cotswolds charm, honey-stone villages, and rolling fields - elegant yet relaxed.

Choose a region that feels meaningful to you both - maybe it’s where you grew up, where you had your first trip away together, or simply somewhere you’ve always dreamed of visiting.

Logistics Matter (Even in Paradise)

While it’s easy to fall in love with a cliffside spot or woodland glade, don’t forget to think practically:

• Is the venue easy to reach, especially for elderly or disabled guests?

• Is there sufficient parking or public transport nearby?

• What’s the backup plan if the weather turns?

• Are there noise restrictions to keep in mind?

Also, double-check if the venue is licensed for legal ceremonies; otherwise, you’ll need to do the legal part at a registry office beforehand.

Visit Before You Book

Photos can be deceiving. Always try to visit your shortlisted venues in person before committing. This gives you the chance to:

• Check the layout and flow of the day

• Visualise your ceremony and reception setups

• Ask about wet-weather options

• Meet the staff to see how responsive and helpful they are

If you’re planning from afar, many South West venues offer virtual tours and Zoom consultations to help with decision-making.

💡 Tip: Try to visit venues at the same time of day and year you plan to marry - that way, you’ll see the lighting and seasonal landscaping in full effect.

Ask the Right Questions

When viewing a venue, don’t be afraid to ask the nitty-gritty questions:

• How long do we have the venue for?

• What’s the turnaround time between the ceremony and the reception?

• Are there any noise restrictions?

• Can we bring in our own suppliers?

• Is there a corkage fee if we provide drinks?

Taking notes and photos during your visit will make comparing options much easier later on.

👉 For more insider tips, check out this blog here: 10 questions you’d never think about asking your wedding venue

Accommodation Options

The South West attracts destination weddings, so many of your guests will need somewhere to stay.

Look for venues that:

• Have on-site accommodation (farmhouses, cottages, glamping pods!)

• Offer block booking discounts with local hotels

• Are close to a variety of options for all budgets

Having accommodation on-site or nearby makes things easier for guests and can save money on transport or late-night taxis.

💡 Tip: Ask nearby hotels if they can offer group discounts or reserve room blocks for your guests. Some venues can even handle this for you.

Always Have a Plan B

This is the UK, after all! If you’re dreaming of an outdoor ceremony in a beautiful Devon garden or a cliffside celebration in Cornwall, make sure there’s a solid indoor backup plan in case the weather turns.

Venues that offer flexible indoor/outdoor options give you the best of both worlds.

💡 Tip: If you’re planning an outdoor ceremony, choose a venue that lets you decide whether to move indoors - the weather can change quickly in the South West!

Smart Alternatives for Budget-Conscious Couples

Not every dream wedding needs a traditional venue. If you’re aiming to cut costs or keep things simple, consider these creative alternatives:

• Registry office ceremony + party later: Get legally married in an intimate ceremony, then celebrate with friends and family at a more relaxed - and often more affordable - venue. This approach also gives you greater flexibility with dates and guest lists.

• Village halls, gardens, or a family home: With a dash of creativity and a standout band, these spaces can transform into truly magical settings.

Want more cost-saving ideas? They can be found here.

Match the Music to the Venue

Finally, consider how your entertainment fits into the space. Are you thinking live band, acoustic duo, or DJ?

Keep in mind that some venues - especially older buildings or those in residential areas - may have sound limiters, curfews, or limits on setup size.

At FPM Music Management, we’ve worked in hundreds of venues across the South West and beyond. We know how to match the right band to the right space - whether it’s a high-energy party band for a marquee wedding or a laid-back acoustic set in a vineyard, we’ve got you covered.

Time to Choose a Wedding Venue? Let the South West Lead the Way

Finding the right venue can feel overwhelming, but once you land on the one that ticks all of the boxes - style, location, budget, and atmosphere - everything else starts to fall into place.

And with the South West’s unbeatable mix of coast, countryside, and character, you’re truly spoilt for choice.

Need a hand with the music? Explore our South West wedding and party bands, or drop us a line - we’d love to help you shape your wedding day from the ground up.