Found the Perfect Destination—But Not the Venue? Read This First.

Planning a destination wedding often starts with a vision. A feeling, really.
The soft golden light in Italy. A breeze through olive trees. The sound of laughter echoing in a Provençal courtyard. Or maybe it’s the romance of a lakeside villa where you imagine arriving by boat as your guests wait with glasses of chilled Prosecco.

But how do you take that feeling… and turn it into a real place?

Here’s how I guide my couples through one of the biggest (and most exciting) decisions in their destination wedding journey: choosing the venue.

Start With the Why

Before we even talk about buildings or menus or guest rooms, I like to begin with something deeper:

Why are you drawn to this country? This region? This moment away from home?

Is it the nostalgia of summers in Europe?
The dream of sharing your love in a place that feels romantic before you even decorate it?
Or maybe it’s the desire to create something truly different, an experience that’s not about excess, but meaning.

Let that instinct guide you. Because once you know why you’re choosing this location, it becomes easier to find a venue that supports that story.

Then, Let’s Talk About the Feel

Close your eyes and picture your wedding day. Not the flowers. Not the dress.
The feeling.

Do you see an elegant château with dinner under the stars? A minimalist villa with coastal views? An intimate estate tucked away in the Tuscan hills?

Your venue should match that feeling—not just your Pinterest board.

Ask yourself:

• Is it romantic and refined? Or casual and sun-drenched?
• Do you want everything in one place, or a celebration that moves with your guests?
• Are you more drawn to history or the sea?
• Is the architecture important or just the view?

This is where the mood meets the moment

Where Will Your Guests Stay?

One of the most overlooked parts of venue planning is guest accommodation.

Some venues offer on-site rooms or suites, which is perfect for smaller weddings or couples who want everyone together in one magical bubble.
Others may require guests to stay nearby, which works beautifully as long as the logistics are thoughtfully planned.

Ask yourself (and your planner):

• Will your guests be happy here?
• Is there enough nearby for them to explore and enjoy?
• Is the transport between hotel and venue seamless or stressful?

The experience you’re creating includes the journey, not just the day.

Questions to Ask Your Venue (Before You Say Yes)

Even the most breathtaking venues come with fine print. Here’s what to ask before you sign:

• Is your date available? (In Europe, the most-loved venues book fast—and often you work around them, not the other way around.)
• What’s included? Tables, chairs, linens, lighting, accommodation?
• Is catering in-house or do you bring your own?
• Do they have menus that reflect your taste and culture?
• Can you bring in outside vendors?
• Are there noise restrictions or curfews?
• How many guests can they comfortably hold—really?
• Are there indoor options in case of weather shifts?
• Is the venue accessible for older guests or children?
• What are the taxes?

Don’t be afraid to dig deep—because when you ask the right questions now, you’ll avoid surprises later.

Food, Flexibility & Flow

Let’s talk menus, shall we?

Catering is a huge part of the experience and not just for the foodies. The best weddings feel effortless, and so much of that comes from the flow of the day. That includes cocktail hour, dinner timing, the bar setup, and how well the service team moves through the space.

Ask:

• Can they customize menus for allergies, dietary needs, or cultural preferences?
• Is the chef focused on seasonal, local ingredients?
• Are they open to adding personal touches to the menu?

A venue that’s willing to adapt to your story not force you into theirs, is gold.

The Budget and the Back-and-Forth

Here’s the honest truth:
Your venue will be one of the biggest decisions for your budget and your date.

Many venues in Europe don’t have endless flexibility. If you fall in love with a place (and you will), it might mean shifting your date to when they’re available.

Unless you’re a celebrity (and even then!), you’ll often be choosing from their calendar, not the other way around. That’s not a bad thing, it just means planning with openness and intention.

Final Thought: Trust What Feels Right

You’ll know when you’ve found it.

It’s not just the view. Or the architecture. Or the perfect ceremony spot tucked beneath the olive trees.
It’s the feeling in your chest when you walk through the space—or when your planner shows you a photo and you catch your breath.

It feels like you.
And once you have that… the rest starts to fall into place.

Need Help Choosing Your Perfect Venue?

If you’re not sure where to begin or you’ve fallen in love with too many places—I’d love to guide you.
I’ve spent years curating heartfelt, meaningful weddings in some of Europe’s most beautiful destinations. I don’t just send links—I get to know you, then match you with venues that make sense for your story, your guests, and your dream.

Let’s start with a vision call
So we can begin designing your day, one beautiful step at a time.
Book your Wedding Vision Call here »