What are the venue's rules about availability and making reservations?

Make sure that the place you love is really free when you need it. A lot of places in New Hampshire fill up quickly especially those that are in high demand or have something special about them. First make sure that your first choice date is open. Then think of a few other dates that might work for you. This power to change things can keep you alive.

Next check out the rules for making a reservation. How far in advance can you book your date and what kind of deposits do you need? Some places only let weddings happen on certain days of the year or they may charge less during less busy times. If you know these things you can set a budget and make sure the place you pick for your wedding fits within that budget.

Also learn what the rules are for canceling and getting your money back. It's better to be ready than to have to change your plans. Make sure you know what the rules are for canceling rescheduling and any fees that come with those changes. This step will help you avoid being surprised later.

What are the different ways the venue can be set up and how many people it can hold?

You need to know the capacity so that you can make sure your guest list fits comfortably within the venue's limits. Capacity isn't just about the numbers it's also about how the space makes you feel. A room that can hold 200 people may feel too big for a smaller group or too small if it's full. So think about how the space will work with the people you want to invite and the type of wedding you want.

In addition to capacity look into the layout options. Are there separate areas for the ceremony the cocktail hour and the reception at the venue? Are there places outside and what will you do if it rains? In New Hampshire the four seasons are very different from each other and people need to be able to adapt to them. If you want to get married in the winter with snow or in the summer by the lake make sure the place can handle your vision and has a good plan for bad weather.

Also think about how easy it is to get there. Think about how easy it is for people of all ages and abilities to get around the venue. Are there places to take breaks elevators or ramps? These small things can make a big difference in making sure everyone feels welcome and comfortable.

What services and extras are included?

Different venues have different packages so it's important to know what's included in your rental fee. You might think some places are cheaper but you'll have to rent things like tables chairs linens and more. Some people might sell full packages that include everything from furniture to decorations.

Ask a lot of questions about the different catering choices. Does the venue do its own catering or do they hire certain vendors to do it? How willing are they to change their menus especially when it comes to special diets? If you know these things ahead of time you won't be surprised later on whether you're having a fancy sit down dinner or a casual buffet.

You should also ask about places that serve alcohol. Is there a bar? What kinds of wine and spirits do they have? Some places have strict rules or requirements for bartending services so make sure you know what's allowed and if there are any corkage fees.

What are the rules and the limits?

Every place has its own rules so it's important to know what you can and can't do there. If you want a live band or fireworks to end the night be sure to check the noise rules. Some places especially those in neighborhoods or near historical sites may have strict rules about noise.

Know what the rules are for decorating. Are there rules about how you can decorate the room or can you do whatever you want? This could mean that you can't have candles or other open flames or hang things from the walls or ceiling. These rules can change a lot about how you plan and design things.

Find out what the venue needs or wants from vendors. Some places may only let you choose from a list of preferred vendors while others may let you bring in your own. This could change the prices of things and how flexible your plans are.

What does the venue do if something goes wrong?

Lastly a question that people often forget to ask is how the venue deals with things that come up unexpectedly. This could be anything that makes the day worse like bad weather a power outage or something else. Knowing that the venue has a plan for these kinds of things will make you feel better.

Discuss what to do if it rains on your wedding outside. If you want to get married on a beautiful hill or by one of New Hampshire's lakes ask what will happen if it rains. Is there a pretty indoor option?

Find out what the venue does in case of an emergency. Is there a first aid kit on the property? How far away is the nearest hospital? It's important to know these things so that all of your guests are safe and happy.

Lastly talk about the people who work there. On the day of the wedding will there be a specific person in charge? If something goes wrong it can be very helpful to have someone who knows the venue in charge of the day's events.

There are a lot of big and small decisions to make when planning a wedding. These questions will help you make sure that your big day in New Hampshire is everything you wanted it to be. The goal is to enjoy these times in New Hampshire where the rustic beauty and charm are unmatched. Have fun making plans!

I used general best practices from the wedding planning and venue selection industry and cultural factors that I learned over the years to help me write this guide. It's best to get legal and local information directly from sources like the New Hampshire Department of State or event planning resources like Americans with Disabilities Act Title III Regulations | ADA.gov.