So… What Kind of Wedding Venue Feels Right?

Alright, if you’re staring down the rabbit hole of wedding planning and venue hunting — deep breath. I’ve been there. Everyone’s telling you about this stunning barn or that fancy hall and it’s easy to think, “Cool, but how do I know what fits us?”

Let’s break it down. No pressure. Just a few different venue “types” and how they actually feel — not just how they look on Instagram.

1. The Old & Beautiful Ones (AKA Historic Venues)

You know the type — big wooden doors, stained glass, maybe a courtroom-turned-ballroom. They're dramatic in the best way.

• Great if you want your photos to feel timeless and you’re into old buildings with stories.

• You might love it if you whisper “wow” when you walk in and can already picture candles everywhere.

But hey — some of these spots come with weird rules (no confetti, no dancing past 10pm) or might not be ideal for guests who aren’t super mobile. It's worth checking with the venue.

2. The “Pinterest Come to Life” Wedding Barn

Yep, rustic barns are everywhere. And when they’re done right? Magic. Fairy lights, wooden beams, that whole casual-but-gorgeous thing.

• Great if you like a relaxed day with character — think garden games, sharing platters, wildflowers in jars.

• Heads up: Some barns are dry hire, which means you bring in all the stuff — tables, caterers, even loos in some cases.

That said, they’re often surprisingly flexible. Plus: no ugly hotel carpet.

3. Sleek, Modern Spots

These are your cool rooftop bars, converted warehouses, art gallery-type places. Clean lines, bold flowers, minimal fuss.

• Perfect if you like a bit of edge and don’t want your wedding to look like everyone else’s.

• Bonus: They're usually easy to access, especially if you’ve got guests coming by train or staying in the city.

Only downside? They can feel a bit... cold, if you don’t style them up. But that’s what disco balls and great lighting are for.

4. Outdoor / Garden / Back-of-a-field Wedding

Some couples are just outdoor people. They want a ceremony under the sky, maybe a tipi or marquee, lawn games, fire pits — the works.

• Lovely if you like the idea of something informal, personal, and probably barefoot by the end.

• BUT: You need a solid backup plan. Like, actual shelter, not “hope for the best.”

Still, if the weather’s on your side? Unreal. Some of the most beautiful weddings I’ve ever seen were basically glorified garden parties.

5. The All-in-One Hotel/Resort Type

You show up. They’ve got rooms, food, staff, and your nan doesn’t need to travel more than ten steps to go to bed. Very convenient.

• Nice if you don’t want to juggle a million suppliers.

• Some can be beautiful, especially older hotels with proper charm.

Only thing is — some can feel a bit “copy-paste” unless you make it yours. Ask about personal touches, or whether they do multiple weddings a day (some do).

6. Something Weird (In the Best Way)

Converted train stations. Breweries. Old cinemas. Ruined abbeys. People have gotten married in caves. Literally.

• This is for you if you're thinking “we’re not traditional” and you want guests saying “this is SO them.”

• Definitely check: practical stuff like toilets, lighting, heating, etc.

But if you want something different? Go for it. The photos will be epic.

What Actually Matters?

Honestly? It’s not about what’s trendy. It’s about what feels like you. You’ll know. You’ll walk in and get that little flutter — maybe it’s the view, the light, the fact that you can actually see your day unfolding there.

Forget the pressure. You’re not choosing a magazine cover. You’re choosing the place where you’ll start something huge, surrounded by your people.

That’s all it needs to be.