How to Choose the Right Wedding Venue for Your Day

Image credit: Chloe Paige Photography

Choosing your wedding venue is one of the most significant decisions you’ll make during your planning process. It sets the tone for everything that follows, shaping not only how your day looks, but how it feels. Long before flowers are chosen or menus finalised, your venue sets the aesthetic, atmosphere and pace of your day - not to mention the precious memories that you and your guests will take away!

With so many wedding venue options, it can feel a bit overwhelming knowing where to begin. Rather than focusing solely on style or capacity, it’s worth taking a step back and thinking about what truly matters to you both. Your wedding venue should support your vision, your priorities, and the experience you want to create for everyone involved.

Here are some thoughtful considerations to help guide you towards a venue that feels right for your day.

Start with how you want your day to feel

Before looking at locations or layouts, consider the feeling you want to create. Some couples picture a relaxed, intimate celebration where conversations linger and the day unfolds gently. Others imagine a lively gathering filled with music, laughter, and energy from start to finish. Neither is right or wrong, but understanding what you prefer early on will help you narrow down your search.

Think about your dream day. Do you picture somewhere with a calm countryside atmosphere, or a setting that feels closer to the bustle of town life? Many couples find that our Knutsford wedding venue strikes a balance between the two, offering a rural feel with easy access for guests.

When you visit wedding venues, notice how you feel as you walk through the space. Does it feel welcoming? Can you imagine yourselves there, sharing those key moments? Often, that initial instinct tells you more than a checklist ever could.

Exclusive hire or shared space

One of the most important practical considerations is whether you’d like exclusive use of your wedding venue. Exclusive hire means the space is entirely yours for the day, from the moment you arrive until the final dance of the evening. There’s a sense of privacy and calm that comes with knowing every room, every view, and every member of staff is focused solely on your celebration.

Venues that are not exclusive hire are still beautiful, but it’s definitely worth considering the drawbacks. Sharing a venue with other events or hotel guests can sometimes interrupt the flow of your day. You may encounter other weddings, conferences, or members of the public, which can detract from that feeling of having your own moment.

For many couples planning weddings, exclusive hire allows them to relax fully, knowing their day will unfold without distractions. It creates a more intimate experience and often allows for greater flexibility in how the space is used.

One venue or two?

Another key decision is whether you’re happy to move between venues on your wedding day. Some couples love the tradition of a church ceremony followed by a reception elsewhere, while others prefer the simplicity of holding everything in one place.

If you’re set on a church ceremony, check how close your ideal church is to different reception venues. A short, scenic journey can feel special and provide a natural pause between the ceremony and celebrations. When viewing potential reception venues, it’s also worth asking whether they regularly work with nearby churches, as this often means the logistics are well understood and smoothly handled.

Equally, many modern Cheshire wedding venue options offer the flexibility to host both your ceremony and reception on site. This can make the day feel more seamless for you and your guests, with no need to coordinate transport or worry about timings. It also allows your celebration to flow naturally from one part of the day to the next.

There’s no right answer here. It simply comes down to what feels right for you and your partner.

Food that you genuinely love

Food is one of the things guests remember most about a wedding. Beyond presentation and style, it’s important that you genuinely enjoy what’s being served. When viewing venues, ask about catering options and whether menus can be tailored to your tastes and the season.

Some venues work with in-house or exclusive caterers who know the space inside out, which can be a real advantage. They understand timings, kitchen flow, and how to serve large numbers efficiently without losing quality. Others allow external caterers, which can offer flexibility if you have a very specific vision.

If possible, attend a tasting or ask to see sample menus. Imagine sitting down with your guests, sharing that meal together. Does it feel like part of the celebration, rather than a pause within it? Food plays a central role in bringing everyone together, not to mention providing much-needed fuel for the dance floor!

We’re big believers in providing excellent hospitality, which is why we work with Fork & Field catering on every wedding that we do. 

The importance of flow and space

As you walk through a venue, consider how your day will move from one moment to the next. Where will guests gather after the ceremony. Is there a natural transition into drinks and conversation? How does the space change as evening guests arrive?

A venue that offers a variety of connected spaces can help your day feel well paced and thoughtfully designed. Separate areas for the ceremony, reception and relaxing allow each part of the celebration to have its own character, without guests feeling unsettled or unsure of where to go.

It’s also worth thinking about where you’ll get ready. Some venues offer on-site preparation rooms, which can make the morning feel calmer and more enjoyable. Being able to arrive early, settle in, and take your time can set a wonderfully relaxed tone for the day ahead.

Photography and setting

Your wedding photographs will tell the story of your day for years to come, so it’s worth paying attention to the backdrop your venue provides. Look for a mix of indoor and outdoor spaces, so that you can get your dream photographs whatever the weather on the day. 

Characterful interiors, natural light, and thoughtful details can make a real difference to how your photos feel. Outdoors, well-maintained gardens and open countryside create opportunities for relaxed, natural portraits, while architectural features add depth and interest.

As you explore venues, imagine where key moments might be captured. Your arrival. The ceremony. Quiet moments together away from the crowd. A Cheshire wedding venue that offers varied and beautiful settings allows your photographer to capture the full range of emotions throughout the day.

Guest comfort and experience

Your wedding is about you, but the experience your guests have matters too. Consider how easy it is for people to travel to the venue and whether there are accommodation options nearby.

Many couples choosing a wedding venue in Knutsford appreciate the convenience of being close to the town centre, with a range of hotels and transport links within easy reach. This makes it simpler for guests travelling from further afield and allows everyone to relax and enjoy the celebration without worrying about long journeys home.

Think about parking, accessibility, and how guests will move around the venue. Small details, like comfortable seating areas or sheltered outdoor spaces, can make a big difference to how welcome people feel.

Support and guidance from the venue team

One of the most valuable aspects of choosing the right venue is the team behind it. A supportive, experienced venue team can make planning feel reassuring rather than overwhelming.

Notice how you’re treated from your first inquiry. Are your questions welcomed? Do you feel listened to? A good venue team will guide you gently, offering advice when needed while respecting your vision and preferences.

Trusting that feeling

Practical considerations are important, but there’s also something less tangible to listen for. Often, the right venue simply feels right. You can picture yourselves there. You can imagine the laughter, the quiet moments, the celebrations unfolding naturally.

When you find a space that makes you feel excited and at ease at the same time, it’s usually worth paying attention to that instinct.

Finding your place

At Larkspur Lodge, we understand that choosing a wedding venue is about more than ticking boxes. It’s about finding a place that supports your vision and allows your day to unfold beautifully. Situated in Knutsford, in the heart of the Cheshire countryside, our venue offers exclusive hire, flexible ceremony options, characterful spaces, and a setting designed to feel both welcoming and special.

If you’re at the beginning of your planning journey and exploring Cheshire wedding venue options, we’d love to welcome you to visit, wander the spaces, and see how it feels for yourselves. You can download our brochure or book a viewing to discover whether Larkspur Lodge could be the right setting for your day.