POV: you just started touring potential wedding venues and you’re feeling a combination of excited and overwhelmed. Sound familiar?

When you start your venue search, it’s easy to get caught up in the big picture—how it looks, what it costs, and whether your ideal date is available. But there are a few less obvious details that can have a major impact on your day.

After hosting over 150 weddings and events, we’ve gained insight to share so you’re not caught off-guard! Here are 10 things to keep in mind when touring wedding venues that most couples totally forget to ask about. (But, really, it’s understandable…I mean, wedding planning is a lot!)

1. A Real Rain Plan

The biggest thing couples worry about? Rain! Your wedding venue should always have a rain plan, but what if the rain plan is not much of a “plan” and actually feels like an afterthought? What you need is a solid Plan B that doesn’t feel like a compromise. (Yes, please!)

Pro tip: Ask to see multiple photos of a rainy-day setup. Make sure you love it just as much as your first vision.

At Hazelwood: we designed our two covered patios to be spacious, comfortable, and blend with the natural beauty of the outdoors. That’s right: even if it’s raining, you can enjoy your ceremony and cocktail hour outside! Bonus: we also have a set of 30 cute clear umbrellas so you can get those romantic rainy photos while staying dry!

2. Natural Light

This one’s for your photographer—and for your future self looking back through all of your gorgeous photos. Natural light affects everything from getting ready in the morning (hair and makeup) to the way your details are photographed.

At Hazelwood: Our spaces are flooded with natural light from our walls of windows. You’ll have gorgeous light in your preparation suites and your reception space.

3. Event Flow

This is a big one! How will your day feel as guests transition from ceremony to cocktail hour to reception? You don’t want a layout that’s confusing, cramped, or requires too much walking between locations.

At Hazelwood: our venue flows seamlessly from one moment to the next—no awkward downtime, no shuffling guests around, no getting lost. There is a pretty pathway that connects from the parking lot all the way to your ceremony site. The venue is accessible and easy to navigate.

4. Vendor Flexibility

Some venues lock you into using one caterer or charge extra for outside vendors. Others may be more flexible but provide zero guidance. You need the best of both!

At Hazelwood: We have curated partnerships for coordination and catering which give you the flexibility to choose what you want. You have the freedom to select your vendors from photographer to DJ to florist and beyond–and we’re happy to share our curated list of local pros trusted by our team and our couples.

5. Privacy & Exclusivity

Another wedding on your day? Absolutely not! No one wants to bump into another nearly-wed or share a parking lot with strangers. Make sure you understand alllllll that is happening on-site that day.

At Hazelwood: You get the entire venue to yourself. One day. One couple. That’s it.

6. TWO Getting-Ready Spaces

Getting ready is a big part of your wedding experience—it sets the tone for the whole day. Look for calm, neutral-toned, light-filled spaces that are comfortable and will look great in your photos. And, most importantly are there actually TWO places for you both to get ready separately?

At Hazelwood: Our getting-ready suites are thoughtfully designed with your crew (and your photographer) in mind. These spaces are also neutrally-decorated which means they can be used interchangeably–you BOTH deserve a beautiful space to relax and get ready.

7. Photo Spots

Prioritizing photography? Make sure the venue offers variety, charm, privacy, and plenty of natural beauty.

At Hazelwood: 360-degree countryside views, mature trees, walking path, woodland nook, open fields, architectural lines, dreamy lighting—we have endless photo ops just steps from the venue. No golf cart ride or long hike required!

8. Supportive Staff

Ooooh another big one! Your venue team should be more than just key-holders. Look for people who care, communicate, and show up for you throughout the planning process.

Hazelwood couples LOVE that they get to work directly with venue owners, Kate & Adam!

“The modern, beautiful, aesthetic is what ultimately drew me in, but meeting Kate sold the deal. I’ve never felt so confident and comfortable, knowing her and her team would truly have my back with the most important day of my life.” -Kelly

At Hazelwood: We’re a small, tight-knit, experienced team who genuinely loves what we do—and we’re always here to help. On your wedding day, you can expect positive vibes and a cheerful, relaxed atmosphere. We’re here to make you, your wedding party, your family, AND your guests feel welcome!

9. Guest Comfort

Is there enough parking? Is the bathroom situation ideal? Are there places to sit and escape the heat or cold? Places for your guests to spread out and mingle? These little things make a big difference.

At Hazelwood: guest experience is at the heart of our design—your loved ones will feel taken care of from start to finish.

“Hazelwood is beyond gorgeous. There is not one inch of that building that wasn’t created with intention for the couple and their guests.” -Emily

10. That Gut Feeling

Sometimes it’s not about checklists—it’s about how a place FEELS. Did you breathe easier when you walked in? Did you vibe with the person on your venue tour? Do you trust them? Can you picture yourself getting married here? Trust that instinct.

At Hazelwood: couples tell us all the time, “We just knew.” And we totally get that feeling!

Now that you have more venue factors to consider, what do you say?!

If you’re looking for a venue that checks all your boxes and FEELS like the right fit, we’d love to show you around Hazelwood. Book a tour and come see it in person—we can’t wait to hear about your vision!

Photogtaphy credits, in order: @himandherphoto @thestorytellez @leighannebraderphotography @madelineseriophotography @madelineseriophotography @ashleezimmermanphotography