5 Wedding Venue Red Flags That Could Ruin Your Big Day—and How to Avoid Them

When you finally find the wedding venue of your dreams, it's hard to imagine the pitfalls that could spoil your special day. But before you sign on the dotted line, there are a few red flags wedding planners recommend their clients watch out for. To ensure you're prepared before committing, we spoke to an experienced wedding planner about warning signs she says couples should never ignore—no matter how dreamy the venue seems.

Hidden Fees

Many venues offer "all-inclusive" packages for couples, and while it appears to be a complete deal, they often hide extra costs or charge high fees for minor requests. These additional charges are frequently hidden in complex contracts, including service fees, cleaning charges, overtime penalties, and equipment rentals—things you'd assume are covered in an "all-inclusive" package.

“Always ask for a complete breakdown of every possible fee before signing anything,” says Claudia Postigo, founder and head wedding planner at The Planner Co. “I've seen couples hit with surprise charges for everything from extra linens to 'venue coordination fees' that were never mentioned during the initial tour. A reputable venue should be transparent about all costs upfront.”

Vendor Restrictions

If you have specific vendors in mind for flowers, catering, or photography, make sure the venue doesn't have any requirements to use their preferred vendors. While it may seem convenient for some couples to have a venue insist on using their preferred vendors, it can impact your budget and vision if you have no say in your vendors.

“You should have the freedom to choose professionals who understand your style and budget," says Postigo. "Overly restrictive venues often have financial arrangements with these vendors that benefit them, not you.”

No Backup Plan for Bad Weather

For venues that primarily offer outdoor ceremonies, they must provide an alternative backup plan for your wedding in case of bad weather. "A professional venue should have detailed backup plans, including covered areas, heating options, and clear protocols for moving ceremonies indoors," says Postigo. You don't want to be left out in the rain on your wedding day because the venue coordinators didn't prepare.

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Unreliable Staff

When working with a venue, take note of the people you're interacting with. Whether it's through email communications or in-person visits, a new contact every time is a red flag. When too many people are involved in coordinating the venue, it may indicate high staff turnover. Additionally, if the staff provides unclear processes for coordination, this can also suggest instability at the organization.

“Consistent communication with the same venue coordinator is vital for a smooth wedding,” says Postigo. “High turnover means your wedding details could get lost in translation, and inexperienced staff won't know how to handle problems that arise on your wedding day.”

Poor Accessibility for Guests

During your venue visits, ask questions about accessibility for all of your guests. They should be able to accommodate guests with mobility issues, older adults, and families with young children. This includes ramps, parking, and restroom facilities. "A venue might look perfect in photos, but if your grandmother can't navigate the stairs or there's no proper parking for elderly guests, you'll have problems,” says Postigo.