Wedding Wednesday: Choosing Your Venue
Here in Central Mississippi, we are spoiled with so many venue options — and each one tells a different kind of story. Barn-style venues with rustic wood beams, modern white barns full of light, timeless chapels and historic churches, sweeping rooftops with city views, and golf courses with manicured greens. Whether your vision leans classic, romantic, modern, or rustic, there’s a space here that can bring it to life.
Most venues in our area range anywhere from $4,000 to $12,000, depending on size, amenities, and season. It’s a big investment — and your very first major wedding decision. Your venue often sets your date, shapes your style, and influences everything from your guest count to your photography.
So, where do you start?
Start With Your Guest List
Before you fall in love with a venue’s Instagram feed, have a rough guest number in mind. Your headcount can quickly eliminate spaces that are too small (or too large).
- A chapel designed for 100 will feel cramped with 200.
- A ballroom meant for 300 will feel empty with only 75.
- Remember, “maximum capacity” doesn’t always equal “comfortable capacity” once tables, a dance floor, and décor are added.
✨ Pro tip: Bring your tentative guest list when touring venues and ask to see a sample floor plan for your number.
Style & Aesthetic
Your venue sets the tone for your wedding.
- Dreaming of bright and airy photos? A dark, rustic barn may not give you that look.
- Hoping for sweeping outdoor portraits by lakes or oak trees? Those features need to actually be on the property.
- Prefer timeless elegance? A chapel, church, or historic estate may be a better fit than a modern space.
Choose a venue that matches the atmosphere you want to create and the photos you’ll want to look back on forever.
Getting Ready Spaces
The morning of your wedding should feel calm and enjoyable — not cramped and chaotic.
- Size matters. Make sure there’s enough space for bridesmaids, moms, hair + makeup artists, and your photography team. Small, cramped spaces may mean that everyone may not be able to be in the same space at the same time. If you dream of a morning full of dancing, laughter, music and being together, make sure that your space can accommodate that.
- Natural light. Window light makes for beautiful photos and helps your makeup look flawless. Mirrors are great for reflecting light as well.
- Decor. Is the getting ready space beautiful? Is it practical? Is it functional? Do you have to have it cleaned up before the ceremony because it is also a bathroom for the guests? Is it private? Can your things be stored safely during the reception?
- Equal comfort. The bridal suite may be stunning, but do the guys have enough space too? When touring venues, don’t forget to ask about the groom’s getting-ready space. Often, venues pour their energy into creating a beautiful bridal suite but leave the guys with a tiny, windowless room. If you’re not doing a first look, the groom and groomsmen could be in that space all day until the ceremony — which can feel cramped, boring, and uncomfortable. Ideally, look for a groom’s suite that has plenty of seating, natural light, and room to relax. A comfortable space keeps the guys out of the way, but also gives your photographer opportunities to capture their laughter, details, and candid moments without everyone being piled on top of each other.
If the getting-ready areas don’t work, consider a nearby Airbnb, hotel, or family home with natural light and room to spread out. This of course can add an extra expense into your budget so keep this in mind.
Envision Your Portraits
As a photographer, I always tell couples: picture yourselves there.
- Walk the grounds and imagine where your first look, sunset portraits, or family photos could happen.
- Scroll the venue’s Instagram, Facebook, and website to see real weddings — not just styled shoots.
- Consider the season — spring blooms, summer greenery, fall color, or winter light all change the backdrop.
Your venue is the stage for your wedding album. Choose one that gives you the portraits you’ve been dreaming of.
Your Venue According to A Wedding Photographer
As a wedding photographer, I see venues through a very specific lens—and the first thing I do when I arrive is start scouting. I’m looking for clean, well-lit spots for portraits, open space for first looks, and smooth, even ground so the bride isn’t walking through mud or wobbling in heels. I check where the sun will be during the ceremony (especially outdoors), and I always note golden hour potential—ideally with no trees or buildings blocking that soft, glowing light. I look for clean backgrounds with no cars lined up in the distance, no dumpsters in corners, no glowing exit signs behind the altar. These things might seem small, but they can quietly distract from the moment. That said—I also want my couples to know I can make anything work. Over the years, I’ve learned how to camouflage distractions, work with tight or unexpected lighting, and still deliver galleries full of peace and beauty. A thoughtful venue helps—but a thoughtful photographer makes the most of any space. And that’s what I’m here to do.
Budget & What’s Included
Two venues may be the same price but offer very different value. Ask the right questions:
- Do they allow outside vendors or require their preferred list?
- Do they offer in-house services like catering or bar?
- Is there a venue manager (who oversees the property) or a true day-of coordinator (who runs your timeline)?
- Do they require additional insurance? Many venues require you or your vendors to carry an event insurance policy for your wedding date.
- Are tables, chairs, or linens included? Do they offer extras like a décor or prop closet?
✨ Pro tip: Make a side-by-side comparison of what’s included. Sometimes the higher rental fee saves money when you factor in rentals and coordination.
Rain Plans & Backup Options
No one wants to think about rain, but it’s a must.
- Is there indoor space large enough for all your guests?
- Can staff easily flip from an outdoor to indoor ceremony?
- Are there covered or window-lit spots for portraits if the weather doesn’t cooperate?
Always ask to see the rain plan space — don’t just look at the sunny day option.
My Daughter’s Venues
As for my girls, I believe they chose the best venues for the weddings that they envisioned. Both of our daughters are getting married soon, and while their weddings will look completely different, they’ll both be deeply them. Paige and Brandon are planning a small, intimate celebration near Alys Beach, Florida, where everything will happen at one beautiful Airbnb—from the Welcome Dinner to the ceremony to the dancing. It’ll be a full weekend of shared meals, late-night laughter, and quiet moments that matter. As a mom, I always say you can feel when a house holds joy—and I have a feeling this one will. Grace and Hunter, on the other hand, knew they wanted something local, classic, and timeless. She’s always loved the look of a chapel, and when we toured The Ivy in Flowood, it felt like the perfect fit. Clean white spaces, beautiful trees, space for 200 guests—it gives them the freedom to create something elegant and personal without losing the heart. I’ve always told my girls: when you know what matters most, the decisions come easier. And watching them plan days that reflect their values, their vision, and the people they love most—it’s a gift I don’t take for granted.
Final Thoughts
Your venue is the first big piece of your wedding puzzle. It sets your date, shapes your photos, and creates the atmosphere your guests will remember. Start with your guest list, know your style, envision your portraits, and ask detailed questions about budget and backup plans.
And finally — remember that Saturday isn’t your only option. Many venues in Central Mississippi offer discounts for weekday or Sunday weddings, and choosing an off-season date can open up availability and save money. Sometimes thinking outside the Saturday-box is the best way to secure the venue you truly love.
Questions to Ask As You Tour Wedding Venues.
Wedding Venue Checklist ✨
1. Guest Count
☐ Does it comfortably fit your guest list?
☐ Have you seen a sample floor plan?
2. Style & Aesthetic
☐ Does it match your wedding vision?
☐ Are there outdoor views / scenery you love?
☐ Will the space give you the look you want in photos?
3. Getting Ready Spaces
☐ Large enough for your bridal party + vendors?
☐ Natural light for makeup & photos?
☐ Comfortable spaces for both sides of the wedding party?
4. Portrait Opportunities
☐ Where will you do your first look?
☐ Sunset / golden hour spots?
☐ Options for indoor & outdoor photos?
5. Budget & Inclusions
☐ Are outside vendors allowed?
☐ Do they offer in-house catering/bar/florals?
☐ Venue manager vs. day-of coordinator?
☐ Tables, chairs, linens included?
☐ Décor or prop closet available?
6. Weather Plan
☐ Indoor space for all guests if it rains?
☐ Covered / window-lit photo spots?
☐ Clear backup plan from staff?
7. Flexibility
☐ Weekday or Sunday discounts available?
☐ Off-season pricing options?
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