How Far in Advance Should You Book a Wedding Venue?

The complete guide to finding your dream venue before someone else does.

Getting engaged is one of the most exciting seasons of your life. After celebrating with family and friends, there is one question that almost every couple starts asking:

"How far in advance should we book our wedding venue?"

Here's the biggest takeaway we learned:

The most popular wedding venues are often booking up to three years in advance.

That may sound surprising, but it's becoming the new normal, especially for Saturday weddings during peak wedding season. Couples are planning earlier than ever before, and venues with beautiful spaces, experienced teams, and exceptional guest experiences are filling their calendars fast.

The good news is that planning ahead doesn't have to feel overwhelming. Once you understand the timeline, you'll have plenty of time to find a venue you love and enjoy the rest of your wedding planning process.

This guide covers everything you need to know, from when to start touring venues to how to choose the right one for your wedding day.

Quick Answer

If you're short on time, here's what you need to know.

• Start touring venues shortly after getting engaged.
• Book your venue 18 to 24 months before your wedding whenever possible.
• If you have your heart set on a highly sought-after venue, plan for 24 to 36 months in advance.
• Saturday weddings from May through October book the fastest.
• Your venue should be the first major vendor you book.
• Having a flexible wedding date gives you more options.
• Estimate your guest count before you begin touring.
• Once you find a venue that feels right, don't wait too long to reserve your date.

Why Your Wedding Venue Should Come First

Your wedding venue is much more than the place where your ceremony and reception happen.

It sets the foundation for nearly every other decision you'll make.

Your venue helps determine:

• Your wedding date
• Your overall budget
• How many guests you can invite
• Which vendors are available
• Your catering and bar options
• Your wedding style
• Your photography locations
• Travel plans for your guests

Most photographers, florists, DJs, and planners will ask one question before anything else:

"Do you have your venue booked?"

Until you have a venue and a date, it's difficult to move forward with the rest of your planning. That's why we always recommend making your venue your first big decision.

So, How Early Should You Book?

There isn't one answer that fits every couple, but there are some general timelines that work well.

Wedding Date

When to Book

Peak season Saturday

24 to 36 months

Peak season Friday

18 to 30 months

Sunday wedding

12 to 24 months

Winter wedding

9 to 18 months

Weekday wedding

6 to 18 months

If you're hoping to get married during the midwests beautiful spring, summer, or fall seasons, the earlier you begin looking, the better your chances of getting your first-choice venue.

Many of the most popular venues now have waiting lists for prime dates, especially in September and October.

What Makes Some Venues Book So Far Ahead?

You might wonder why couples reserve venues years before their wedding.

There are a few reasons.

Peak Wedding Season

In the midwest, wedding season is busiest from May through October.

Beautiful weather, blooming gardens, and fall colors make these months incredibly popular.

That also means competition for dates is much higher.

Saturday Weddings

Saturday remains the most requested wedding day.

If you're open to a Friday or Sunday celebration, you'll often find more availability and a little more flexibility.

Limited Availability

Unlike hotels, wedding venues only host one wedding at a time.

Once your date is booked, it's gone.

For venues that offer exceptional service and beautiful spaces, calendars can fill quickly.

When Should You Start Touring Wedding Venues?

Our advice is simple.

Start touring as soon as you're engaged.

You don't need every detail figured out before scheduling tours.

In fact, many couples discover what they want by visiting venues in person.

Before you tour, it helps to have:

• An estimated guest count
• A general budget
• A preferred season
• A few inspiration photos
• An idea of the overall feel you're hoping for

Asking questions and seeing the spaces in person often makes your decision much easier than scrolling through photos online.

What Happens If You Wait Too Long?

Sometimes waiting works out just fine.

Other times, it means making compromises.

If you delay booking your venue, you may need to:

• Change your wedding date
• Choose a different venue
• Reduce your guest list
• Increase your budget
• Settle for vendors with less availability

If you're flexible, these may not be deal breakers.

If you've dreamed about one specific venue for years, booking early gives you the best chance of making that dream happen.

Choosing the Right Wedding Venue

Every couple is different.

Some dream of saying "I do" inside a greenhouse surrounded by natural light.

Others picture a waterfront rooftop celebration or an intimate dinner with their closest family and friends.

The best venue is the one that reflects your personalities and creates the experience you want your guests to remember.

Here are four beautiful venues that each offer something completely unique.

Ivy House

If you love bright spaces, beautiful gardens, and a romantic atmosphere, Ivy House might be exactly what you're looking for.

Its iconic greenhouse ceremony space has become one of West Michigan's most recognizable wedding locations. Inside, couples enjoy a bright, modern reception space while guests can explore the surrounding gardens and outdoor gathering areas.

Ivy House is perfect for couples who want an elegant wedding that feels relaxed, welcoming, and surrounded by nature.

Port 393

If modern architecture is more your style, Port 393 offers an unforgettable setting in downtown Holland.

From its rooftop terrace overlooking the waterfront to its industrial-inspired reception spaces, Port 393 combines contemporary design with warm hospitality.

The spacious layout makes it a wonderful option for larger celebrations while still feeling inviting and personal.

Belvedere Estate & Gardens

If you've always imagined turning your wedding into an entire weekend experience, Belvedere Estate & Gardens offers something truly special.

The historic estate is surrounded by beautifully maintained gardens and offers overnight accommodations for your closest family and friends. Instead of celebrating for just one evening, you can enjoy an entire weekend together with welcome parties, rehearsal dinners, your wedding day, and a farewell brunch.

It has all the charm of a destination wedding while keeping everyone close to home.

For couples looking for elegance, privacy, and a one-of-a-kind estate setting, Belvedere Estate is an unforgettable choice.

Emerson Lounge

Not every wedding needs a large ballroom.

Sometimes, smaller celebrations create the most meaningful memories.

Emerson Lounge is designed for intimate weddings, rehearsal dinners, welcome parties, and celebrations with your closest family and friends.

Its cozy atmosphere, elevated food and beverage experience, and stylish interiors make it feel both sophisticated and comfortable.

Which Venue Fits Your Wedding?

If you're looking for...

We recommend...

A greenhouse ceremony

Ivy House

A modern industrial venue

Port 393

A historic estate

Belvedere Estate & Gardens

A full wedding weekend

Belvedere Estate & Gardens

Overnight accommodations

Belvedere Estate & Gardens

Beautiful gardens

Ivy House or Belvedere Estate & Gardens

A rooftop cocktail hour

Port 393

An intimate celebration

Emerson Lounge

A larger guest list

Ivy House or Port 393

The best venue isn't necessarily the biggest or the most popular.

It's the one that feels like you.

Think Beyond the Wedding Day

As you compare venues, think about more than just the ceremony and reception.

Ask yourself questions like:

• Is there space for getting ready?
• Is there a rain plan?
• Are there beautiful locations for photos?
• Does the venue offer recommendations for catering, bar service, or décor?
• Will guests enjoy spending time here throughout the day?

The little details often make the biggest difference once your wedding day arrives.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is two years too early to book a wedding venue?

Not at all. Many of today's most popular venues are booking two to three years in advance, especially for Saturday weddings during peak season.

Should we book our venue before hiring other vendors?

Yes. Your venue determines your wedding date, which allows you to begin booking photographers, planners, florists, DJs, and everyone else.

What if we don't know our exact guest count yet?

That's completely normal. An estimated range is usually enough to determine which venues will fit your celebration.

How many venues should we tour?

Most couples tour three to five venues before making a decision. Touring too many can sometimes make the process feel overwhelming.

Can we still plan a wedding in less than a year?

Absolutely. Friday, Sunday, weekday, and winter weddings often have much more availability.

Final Thoughts

If there's one piece of advice we'd give any newly engaged couple, it's this.

Start looking at venues sooner than you think you need to.

You don't have to make every wedding decision immediately, but finding your venue early gives you more flexibility, more choices, and a much less stressful planning experience.

The most sought-after venues are booking years in advance, and once your dream date is gone, it's gone.

Whether you're envisioning a greenhouse ceremony at Ivy House, a modern celebration at Port 393, a weekend wedding at Belvedere Estate & Gardens, or an intimate gathering at Emerson Lounge, touring early gives you the best opportunity to find the venue that feels just right.

After all, your venue isn't just where your wedding happens.

It's where your marriage begins.

Ready to Start Touring?

There is no better way to choose a wedding venue than seeing it in person.

Walk through the ceremony spaces. Picture your first dance. Imagine your family celebrating together.

If you're beginning your wedding planning journey, we'd love to show you around.

Explore our collection of venues, schedule a tour, and find the place where your story begins.

We can't wait to meet you.

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Cover image captured by Danielle Wilson Photography