“The secret of getting ahead is getting started.” – Mark Twain

This couldn’t be truer when it comes to wedding planning!

Once your engagement is official and you’ve shared the excitement with family and friends, it’s time to start bringing your dream wedding to life. Choosing your venue is where the magic begins.

Your wedding venue is so much more than a place to say, “I do.” It’s the foundation that influences everything from your guest list and budget to your catering style. Whether you’re dreaming of an intimate affair with your closest family and friends or a grand celebration to bring everyone you love together, finding the right venue sets the tone for your entire planning journey.

The good news?

We’re here to help you with everything you need to know to find the perfect wedding venue! This guide will help you navigate every step, from your initial wedding venue research to asking all the right questions during tours, and finally booking the venue where you’ll start your happily ever after.

Elizabeth and Kevin’s stunning ceremony at The Treasury on the Plaza.
Photo: Angelita Esparar

The Ripple Effect of Choosing Your Wedding Venue

Your wedding venue isn’t just a location: it’s the heart of your entire celebration. From your timeline to your guest experience, nearly every planning decision builds outward from this one choice.

How Your Wedding Venue Impacts Your Wedding Budget

Let’s talk numbers for a minute. Your venue and everything that comes with it typically eats up about 40-50% of your wedding budget. That’s a big chunk! 

But here’s the thing: understanding what’s included is key to avoiding surprise costs that can throw your budget off track.

One of the biggest hurdles couples face when starting wedding venue research is comparing pricing based on what’s included at each venue. Some venues offer inclusive wedding package options, while others allow you to simply rent their beautiful space and hire a team of vendors to bring your dream wedding to life. Both approaches have their perks and drawbacks, but knowing what’s included in the venue pricing (and what’s not) helps you make smart decisions from day one.

Your Venue Choice and Its Impact on the Planning Timeline

Popular venues book up fast—we’re talking 12-18 months in advance for peak season dates. 

Once you’ve secured your venue and date, everything else starts falling into place. Photographers can share their availability, florists can start dreaming up the perfect arrangements to complement your space, and you can actually start making real plans instead of just dreaming about them.

Once you know your wedding date, you can work backwards to create the perfect wedding planning timeline. This allows you to book all of your necessary vendors and check off planning decisions at the appropriate time, so everything falls into place for the big day.

Creating a Great Guest Experience Starts With the Venue

Your venue and the city or location you choose for your wedding celebration influences the entire experience for your guests, from the moment they arrive until they say “adieu.”

When it comes to the venue, things like easy parking, accessible bathrooms, comfortable temperatures, and yes, even good cell service, all contribute to whether your guests have an amazing time. If you’re planning a destination wedding in a gorgeous place like St. Augustine, your location choice affects everything from where your guests will stay to the transportation options available to get around to all of your wedding activities. 

The right venue in the right location can turn your wedding into a mini-vacation your guests will treasure forever.

A celebratory sparkler exit from Hannah and Gavin’s big day.
Photo: Meagan Gaines Photography

Getting Ready to Fall in Love: Determining Your Wedding Venue Priorities

Before you start your wedding venue research, it’s important to take a step back. 

The couples who are happiest with their venue choice spend time deciding what kind of celebration they want to have before they fall head-over-heels for the first beautiful space they see.

Dreaming Up Your Perfect Day

Plan a cozy evening with your partner and really talk about what you both envision for your wedding day. This isn’t about Pinterest boards (though those are fun too!); it’s about the feeling you want to create and the experience you want to share with the people you love most.

Ask each other the following questions:

• What is the overall vibe that you want for your wedding day? Do you want elegant and formal, relaxed and fun, or something uniquely you?

• How big do you want your wedding to be? Do you want an intimate celebration where you can spend quality time with everyone, or a big party with dancing all night long?

• Where do you want your wedding to be? Do you want to keep things close to home, or are you envisioning a destination wedding?

• What traditions are (and are not) important to you? Have you always dreamed of getting married in a church? Are there any cultural or family traditions that are important to you?

• What kind of venue spaces do you gravitate towards? Does historic charm make your heart sing, or are you drawn to sleek modern spaces? Do you have your heart set on something outdoors (rain or shine), or do you want to keep everything indoors?

• How much do you realistically want to spend on your wedding? Do you want to splurge on a once-in-a-lifetime party, or do you want to save for other priorities? Are you going to finance the wedding yourselves, or will others be contributing to the wedding budget?

The Guest List Guessing Game

Okay, we know guest lists can be stressful, but you don’t need exact numbers yet! 

What you do need is a realistic ballpark. Start with the people you absolutely cannot imagine getting married without: your immediate family, closest friends, and the people you would be heartbroken not to have included.

Try making three lists: your ‘must-haves’ (A-list), your ‘would really love to include’ group (B-list), and your ‘if budget and space allow’ list (C-list). This gives you a range to work with and helps you understand how different venue sizes might work for your vision.

Remember, your guest count affects everything from venue capacity to your budget, so getting this range figured out early saves you from falling in love with venues that won’t work for your celebration size.

Budget Reality Check (But Make It Fun)

Nobody loves talking about budgets, but having a realistic range in mind for your venue and related costs helps you focus on options that won’t stress you out financially. 

A good rule of thumb is to expect venue, catering, and bar service to take up about 40-50% of your total wedding budget.

Do a little research on typical costs in your desired area to set realistic expectations. Desirable locations often come with premium pricing because of their charm and destination appeal, but they also provide unique value through stunning architecture and unique experiences that you wouldn’t find elsewhere.

Date Flexibility = More Options (and Savings!)

Here’s a little secret: being flexible with your date opens up so many more possibilities and can even save you money. 

Those popular Saturday dates book up super early, but Friday, Sunday, and even weeknight celebrations are just as magical, and often come with better pricing and vendor availability.

Think about what season speaks to you. Spring and fall are gorgeous (and popular), summer gives you long, sunny days, and winter can be absolutely magical, especially in St. Augustine during the Nights of Lights holiday season. Each has its own charm and pricing considerations.

Nadiya and Cameron took advantage of the Nights of Lights season in St. Augustine. The result? A beautiful backdrop for photos.
Photo: Angelita Esparar

Learn More About The Treasury’s Packages and Pricing

Explore our wedding packages and discover why couples fall in love with our flexible wedding venue options.

Discover Our Wedding Packages

Wedding Venue Research

Your time is precious, and venue tours take time and energy. 

The smart move? 

A little bit of research up front will make sure you’re only touring venues that actually work for your celebration. Trust us, there’s nothing worse than falling in love with a venue only to find out your date is already booked, or it’s way over budget.

How to Research Wedding Venues

Researching wedding venues isn’t always as easy as throwing the perfect prompt into ChatGPT (although AI can sometimes aid in your wedding venue search!). 

Start with a few broad web searches to see what types of venues are available in your preferred area. Platforms like The Knot, WeddingWire, and Zola are especially helpful. They allow you to compare locations, amenities, capacities, and pricing ranges all in one place. While you’re browsing, don’t forget to read reviews from other couples. Their experiences can provide valuable insights into communication, staff professionalism, and what it actually feels like to host your wedding at that location.

From there, take your research to social media. Instagram, TikTok, and Pinterest offer a real-time look at how couples use the venue spaces. Search for top wedding venues, browse recent Reels or TikToks from weddings, and explore tagged photos. This is often the best way to get an authentic sense of a venue’s personality, layout, and photo opportunities. 

Once you’ve narrowed your list, visit each venue’s official website. This is where you’ll find the most accurate, up-to-date information about packages, pricing, availability, amenities, and special offers. Many venues also share virtual tours and photo galleries to help you envision your day.

When something feels like a fit, it’s time to reach out directly. Contact the venue by phone or email to discuss your wedding vision, confirm date availability, and ask any questions you may have about logistics or customization. A quick conversation can give you a clear idea of how well a venue aligns with your needs, and how excited they are to help bring your celebration to life.

Annie and John’s wedding reception at The Treasury on the Plaza.
Photo: Angelita Esparar

Questions to Answer Before You Book Tours

Once you start a conversation with each wedding venue, make sure to clarify these important questions.

What Dates are Available?

Before you spend a valuable weekend touring venues, make sure your preferred date or dates are actually available. 

When you call or email, give them a few date options or a range of months you’re considering. If your date is flexible, ask if there are any advantages or disadvantages to choosing an off-peak date or day of the week. You might discover that shifting your date could save you significant money.

Will Your Group Fit Comfortably?

Size matters, but it’s not just about maximum allowable capacity. A venue might technically fit 250 people, but once tables, a dance floor, and a stage are set up, the guest capacity might be a totally different number. 

You want to make sure everyone’s comfortable and that the space has enough room for your layout needs. Many venues can accommodate more guests for cocktail-style receptions than they can for dinners with seating for every guest. If you’re envisioning those trendy long family-style or serpentine tables, that may change your guest count, or even limit which venues you can choose from. 

Some venues have flexible spaces that can be configured in unique ways, based on your guest count and celebration style. The Treasury on the Plaza is a great example of this flexibility. We’ve created magical, intimate celebrations for 40 guests and equally amazing grand affairs for up to 175 guests. 

Getting the Real Scoop on Pricing: What’s Actually Included?

Venue pricing can be tricky to compare because venues include different things in their rental and package fees. Some give you everything you need for a complete celebration, while others provide a beautiful blank canvas, allowing you to bring in everything else. Neither approach is better. It just depends on your preferences and planning style.

When it comes to pricing and packages, make sure to ask about:

• Included tables, chairs, linens, and basic décor
• Lighting: What’s included versus what’s needed?
• Sound systems and microphones
• Set up and cleanup services
• Day-of coordination and venue management (These are not the same thing!)
• Parking options and any parking fees
• What getting-ready spaces are included in the pricing, and what time you have access.
• Any additional fees, such as service charges, security, and taxes

Understanding these inclusions helps you see the real value and budget effectively.

At The Treasury on the Plaza, we offer several different package options to choose from. Our Custom Package, Eat, Drink, and Be Married Package, and Inclusive Package offer different levels of included amenities and vendors, so you can choose the package that best suits your planning style.

Bridgette and Christian utilized The Treasury on the Plaza’s Inclusive Wedding Package for their big day. | Photo: Bow Tie Photo & Video

Understanding Vendor Rules and Requirements

Every venue has different vendor policies. These rules can significantly impact your planning process and budget. Getting clear on requirements early saves you from surprises down the road.

Food and Beverage Rules

Catering policies vary wildly between venues. Some require you to use their in-house catering, while others give you a list of approved caterers to choose from, and still others let you bring in any licensed, insured caterer. 

In-house catering often means easier coordination and consistent quality, but it may come at higher prices and with less menu flexibility. Independent caterers might offer more creative options and competitive pricing, but you’ll need to manage this planning separately from your venue.

Bar service works similarly. Some venues handle everything in-house, while others require you to hire an outside company with a liquor license. Some venues, such as religious institutions, don’t allow alcohol at all. Understanding these policies helps you budget correctly and avoid surprises.

Wedding Coordination Requirements

Many venues require that couples hire a professional wedding coordinator, and honestly, it’s usually for good reason. 

Successful weddings have lots of moving parts, and experienced coordinators help everything run smoothly. Requirements range from day-of services to full planning support. 

When discussing this topic with venues, you may hear that some offer “in-house coordination” as a part of their services. It’s very important to get clarity on what this service includes. A venue manager’s role at most venues differs significantly from that of a wedding planner or coordinator. 

Understanding this helps you budget for planning services and choose venues that match the level of support that you want.

Allison and Zachary had the help of the wedding planning team at Uncorked Occasions for their St. Augustine Wedding | Photo: Life & Love Studio

Making the Most of Your Wedding Venue Tours

Venue tours let you experience the spaces firsthand, offer the opportunity to ask important questions, and help you really start to envision your celebration. A little preparation goes a long way toward making these tours productive and enjoyable.

Wedding Venue Tour Tips

Keep Your Tour Group Small and Sweet

Many people are probably excited to see which venues you’re considering. However, we recommend keeping your tour group small–ideally just you and your partner–maybe with a few key family members, if they’re significantly involved in planning or budget decisions.

Large groups make it harder to have meaningful conversations, and too many opinions can complicate what should be a joyful decision-making process.

If having other people see your venue is important to you, consider scheduling a follow-up tour after you’ve narrowed it down to your top venue.

Consider Touring on a Weekday

If possible, schedule your venue tours during the week rather than on weekends. Weekdays are typically less busy, so your tour won’t be rushed by other events, and you’ll have more flexibility with timing. You’ll also likely get a more relaxed experience with staff, making it easier to ask questions, explore the space thoroughly, and really envision your wedding day.

What to Bring and Wear on a Venue Tour

Come prepared with any questions you’d like to have answered and a way to take notes. (See our helpful list of tour questions, below!) If you have any inspiration photos, save those to your phone before the tour. 

Wear comfortable shoes. You’ll likely be doing some walking, possibly on different surfaces or up and down stairs. Dress appropriately for the weather if you’ll be touring outdoor spaces. Make sure your phone is charged or bring a portable charger, since you might be taking photos and notes.

Let’s Make This Easy for You

Skip the guesswork and tour a venue that checks all the boxes. Our Treasury team is standing by to answer your questions and schedule a tour of our beautiful space.

Schedule a Tour of Treasury On The Plaza

Your Complete Venue Tour Question Checklist

Below, you’ll find a comprehensive list of questions that may be helpful during wedding venue tours. You won’t need to ask every single question at every venue. (In most cases, questions will be answered naturally as you tour the spaces.) Having these questions handy as a checklist at the end of your tour can help ensure that all your most pressing questions are answered before you leave.

[Click HERE to download these questions as a PDF]

Venue Spaces and Event Flow:

• What are the most common ways couples utilize each space during a wedding?
• What does a typical wedding-day timeline look like at this venue?
• Which areas of the venue are accessible for elderly or disabled guests?
• Where do guests enter and exit? Are there waiting areas before doors open?
• How many restrooms are available, and where are they located?
  

Services, Amenities, and Setup Questions:

• What services and amenities are included with the venue rental? Is any furniture, décor, or lighting included? Are upgrades available?
• Where do bands or DJs usually set up? Do they need additional power or staging?
• Is a dance floor included?
• For outdoor spaces, are heaters, fans, or tents available?
• Is there anything else that is typically needed for a successful event (e.g., water access, bathrooms, catering equipment, lighting)?
• Are there any existing pieces (furniture, décor, artwork) that cannot be moved?
• Are there any eyesores, fixtures, or areas that couples typically cover or hide?
• Are there any restrictions on décor (e.g., open flames, ceiling installations, sparklers, confetti)?
• Who is responsible for setting up and breaking down personal décor?
• Is post-event cleaning included in the rental cost?
• If catering or bar service is in-house, is there a food and beverage minimum?
• Is a food or beverage tasting included? When and where does it occur?

Timing, Access, and Restrictions:

• How many hours are included in the rental or package? Can additional time be added?
• What are the vendor and venue access times?
• Are there any noise restrictions, curfews, or time limits?
• Do you host multiple events on the same day? If so, how is that managed?
• What is the backup plan for outdoor spaces if the weather becomes an issue?
• What is your policy on pets on-site?

Staffing and Support:

• Do you have preferred or required vendor lists?
• Do you require a wedding coordinator? What level of service?
• Who will be our main point of contact at the venue during planning and on the wedding day?
• What venue staff will be on-site the day of the wedding, and what are their responsibilities?
• Is security required or provided?

Guest Experience:

• Are there nearby accommodations for guests?
• What are the recommended transportation options? Do you offer valet or shuttle services (or partner with vendors who do)?
• Is parking available on-site? How many spaces are included, and are there any associated fees?

Photos and Media:

• Are there any photography restrictions (flash, drone usage, off-limits areas)?
• Are there particularly popular spots on the property for photos?

Rehearsals and Additional Access:

• Is a rehearsal included? If so, when does it typically take place?
• Can couples access the venue before the wedding day for walkthroughs and vendor meetings?

Financial and Administrative:

• Can you hold our date? How long do we have to decide?
• What is required to secure a date (deposit amount and due date)?
• What does the payment schedule look like, and what forms of payment are accepted?
• Are service charges, taxes, and gratuity included in quoted prices?
• Is wedding insurance required? What type do you recommend?
• What are the cancellation and rescheduling policies?

Asking thoughtful questions during your venue tour ensures you fully understand what’s included, what you’ll need to plan for, and how the space will function on your wedding day. The more clarity you gain up front, the easier it is to compare venues and choose the one that aligns best with your vision, budget, and priorities. Don’t be afraid to take notes or ask follow-up questions. Your venue team is there to help you make an informed, confident decision.

After some photos downtown, Devon and Ryan return to their venue for their wedding reception.
Photo: Lunic Visuals

Wedding Venue Virtual Tours: Pros and Cons

Virtual venue tours have become really sophisticated and can be a great way to narrow down your options, especially if you are unable to tour your favorite venues in person. While they can’t completely replace being in a space, they can be the next best thing. 

When Virtual Tours Are Your Friend

Virtual tours are especially valuable if you’re planning a destination wedding or have limited time to visit venues. They let you explore multiple venues efficiently and get a real sense of the space and style. For St. Augustine destination weddings, virtual tours are perfect for that initial venue evaluation without having to travel for every single venue you’re considering.

Virtual tours also let you involve family members or wedding planners in the initial selection process, regardless of where everyone lives. This can be really valuable when key family members want to be part of venue discussions, but live far away.

What Virtual Tours Can’t Tell You

While virtual tours are incredibly helpful, they can’t replace the experience of standing in the space yourself. Acoustics, natural lighting throughout the day, and the true feel of the room — its size, flow, and atmosphere — are all much easier to judge in person.

Practical details like accessibility features, restroom locations, and vendor access points are also often harder to assess through a virtual tour. A guided virtual walkthrough with a venue team member can help bridge the gap by giving you additional insights and answering questions that aren’t fully addressed in the video alone.

Comparing Your Wedding Venue Options Like a Pro

After you’ve toured your venues, it’s helpful to step back and evaluate your options with a clear mind. A systematic approach allows you to compare venues objectively while still honoring your emotional reactions to each space.

Create a Pros and Cons List

Take stock of all that you’ve learned and compare pros and cons. Consider factors like location, capacity, included services, vendor policies, pricing, and overall vibe. Give extra weight to the categories that are most important to your celebration.

Include both the hard facts (cost per guest, included hours, capacity) and intangible elements (how the staff made you feel, the venue’s beauty, the flexibility they offer). This balanced perspective helps you consider both the practical and emotional sides of each option.

Take Advantage of Wedding Venue Date Holds

Many wedding venues, including The Treasury on the Plaza, offer 48-hour courtesy holds. Taking advantage of this hold period gives you time to compare your options and think more clearly about each venue, without losing your preferred date.

Use this time to review your notes, talk through impressions with your partner, and revisit venue websites or photo galleries. Don’t hesitate to reach back out with follow-up questions! Getting clarity ensures you feel fully confident in your final choice.

A sweet, happy moment after Ariel and James said “I do” at The Treasury.
Photo: Spencer Luca Photo

Making the Final Venue Decision

Choosing your wedding venue is a blend of practical considerations and personal intuition. It’s about finding the space that meets your must-have requirements while also feeling like the place where you truly want to celebrate your marriage. The right venue should check your essential boxes and spark genuine excitement about your wedding day.

Trust Your Gut

After all your research and careful evaluation, don’t forget to trust your emotional response. 

The venue where you can most easily picture your wedding day, where you feel excited about celebrating, and where the staff genuinely seems to care about making your day amazing–that’s often your answer.

Pay attention to how each venue team made you feel during tours and follow-up interactions. Responsive, knowledgeable staff who seem genuinely excited about your celebration often indicate the level of service you’ll receive throughout planning and on your wedding day.

Your Perfect Wedding Venue Awaits

Ready to find the one? Contact The Treasury on the Plaza today and let us help you create the celebration of your dreams in America’s oldest city.

Contact Treasury On The Plaza

Sealing the Deal

Once you’ve chosen your venue, act quickly to start the booking process and secure your date. Understanding contract terms, payment requirements, and next steps ensures a smooth booking experience and sets you up for successful wedding planning.

Reviewing the Wedding Venue Contract

Read through the venue contract carefully and don’t hesitate to ask questions about anything that’s unclear. Pay special attention to what services are guaranteed, cancellation policies, payment schedules, and any restrictions that could affect your planning.

Make sure any verbal promises made during tours show up in the written contract. If venue staff mentioned specific inclusions or accommodations, verify that these details are documented in your agreement.

What Happens Next?

With your venue secured, you can confidently move forward with booking other vendors. Your priority list typically includes wedding coordinators, caterers, photographers, and any vendors with limited availability for your wedding date.

Communication with your venue may ebb and flow throughout your engagement. There will be periods of frequent check-ins, especially as you approach key deadlines, and other times when longer gaps are completely normal while you focus on booking vendors or planning other details.

Establish regular communication with your venue team and make sure you understand their planning timeline. Many venues have specific deadlines for submitting floor plans, guest counts, vendor information, insurance certificates, and bar or catering selections. Knowing these milestones upfront helps you stay organized and avoid last-minute stress.

Many venues also provide planning guides or checklists to keep you on track. Use these tools as your roadmap, and don’t hesitate to reach out whenever you need clarification. Consistent communication ensures a smooth, well-coordinated planning experience.

The Treasury on the Plaza historic architecture on the ceiling of the ballroom.
Photo: Felicia April Photography

The Treasury on the Plaza Makes Venue Selection Easy

Every wedding venue has its own strengths and limitations, and part of the selection process is finding a space that naturally aligns with your priorities. 

Many couples appreciate The Treasury on the Plaza’s inherent beauty, unique package options, layout flexibility, and an incredible venue support team…among other benefits. 

Built-In Architectural Beauty

The Treasury’s 1920s Art Deco architecture creates an elegant backdrop without requiring significant transformation. Features like the soaring ceilings, original moldings, and dramatic lighting provide a sophisticated setting that many couples find needs only minimal décor to feel personalized. This allows you to direct your budget toward meaningful design touches rather than trying to elevate a blank space.

Flexible Layout for a Range of Guest Counts

The Grand Ballroom is designed to accommodate both intimate celebrations and larger gatherings. Professional lighting and adjustable layouts help ensure the room feels inviting, whether you’re hosting 40 or 175 guests. 

This flexibility provides peace of mind as your guest count evolves during planning. You know your venue can accommodate changes without compromising the celebration atmosphere.

A Supportive, Experienced Team

Our experienced event management team provides dedicated support from your initial inquiry through your wedding day celebration. Your venue event manager ensures every detail receives proper attention while coordinating seamlessly with your other vendors.

This support system helps you navigate venue-related decisions confidently so you can focus on the personal and creative aspects of planning that bring the most joy to your engagement.

Ready to Start Your Wedding Venue Search?

Choosing your wedding venue is one of the most exciting milestones in your planning journey. It’s the moment when your wedding dreams become real plans, and the foundation for one of life’s most important celebrations is established.

With everything you’ve learned in this guide, you’re prepared to navigate venue selection confidently and efficiently. 

Come See The Treasury on the Plaza for Yourself

If you’d like to experience the venue firsthand, our team would be happy to show you around. Contact our team to schedule a venue tour and discover how we can bring your wedding vision to life.

During your visit, you’ll explore our venue spaces, learn about our packages, and get answers to all your questions. Most importantly, you’ll get a true sense of how a space feels and whether it aligns with your celebration.

Contact The Treasury on the Plaza today to begin your venue selection journey. We can’t wait to help you create the wedding celebration of your dreams in the heart of historic St. Augustine.