A wedding venue is one of the most important parts of a wedding. Once you’ve booked your venue, everything else will begin to fall into place. It can be tough to find the perfect spot that suits your style and budget, but we’re here to help.

Before you start the time-consuming process of interviewing and touring Rocky Mountain wedding venues, take some time as a couple to define your vision. Prioritize the important parts of the wedding to each of you and make a list of non-negotiables, plus a list of nice to haves. This will guide your decision and help you stay true to your vision when you get swept away by cool venue features that aren’t really central to what really matters to you and your partner.

Here is a helpful list of questions you can ask potential venues so you can get a clear picture to make a decision:

What dates do you have open, and how far in advance can we book? 

Tip: You can save a lot on a venue by booking on a day of the week that isn’t a Saturday. Expect that long weekends in the mountains mean higher accommodation prices and more crowds, so avoiding those weekends will ultimately help you save overall. 

Do we have to have preferred vendors? Is there a contractual obligation to book only the vendors listed?

Note: All the wedding venues listed on the RMWC website refer to the Collective vendors as their preferred vendor list. Preferred Vendor Lists exist because it gives the venue and couple the best chance of a successful event, giving everyone a positive experience.

Vendors who have a positive relationship with the venue and understand the ins and outs of their space, bring ease to already complex events with multiple moving parts. However, rarely is the preferred vendor list a contractual obligation, simply a recommendation. Ask if you’re considering a vendor that isn’t on the list. 

Emerald Lake Wedding Venue: Emerald Lake Lodge | Emerald Lake Wedding Planner: Rocky Mountain Weddings | Canmore wedding florals by Elements Floral | Emerald Lake Wedding Decor by Mountain Event Rentals | Wedding Gown by Sinders Bridal House – Miss Stella York | Cake by DQ

Do you have liability insurance? Are outside vendors required to have any specific insurance in order to operate here? 

What is included in the package and what is considered additional?

Ask about specifics around food & beverage, liquor license, bartender service, corkage fees, cake cutting, sound equipment, chairs, linens, table, and glassware.

How long do we have the room for, and what other rooms do we have access to?

Consider if you will require a coat room, cocktail area, a separate room for traditional ceremonies such as a Wedding Tea Ceremony, a room for the wedding party, and storage for decor and equipment.

Are accommodations provided or available at a discounted rate? If not, what are the nearest accommodation options? 

What is the weather contingency for outdoor spaces?

Canmore Wedding Venue: Stewart Creek Golf Course | Canmore Wedding Hair and Makeup by Simple Me | Wedding Commissioner: Patrick Smiley | Wedding Florals by Flower House YYC| Wedding Gown by Novelle Bridal |Suits by Derks

When would we or our vendors have access to the space to set up? 

Are there any restrictions around decor? Any overall venue restrictions? 

Canmore Wedding Venue: Stewart Creek Golf Course

Do you have a sound system, podium, and microphone for speeches? A projector and screen?

Canmore Wedding Venue The Malcolm Hotel | Wedding Planning by Boutiq Weddings

Are your staff available to assist with decor takedown after the reception is over?

Is there a secure place we can store gifts and decor or does it have to be taken off-site that evening? 

Can we move things around or does it have to be left as is?

Emerald Lake Wedding Venue: Emerald Lake Lodge | Emerald Lake Wedding Planner: Rocky Mountain Weddings | Canmore wedding florals by Elements Floral | Emerald Lake Wedding Decor by Mountain Event Rentals

Will you provide signage to help guide guests to the right area? 

Is parking available? Will there be anything else going on that day that will make it hard for our guests to park?

These are just a few examples of questions to ask. Your venue is the bulk of your wedding expense so you should feel confident in the level of customer service you’re receiving from your venue.

We’re proud to recommend a number of Rocky Mountain Wedding Venues in Banff, Canmore, Lake Louise, Emerald Lake, and more. All our venues have been selectively curated for their elevated service, incredible food, friendly and welcoming staff, and most importantly, their stunning Rocky Mountain views!

We also have 360 Virtual Wedding Venue Tours available for some of our venues to help you visualize your wedding day in the space.

We have humans behind the scenes, here to answer questions and assist in finding your perfect Banff wedding venue! Get in touch.