How Far in Advance to Book Your Perfect Wedding Venue in Utah County?
Wondering when to secure your dream wedding venue in Utah County?
Timing is everything for planning your perfect day—let’s explore the ideal timeline!
Why Booking Your Venue Early Matters (and Why It’s Basically Step #1)
Planning a wedding comes with a lot of moving pieces, but the venue is the foundation. Historically, securing your location early is one of the smartest first steps you can take.
While venues have traditionally been the first booking after a proposal, photographers are catching up to historical trends. Thanks to Instagram, today’s brides are highly visual—often following multiple photographers as they imagine their big day.
That said, consider that booking your venue early sets the tone for your entire wedding. It shapes the style, the atmosphere, and gives you confidence to plan the rest. In Utah County, where beautiful landscapes and unique venues are everywhere, competition is real, making early booking even more important.
Early booking can also save you a big stressor as securing your preferred date early, especially during popular months. With the venue secured, you can focus on other details, coordinate smoothly with vendors, and enjoy the planning process without unnecessary stress.
Seasonal Considerations
Especially in Utah County, several factors can affect when you should lock in your wedding venue.
First off, your wedding date matters, too. Peak season in Utah runs from March to July, with September-November as a secondary peak. That week after college finals (third week of April and December) are in high demand. If you’re planning for these months, booking up to 6-8 months ahead isn’t unusual. Off-peak dates, like winter weddings and weekdays, often give you a bit more flexibility.
One of the biggest is popularity. Highly sought-after venues (like La Fete, Ahem!), especially those with unique features or prime locations, can book more than a year in advance. If your heart is set on a popular spot, it’s smart to start your search early to avoid missing out. With engagement-to-wedding timelines compressed for our brides, this becomes even more important.
The size and complexity of your wedding also play a role. Bigger weddings with lots of guests—or weddings with special traditions, unique décor, or logistical needs—usually require more planning. Booking early ensures you have time to coordinate all the details and work closely with the venue/vendor teams.
Tips for Finding the Perfect Wedding Venue
Finding your dream venue is about more than just falling in love with a pretty space—it’s about making sure it fits your vision and your needs.
Set your budget first. Knowing what you can spend helps narrow your options and prevents falling for a venue that’s out of reach. Remember, the cost often includes more than the rental—think catering, décor, and rentals. Lucky for you, venues in Utah County are less expensive than other parts of Utah (and the country) given the younger age of couples getting married.
Know your guest count. The venue should comfortably fit everyone for dining, dancing, and any other activities. Having a rough estimate early makes it easier to filter your options - don’t worry if you’re not terribly accurate early on - but also know a rough estimate will help you pick. Note: Utah County weddings run from 120-160 on average.
Match your style. Your venue should complement your theme, whether that’s a rustic barn, glamorous ballroom, or intimate garden. Visit in person to check the vibe, lighting, layout, and existing décor—make sure it feels like your wedding day vision come to life.
Practical Tips for Evaluating Wedding Venues
Choosing a wedding venue isn’t just about how it looks—it’s about how it works for your day.
Location & accessibility. Make sure your guests, especially out-of-towners, can get there easily. Check for nearby hotels and transportation options so everyone can arrive stress-free. Parking also matters, and was a big concern for us as we’re located in downtown Provo and some venues locally struggle (we have two big parking garages adjacent to our venue - we’re good!)
Policies & restrictions. Ask about rules on catering, alcohol, access time and the like. Some venues require using preferred vendors—make sure their options fit your style and budget. We at La Fête have a well-seasoned Prefered Vendor list but we are happy to work with who want.
Staff & support. A dedicated venue coordinator or event planner can be a game-changer. Ask about the team’s experience and how much support they’ll provide on your wedding day. A reliable staff keeps everything running smoothly.
Common Mistakes to Avoid When Booking a Venue
Booking your wedding venue is a big decision, and avoiding a few common mistakes can save you time, money, and stress.
Not setting a clear budget. Touring venues without a budget can quickly lead to disappointment. Set a realistic number before you start looking and factor in more than just the rental fee—think catering, décor, and any add-on services.
Ignoring logistics. A beautiful venue still needs to function well. Consider accessibility, parking, guest capacity, and nearby accommodations—especially for out-of-town guests. Make sure the layout works for your ceremony, reception, and any planned activities.
Skipping the fine print. Contracts matter. Payment schedules, cancellation policies, and venue rules can impact your plans more than you expect. Read everything carefully, ask questions, and consider having a planner or legal professional review the contract before you sign.
Conclusion: Making Your Venue Booking Hassle-Free
Securing your dream wedding venue in Utah County is a major milestone, and starting early makes a huge difference. When you understand why timing matters, factor in seasonality, and know what to look for, you set yourself up for a smoother, less stressful planning experience.
Use these tips to find and evaluate venues that truly fit your vision—both aesthetically and practically. Lean into the natural beauty and charm Utah County offers, stay mindful of common booking mistakes, and trust the process.
With a little planning and intention, booking your venue can actually feel exciting (not overwhelming) and set the tone for a wedding day you and your guests will remember forever.
Happy planning ✨
