12 Tips To Help You Find And Choose A Wedding Venue in Perth

You said “YES” The ring is sparkling. The congratulations are pouring in. And you’re floating on a cloud of pure, unadulterated joy. Then comes the gentle nudge… “So, have you thought about where you’ll get married?” Suddenly, that cloud feels a little… denser.

For many couples, choosing where to celebrate is the first big decision that shapes everything else.

After helping hundreds of Perth couples create their dream celebrations here at Salute Function Centre. We’ve gathered the best advice to help you find the perfect wedding venue. From hidden costs to logistics. This guide tackles everything that matters when selecting the space where your forever begins.

Why Your Perfect “I Do” Venue Matters More Than You Think

Welcome to the wonderful & wild world of wedding planning. Choosing where you’ll celebrate the biggest party of your lives is arguably the first big hurdle after the proposal. It sets the tone, influences your budget, dictates your guest list size. And basically, shapes the entire day.

Finding the one (venue, that is) can feel like searching for a needle in a haystack made of tulle and fairy lights. You’ve probably already typed “Wedding Venues Perth“ into Google about fifty times. Scrolled endlessly through Instagram, and maybe even saw scary wedding threads across social platforms. “HELP! Venue cancelled 2 months out!” or “What hidden costs should I look for in a wedding venue?”

Deep breaths. It is manageable.

Think of it like dating. You need to know what you’re looking for. Go on a few ‘dates’ (venue tours). Ask the right questions. And ultimately, find the one that gives you that feeling. In sunny Perth, we’re spoiled for choice, from beachfront beauties to elegant city spaces.

Here are 10 tips, gathered from experience, observation, and yes, listening to what real couples stress about, to help you Choose A Wedding Venue that’s perfect for your love story.

Find And Choose A Wedding Venue in Perth | 12 Tips

Tip 1: Define Your Vision Before Venue Hunting

Before scrolling through endless galleries of beautiful wedding venues, take time to align on the basics:

Taking just one evening to discuss these elements can save you weeks of venue-hunting frustration.

Tip 2: The “B” Word: Understand the True Cost & Budget

When couples visit venues, pricing confusion tops the list of complaints. The advertised cost rarely tells the full story.

A Perth wedding venue might seem affordable at first glance. But could include hidden costs that drastically affect your budget. Here’s what to ask about beyond the base rental fee:

• Service fees and gratuities (often 18-25% of food and beverage)
• Corkage fees if bringing your own alcohol
• Overtime charges if your celebration runs long
• Setup and breakdown costs
• Insurance requirements
• Furniture rental necessities
• Minimum spending requirements for off-season dates

Pro tip: Create a standardised spreadsheet before visiting venues to track these costs consistently across options. This simple organisation technique helped Emma and James, who married at Salute last spring, save nearly $5,000 by identifying a venue that included services others charged extra for.

Tip 3: Visit During Your Planned Event Time

Many couples tour venues during convenient weekday hours, missing crucial elements of how the space will feel during their actual celebration. Wedding reception venues can transform dramatically as lighting changes.

Request to visit during the same time of day (and ideally season) as your planned event. Pay attention to:

• Natural light patterns and shadows
• Noise levels from surrounding areas
• Temperature and climate conditions
• How staff handles the transition between ceremony and reception setups
• The “ambience flow” from arrivals through departures

This approach gives you the most accurate preview of your actual wedding day experience.

Tip 4: Consider Guest Experience Logistics

While your vision matters tremendously, the practical experience of your guests significantly impacts your celebration’s success. The most common complaint in wedding guest feedback relates to logistical inconveniences.

Evaluate these often-overlooked elements when selecting a wedding venue:

1. Accessibility: Are there accommodations for elderly or disabled guests?
2. Parking situation: Is it ample, affordable, and convenient?
3. Transportation: How will out-of-town guests reach the venue?
4. Weather contingency plans: Indoor options if rain threatens your garden ceremony?
5. Accommodations: Are there lodging options within a reasonable distance?
6. Comfort features: Air conditioning, heating, comfortable seating, and sufficient restrooms

Ryan and Claire prioritised these factors when choosing their venue: “We had several elderly grandparents attending who couldn’t manage stairs or long walks. Finding a beautiful space that was also fully accessible narrowed our options but made the day so much more enjoyable for everyone.”

Tip 5: Check Food and Beverage Flexibility

The dining experience typically consumes 40-50% of your wedding budget. Understanding a venue’s food and beverage policies is important to both satisfaction and cost management.

The most important questions to ask:

• Is an in-house caterer mandatory or can you bring external vendors?
• What are the minimum spending requirements?
• Can menus be customized for dietary restrictions?
• Are tastings included, and for how many people?
• What are the alcohol policies and options?
• Are there cake-cutting fees or restrictions?

Wedding packages Perth venues offer vary dramatically in flexibility. Some couples prefer the simplicity of comprehensive packages, while others want the creative freedom to curate their own dining experience.

At Salute Function Centre, we’ve found that flexibility with food and beverage options is among the top three decision factors for couples.

Tip 6: Research Noise Restrictions and End Times

Nothing dampens celebration spirits faster than being told at 9:30 PM that the music must end due to noise ordinances. Perth wedding venues have varying restrictions based on location and local regulations.

Important elements to investigate:

• Hard end times for music and events
• Decibel restrictions that might affect your band or DJ
• Additional fees for extended hours
• Neighbourhood or building-specific quiet hours
• Setup and breakdown time allowances

These factors significantly impact your timeline and the overall flow of your celebration. Couples who research these aspects avoid disappointment and potential additional fees.

Tip 7: Assess Vendor Restrictions and Relationships

Some venues require you to use their preferred vendors, while others allow any professional you choose. This policy can dramatically impact both your wedding style and budget.

Questions to clarify:

• Is there a mandatory vendor list or are you free to choose?
• Are there additional fees for bringing outside vendors?
• Do outside vendors need to provide specific insurance certificates?
• What’s the venue’s history with your preferred professionals?
• Does the venue provide coordinator services, or will you need separate planning help?

The relationship between venues and vendors is crucial. Choosing a Perth wedding venue that already has a great relationship with the photographers can save so much stress. They know all the best spots for photos and exactly how the lighting works in different spaces.

Tip 8: Understand Setup and Decor Limits

Before envisioning decor transformations, verify what’s possible within venue guidelines.

Common restrictions include:

• Open flame policies (affecting candles and certain lighting)
• Wall attachment limitations (for drapery, signs, or backdrops)
• Confetti, rice, or petal restrictions
• Historical preservation requirements in heritage buildings
• Furniture moving policies

Ask to see photos of different setups from past weddings to understand the venue’s versatility. Many beautiful wedding venues have inherent charm requiring minimal decoration, potentially saving you thousands in decor costs.

The decor flexibility chart below summarizes what to look for:

Tip 9: Decode Wedding Packages & Inclusions: What’s Really Included?

This is where things can get confusing. Venues offer different pricing structures: some are venue hire only (you bring everything else in), some have minimum spends, and many offer packages. Understanding Wedding Packages Perth options is crucial.

Alex and Chloe thought they found a bargain venue hire fee. Turns out, they then had to hire tables, chairs, linens, cutlery, glassware, service staff, security, and pay a premium for bringing in external caterers. Their “bargain” quickly became one of the most expensive options.

Ask Detailed Questions:

• What exactly is included in the package/hire fee? (Food, beverages, staff, basic décor, AV equipment, setup/pack down time?)
• Are there different tiers of packages? What are the differences?
• What are the beverage options? (Per-person package vs. consumption bar?)
• Are there preferred/exclusive vendors you must use? (This can limit choice and sometimes increase cost).
• How long do you get access to the venue on the day?

Here’s a conceptual breakdown of what to look for:

Always, always get a detailed quote outlining every single inclusion and potential extra cost. This will help you compare apples with apples when looking at different Wedding Reception Venues.

Tip 10: Evaluate Privacy and Exclusivity

One frequently overlooked aspect of venue selection is privacy. Will your celebration be the only event on-site, or might you encounter other weddings or events occurring simultaneously?

Aspects to consider:

• Exclusive use policies and costs
• Shared spaces like entrances, restrooms, or parking
• Public visibility (particularly for outdoor venues)
• Staff dedication (shared or exclusively assigned to your event)

For many couples, privacy concerns only surface after booking. Natasha explained her experience: “We didn’t realise the garden ceremony space at another venue we considered was visible from the restaurant patio. The thought of random diners watching our vows would have made me so uncomfortable.”

Wedding venues in Perth offer varying levels of privacy. From fully exclusive estates to shared spaces in larger facilities. Determine your comfort level before committing.

Tip 11: Venue Selection Timeline: When to Book

For couples wondering about timing, here’s a practical timeline for Perth wedding venues:

1. 12-18 months before: Begin researching venues online
2. 10-14 months before: Schedule venue tours of top contenders
3. 9-12 months before: Book your venue with a deposit
4. 6-8 months before: Confirm vendor compatibility with the venue
5. 3-4 months before: Finalize floor plans and layouts
6. 1-2 months before: Confirm all venue logistics and timeline

Saturday dates during peak season (September through April in Perth) are often booked 12-18 months in advance, while off-season or weekday celebrations may be available with 6-8 months’ notice.

Tip 12: Trust Your Gut Feeling

After analysing logistics, budgets, and practical considerations. Don’t underestimate your intuitive response to a space. The venue sets the emotional backdrop for your celebration.

When Jake and Emma visited Salute, they recounted: “We had a detailed spreadsheet comparing seven wedding reception venues. But when we walked into Salute’s, we just looked at each other and knew. Sometimes the right place simply feels right.”

Pay attention to:

• How staff treats you during visits
• The responsiveness to your questions
• Whether you feel welcomed and valued
• If you can envision your specific celebration in the space
• Your emotional reaction to the environment

Your comfort with the venue team often predicts your planning experience more accurately than any amenity list.

To Sum Up…

Finding the perfect spot to begin your married life together should feel exciting, not exhausting. By approaching your wedding venue search with these strategic tips, you can find a space that reflects your relationship while providing the practical foundation for a beautiful celebration.

At Salute Function Centre, we believe your venue should enhance, not complicate, your wedding journey.

Salute Function Centre: The Perfect Backdrop For Your Love Story

Ready to find the perfect backdrop for your love story? Salute Function Centre offers personalised tours where you can envision your celebration in our spaces. From intimate gatherings to grand celebrations. Our dedicated team helps transform venue selection from stressful to special.

Let’s Plan Your Perfect Day →    Book A Venue Tour →