Waiting to tour venue

I wouldn't wait any longer if you're looking to get married next Spring. Most venues in my area book 1-2 years out even in non-Covid times so right now they're booking much faster. I would go tour your second choice and if they have the day available I would book with them. It sounds like the first venue isn't even sure yet if they'll be able to host weddings at all if they're waiting for permits. I wouldn't want to take that chance and run out of time to book somewhere else.

If it really is the top choice, i would tour and put a "soft hold" on your 2nd and 3rd choice venue. Basically a soft hold is free and the venue will hold your date for you until someone else is interested. If someone else wants to book on your date, the venue will contact you and at that point you either book them to secure your date or you can let it go.


This may give you more time to wait on the dream venue if you'd like to hold out hope on that front. But you also might get put in a position where you have to decide within a day or two to book or lose your second choice

View Quoted Comment I completely agree with this. Putting a soft hold on your date will give you some extra time to decide without the risk of losing your second choice venue. However, if that venue contacts you to say that someone else is interested in booking on your date, you'll need to be prepared to make a quick decision.


I would also reach out to your top choice venue to find out if they have any estimate of when they anticipate that tours and bookings will resume. You can also ask them if they can put a soft hold on your date while they are waiting on permits.

This is all so very helpful! Thanks everyone!!

I booked my venue for next March in September 2021 and they were already receiving bookings for their peak times. Luckily we were going for off-season so had it a bit easier. I wouldn't wait too long. Anymore, even 12 months is a tight planning period for the current wedding climate.