How Far In Advance To Book A Wedding Venue
If you’ve discovered this blog, you may be wondering “When should you book your wedding venue?”
It’s considered the best way to start your wedding planning is to first secure a venue and confirm the date. Many of your plans will be easier to research and book if you have your wedding season, space, and location ticked on your wedding planning to do list.
How far in advance should you book a wedding venue and how far in advance do wedding venues get booked up?
Popular venues will often be booked 2 years or more in advance for peak dates such as Saturdays, Summer months and during school holidays. Some venues will have all their available dates available up to 4 years in advance (including the current year) 12-36 months is an average for venues to take advance bookings.
If you’ve a special date in mind or you’re fixed on having a peak date (such as a Saturday or holiday dates) if your shortlisted venue has your date currently available, it would be wise to secure your date as soon as you’re able. Popular venues often have limited dates available nearer to your chosen period to marry. You can be savvy and ‘ahead of the curve’ by booking in advance and secure the perfect date while they’re available.
Is it ever too early to book a wedding?
It’s never too early to research. Giving yourself time is helpful when wedding planning, however some venues may not release their diaries or dates in advance. If you’re researching your wedding venue options in 2024 and considering a date, for example in 2028, there’s a high chance these dates are not yet being considered by other couples and you’ve time to consider your options. Speak to your shortlisted venue. Ask how far in advance they accept bookings and if your preferred date/s are receiving enquiries yet.
When requesting information from wedding venues or visiting wedding venues for future years, be prepared they may not have confirmed their advance pricing. If you’re considering booking in advance, most will be able to give you a guide before you commit.
Advance wedding pricing & payments
Request a quote for as far as the venue pricing is currently set and discuss a suggested contingency for the increase in venue hire, food and drink. This will vary from venue to venue. An example increase can range from 10-20% for food pricing and 5-10% on venue hire year to year. Yearly price increases allow venues to absorb their overall costs year on year spread over the number of weddings they hold. This allows many to commit to advance pricing and not pass on increases to couples during your booking.
Consider your venue priorities such as days of the week, month and year, venue inclusions and policies. Research your ideal venues, research their pricing and availability.
What’s Next?
Tour your shortlisted venues and ask how far in advance you can secure your preferred date, payment terms, dates and payment plans. Is it possible to secure your date and pay towards your venue in the planning time? or are you required to pre-pay a larger amount?
Ask if your venue secures quotes or should you expect price rises before your wedding. Pricing transparency is key. Check there’s no hidden costs, VAT or planned increases during your planning journey.
It is common for wedding pricing to be set 12-24 months (as a guide) You may wish to wait until prices are confirmed, or your venue may agree to confirm advance pricing with you in your terms.
Venue deposits and payment terms will vary from venue to venue.
This is a key question to ask when considering your shortlisted venues.
Some venues will stage your wedding payments and not require additional funds until nearer your wedding date, allowing time to relax having your date secure and time to plan when you’re ready.
“I want to secure a peak date for my wedding day, but I’m not yet ready to plan?”
In the early stages after securing your wedding date you can start to research and gather some ideas. Explore your considered supplier’s work, services, and reviews. It’s a good idea to see their work during the current wedding season and be inspired for your wedding day. If you find a favourite, you can always ask for their availability and if they’re able to take advance bookings.
If it’s too far in advance to quote accurately, some suppliers may be happy to take a provisional booking, securing your date with a deposit. You can confirm plans and details nearer the time. Read your terms and discuss with suppliers when they’ll next be in touch, so your communication expectation is clear.
Booking in advance allows you time to pick up your planning as time permits.
The Old Kent Barn Wedding Venue
When do you open your 2026 and 2027 diary?
The Old Kent Barn is actively taking bookings for 2026 and 2027. Our diary is always open. You can enquire, tour and secure advance dates. Booking ahead often gives you more choice of available dates, particularly peak dates such as Saturdays, Summer months and holiday dates.
When Should I Book My Wedding Venue?
You can lock in your preferred date with a deposit payment and relax knowing your venue and date are booked – and the added bonus at the barn?
Full access to your planning portal from booking!
When will I need to pay?
Following your first payment to secure your date (£1,200) no further payments are due until 180 days prior to your wedding. You’ll make another staged payment at 90 days prior with your final balance due no later than 21 days prior to your wedding. All balances are paid in full before your wedding day.
Do you allow interim payments?
Yes! You’re welcome to make payments to your account throughout your booking. We’ll update your planning portal with all payment amounts and dates you can access throughout your booking to keep up to date.
Do you have payment plans?
We can advise a payment schedule for you to follow. We’ll work with you to create an estimate based on your venue hire, suggested guest numbers and menu ideas. Following your first payment (£1,200) your estimate total will be divided by the number of months before your wedding. You have the choice to follow the plan or wait for your staged payment dates.
Don’t worry, we’ll gently remind you nearer the time when any payments are due.
Are you looking to book your wedding in advance? Discover The Old Kent Barn. Book your tour here
Venue and Catering pricing confirmed for 2026. Key dates currently available (subject to change) 2027 Venue Hire confirmed.
Request pricing information here.