Is This the One? Choosing Your Wedding Venue

Choosing a wedding venue isn’t just about finding a space. It’s about finding the backdrop where your vision, emotions, and celebration can truly come to life. A venue sets the tone for everything that follows: the flow of your day, the atmosphere your guests experience, and the memories you’ll hold onto for years. But how do you know when you’ve found the right one?

We asked two seasoned venue professionals -- Whitney Cobb, Co-Owner of The Ivy on the Plains, and Georgina Mathews, Director of Catering & Banquets at The Standard Club -- to share insights about what couples often overlook, what details truly matter, and how to recognize when a space feels like “the one.”

First Impressions

When you arrive at a venue, take note of your instincts. Do you feel calm? Excited? Overwhelmed? Whitney has seen couples light up the moment they arrive at the Ivy on the Plains when they see the bridge arching over the water, the lake shimmering in the background, and the space that is expansive enough to host all the wedding weekend events. “Sometimes the ‘wow’ comes before you even get inside,” she explains.

For Georgina, that first impression often comes from ambiance. “Light, views, and the way a space feels as soon as you walk in can make a lasting impact,” she says. Pay attention not just to the décor, but to how the venue makes you feel. At the Standard Club, she notes that the long, tree-lined driveway makes a lasting impression, creating a sense of peace and tranquility that couples find sets a romantic, elegant tone.

‍What You Will Remember Most

Long after the wedding, guests often talk less about the size of the ballroom and more about how the day felt. Maybe it’s a striking architectural surprise, like chandeliers in an unexpected setting. Maybe it’s a thoughtful detail, like being greeted warmly by staff or a comfortable flow between spaces.

As you tour venues, look beyond the big photo moments. Ask yourself: what would make my guests feel welcomed and cared for here? How would I feel arriving here on the big day?

Making It Your Own

A good venue is versatile enough to reflect your personality. Whitney describes it as finding a “blank canvas” that allows couples to shine, whether that’s through lush florals, minimal design, or creative layouts.

Georgina agrees: “We embrace customization. Couples might select unique dance floors, estate tables down the center of the room, or bold color palettes that pop.”

The right venue will inspire you but also give you room to layer in your style and story.

Advice for Stress-Free Searching

Feeling overwhelmed is normal. There are countless options, and each one comes with different price points and packages. Whitney suggests looking beyond the obvious: sometimes venues outside of the city can offer more flexibility and a sense of retreat. And always consider what’s included in the cost. Will you need to source suppliers separately, or are items like tables, chairs, and staff provided?

Georgina emphasizes service as much as style. “Focus on how the space makes you feel, but also on whether the team will support you,” she says. A venue with a dedicated, communicative staff can make the entire planning journey easier and more enjoyable.

Location, Location, Location

Rather than moving from a ceremony location to a reception venue, couples are now leaning toward hosting everything in one place for a smoother, more relaxed flow, notes Georgina. Whitney agrees that couples are frequently using her venue as a private wedding retreat with all events, from the welcome celebration to the send-off brunch, being hosted in one place. Less time lost to transitions and traffic is highly appealing to couples who want to spend every moment with their loved ones.

Couples are also reimagining how spaces are used. Instead of traditional rows, ceremonies might be arranged in semi-circles or “in the round” to feel more intimate. Reception setups are also shifting. Some like to position the musical entertainment front and center near the head table for maximum energy, while others prefer tucking them near the windows for a more open dance floor.

Don’t be afraid to think creatively about how a space can adapt to your vision. A flexible venue will allow for layouts that reflect your priorities, whether that’s intimacy, energy, or ease of movement.

Finding the Place Where Your Story Belongs

Ultimately, a venue should feel like more than just four walls. It should feel like the setting where your story can unfold. As you walk through spaces, pay attention to what sparks joy, what makes you feel at ease, and how you can imagine celebrating there.

Whitney and Georgina both agree: when you find the right fit, you’ll know. It won’t just look beautiful; it will feel right.

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Ready to find the venue that fits your love story? Check out our vendor directory and attend the next Atlanta Wedding Extravaganza to explore wedding venues for every style.