You’ve saved the pins, stalked the hashtags, and scrolled through a dozen “dream venue” Instagram accounts. But here’s the truth: a venue can look like a fairytale online and turn into a logistical nightmare once you start planning. The real magic is finding a space that doesn’t just look right, but feels right — and works for your budget, guests, and vision.

So, how do you know if a venue is actually right for you? Here’s how to spot the signs (and the red flags).

1. The Vibe Test ✨

The first question is the simplest: what does your gut say? When you walk into the space, do you feel excited, or are you already mentally redecorating?

At a Karoo farmstead wedding, the couple said they knew within minutes — they could see themselves under the acacia tree saying vows, with the stone barn glowing by candlelight in the evening. That gut-level spark matters.

If the space makes you feel stressed or if you’re trying to force a vision that doesn’t fit, it’s not your venue.

2. Guest List Fit 🪑

Your venue should fit your people. Not too squashed, not echoing with empty space.

One Cape Town couple booked a gorgeous vineyard venue — but forgot to check seating capacity. On the day, 50 guests had to sit in an overflow tent. Meanwhile, another couple went for a 300-capacity hall with only 120 guests. The result? It felt empty, and they had to spend more money on draping and florals just to make it look full.

👉 Always check the numbers: guest list first, venue second.

3. Location & Logistics 🚗✈️

That mountaintop lodge with panoramic views? Stunning. But can your grandma climb the steps? Will your cousin from Joburg need two connecting flights and a three-hour drive?

In Zimbabwe and Zambia, gravel roads and seasonal rains can make a lodge tricky to access. In Cape Town, traffic from the city to the winelands can eat hours if you don’t plan transfers. Always think about the journey your guests will make — from parking to pillows.

4. The Budget Reality Check 💸

Venues can be sneaky. That “affordable” hire fee often doesn’t include the essentials. Chairs, cutlery, generators, even toilets sometimes come at extra cost.

We’ve seen couples book riverside venues with a low sticker price, only to realise they had to hire everything — from tents to teaspoons. The final cost tripled. By contrast, a more expensive lodge with in-house catering and décor packages ended up cheaper overall.

👉 Rule of thumb: Always ask for the full package breakdown before signing.

5. Weather Back-Up ☔

Outdoor vows in the sun? Gorgeous. But what if the skies open?

One Harare couple planned a lakeside ceremony in October (peak rain season). With no backup marquee, guests ended up crowding under trees mid-vows. By contrast, another wedding in Durban had a seaside ceremony — and when the Cape Doctor winds went wild, the venue shifted to a glass-walled room with ocean views. Guests still got the vibe, without the chaos.

👉 Always love your Plan B as much as your Plan A.

6. Restrictions & Red Flags 🚫

Every venue has rules — some reasonable, others deal-breakers. Some cap music at midnight, some don’t allow outside alcohol, others ban open flames (say goodbye to those dreamy candlelit centrepieces).

We’ve seen couples blindsided when they discovered restrictions after booking — like one city rooftop that banned live bands due to noise complaints. Don’t let surprises derail your plans.

👉 Ask about curfews, alcohol, décor, and noise restrictions before you commit.

7. Photo Potential 📸

Your wedding photos are forever — so look at the venue through a lens. Does it have good natural light? Are there varied backdrops (indoor and outdoor)? Where will group shots happen?

At a Constantia vineyard, couples loved the dual options: golden vines at sunset and a historic wine cellar for moody night portraits. In Lusaka, one riverside venue had gorgeous ceremony views, but zero shaded spots for portraits — leaving the bridal party squinting in midday sun.

👉 Tour your venue at the time of day you plan to marry — you’ll see the light as it really is.

8. Does It Feel Like You? ❤️

At the end of the day, your venue should feel like your love story. Not your aunt’s dream, not what Instagram says is trendy — but a reflection of you.

If you can imagine walking down the aisle there, celebrating with your people, and it feels like home — then you’ve found the one.

Final Thoughts 🌟

The perfect venue isn’t just about chandeliers, arches, or a killer view. It’s about the vibe, the comfort, the logistics, and whether it fits your story. When you find a venue that balances heart and head, you’ll know.

Because the right space doesn’t just host your wedding — it becomes part of your story.