Planning your wedding is more than a to-do list; it’s a journey. And one of the most pivotal parts of that journey is choosing your wedding venue in Connecticut. At The Hops Company, nestled in Shelton, Connecticut, we’ve hosted countless celebrations at our two versatile spaces: The Garden at The Hops and The Lodge at The Hops. We know from experience that touring wedding venues can feel both exhilarating and overwhelming.

This guide is designed to help you tour confidently so you can make decisions based on clarity, not chaos. Whether you envision a rustic autumn ceremony under falling leaves or a summer garden soiree, we’ll help you tour like a pro.

*The Garden at The Hops with seasonal flowers, a cascading waterfall, and string lights above, set up as a backdrop for ceremonies and portraits.*

Why Visiting Wedding Venues in Person Really Matters

Yes, online galleries and virtual tours are convenient, but they can’t tell the whole story. Walking a venue in person helps you absorb the atmosphere: how light floods a space, how guests might move between areas, and how it all feels in your gut.

At The Hops Company, couples often tell us it wasn’t until they stood beside our garden waterfall or sipped a warm drink by the fire pits that they knew this was their place. Details like the scent of fresh blooms, the warmth of natural wood interiors, or the hush of the surrounding trees are impossible to experience through a screen, just one of the many reasons touring Connecticut wedding venues in person is so essential.

The Lodge at The Hops with exposed wood beams, stone accents, and chandeliers arranged for a wedding reception.

Before the Tour: Prepare Like a Pro

A smooth venue tour begins well before you pull into the parking lot. Showing up prepared gives you clarity, confidence, and the ability to focus on how a venue truly feels rather than scrambling to remember the basics.

Do your research - Create a short list of venues matching your style, size needs, and budget. Are you drawn to modern elegance, rustic charm, or something eclectic and relaxed? Read recent reviews from real couples, scroll through galleries, and dive into wedding blogs like Rustic Wedding Venues: A Growing Trend for Couples. These real-life snapshots offer more than inspiration; they reveal how each venue truly operates behind the scenes.
Choose your window - You don’t need to know your exact wedding date before you tour, but having a preferred season or month in mind helps immensely. For example, maybe you’re dreaming of a cozy fall wedding or a garden ceremony in June. Keep in mind: popular venues book up quickly, sometimes as far as 12-18 months in advance, so being flexible on specific dates can open more options.
Pack the essentials - A little organization goes a long way when touring venues. Bring a dedicated wedding notebook or digital planner to jot down observations, pricing details, or design ideas; a fully charged phone or camera for capturing photos and videos during your walkthrough; a printed or digital list of questions to keep your priorities top of mind; and a venue comparison checklist like our Checklist for Booking Your Wedding Venue to help you stay organized and focused throughout the process.

We’ve seen countless couples arrive with a clipboard or simple phone notes and leave feeling empowered and clear-headed. The more prepared you are, the more you’ll be able to focus on whether the venue feels right for you.

What to Look for During the Tour

When you step into a potential venue, try to see it through practical and emotional lenses. Yes, you want it to look beautiful in photos, but also consider how it will function on the day. Take your time walking the space and envisioning your ceremony, cocktail hour, and reception flowing from one moment to the next.

Venue Spaces and Flow

Start by observing how the spaces are laid out. Are the ceremony and reception held in separate areas, or do they share the same setting? How easily can guests move between them? Look for natural transitions and think about how the spaces might feel throughout the day, sunlight at 4 p.m., breeze after sunset, or how sound carries during toasts and speeches.

Take note of the lighting (both natural and artificial), guest sightlines during the ceremony, and potential photo backdrops. At The Hops Company, couples often love tucked-away nooks like our garden pergola, rustic stone pathways, and the signature waterfall that makes for stunning golden hour portraits—features that make us one of the most unique Connecticut wedding venues.

Practical Logistics

Next, dig into the practical details that matter more than you expect on the day itself. Ask about setup and breakdown time; most vendors prefer at least two hours before guests arrive. Clarify parking: Is there enough space for guests and vendors? Are restrooms accessible and clean? Don’t forget to ask about noise restrictions, curfews, or local ordinances that could affect your timeline.

Services, Amenities and Vendor Policies

Not all venues include the same amenities. Some provide tables, chairs, sound systems, or bar service; others may require you to rent them separately. It's important to get a clear understanding of what’s included and what you'll need to outsource. You’ll also want to ask about:

Outside vendor guidelines or required lists
Alcohol service rules, corkage fees, and licensing
Minimum food and beverage spends or tasting options

Weather Contingency and Flexibility

New England weather is beautiful and unpredictable. Always ask what happens if it rains or if the weather shifts unexpectedly. Is there a covered or indoor alternative that still feels special? Does the venue provide clear guidance on event insurance or flexible rescheduling options?

Questions to Ask on the Tour

Bringing a thoughtful list of questions helps you get the full picture and ensures nothing important slips through the cracks. These aren’t just logistical details; they affect how smoothly your day runs and how confident you feel leading up to it. And remember, the best venues welcome these questions. For inspiration, explore our guide on Top Questions to Ask Your Wedding Venue Before Booking.

Venue Access Timing

What are the exact rental hours for the event?
When can vendors begin setup, and when does breakdown need to be complete?
Are additional hours available for an extra fee?
Is there a separate space available for the wedding party to get ready?

Guest Capacity and Flow

What’s your maximum guest capacity? What’s the ideal number for a comfortable experience?
Is there space for both ceremony and reception on-site?
How do guests move between spaces throughout the event?
Are there weather-protected areas for outdoor events?

On-Site Support

Is an on-site coordinator or venue manager available on the wedding day?
Will the same contact person be available throughout the planning process and the event itself?
Is a venue staff member present during the event for facility needs or emergencies?

Included Amenities and Rentals

What’s included in the venue rental (tables, chairs, linens, lighting, sound equipment)?
Are there in-house bar services or bartenders provided?
Are there décor restrictions (open flames, hanging installations, drones)?
Is there a designated area for vendors to load in and set up?

Catering and Bar Policies

Do you offer in-house catering or preferred catering partners?
Can we bring in our own caterer or food trucks?
What are the bar options? Open, cash, BYOB? Are permits or insurance required?
Are there corkage fees or alcohol service rules we need to know?

Logistics and Accessibility

How many parking spaces are available? Is overnight parking allowed?
Are shuttle services or valet options available?
Are restrooms available for guests? Are they indoors/outdoors, and how many?
Is the venue fully ADA compliant (including restrooms and entrances)?

Contingency Planning

What’s your rain plan or weather backup for outdoor ceremonies?
Is the backup space available at no additional cost?
Are there covered outdoor options for cocktails or photos?
What happens in case of extreme weather or emergencies?

Contracts, Payments and Policies

What is the deposit amount and payment schedule?
What’s your cancellation or rescheduling policy?
Are there any hidden fees (cleaning, overtime, security)?
Do you require event insurance, and if so, what type?

Guest Comfort and Experience

Are there indoor options for elderly or mobility-limited guests?
Are heating or cooling systems available depending on the season?
Are there child-friendly areas or safety considerations?

After the Tour: What Comes Next

After your tour, review everything while it’s still fresh.

Organize your photos and notes into folders or spreadsheets
Revisit your checklist and mark off key must-haves
Contact venues to fill in any gaps (contract samples, package options, fee breakdowns)
Ask about special rates for off-season or weekday weddings
Look up additional reviews to spot consistency or red flags

Taking the time to compare options now will make your final decision far more confident. If you need more guidance, check out our resource on How to Choose the Perfect Wedding Venue for Your Style.

Tour with Confidence

Touring wedding venues isn’t just about logistics; it’s about emotion. When you find the right place, something clicks. You start to see the day coming together.

The Hops Company is here to support that clarity. Whether you’re just starting or down to your top two, we invite you to tour our spaces and meet the people behind the magic. Our goal? To make you feel confident, calm, cared for, and excited about what’s next.

How to Tour Wedding Venues Like a Pro