First off—congratulations! You’re engaged, and that’s an incredibly exciting time in your life. But once the initial thrill of the engagement settles, many couples find themselves asking, “Now what?” Planning a wedding can feel overwhelming, especially if you’re not sure where to start.
This blog will help guide you through the first steps of how to plan a wedding and provide you with essential advice, especially if you’re considering hosting your special day at Chapman Hill, a gorgeous 17-acre indoor and outdoor event venue near Jefferson.
1. Set a Date and Budget
Once the ring is on your finger, one of the first things you’ll want to do is start thinking about your wedding date. Having a specific date in mind will help you in all aspects of planning. It’s also essential to set a budget early on. Knowing how much you have to spend will help you narrow down your options and keep you from overspending.
Pro Tip: At Chapman Hill, our flexible venue options accommodate weddings year-round. If you’re looking to save a bit on your budget, consider choosing an off-peak season or weekday for your wedding date, as many venues offer discounts during those times.
January | September | August
photo 1 - @johnandkymcreativeco | coordinator - @georgiadollevents ||
photo 2 - @dusktilldawnmedia ||
photo 3 - @audreyherronphotography | floral - @bloomandivyweddings
2. Choose Your Wedding Venue
Finding the perfect event venue is one of the biggest decisions you’ll make, as it sets the tone for your entire celebration. When choosing a venue, it’s essential to consider the type of wedding you want. Are you envisioning an elegant indoor celebration, a romantic outdoor ceremony under the stars, or maybe a combination of both?
At Chapman Hill, our venue offers the best of both worlds. You can have a beautiful outdoor ceremony surrounded by the natural beauty of aged walnut trees, followed by a cozy reception inside our stunning barn. This flexibility makes it a top choice for couples looking for a venue near Jefferson that offers both indoor and outdoor options.
photo 1 - @kaleywilsonphoto | floral - @pannelldesigns_events | coordinator - @georgiadollevents
photo 2 - @johnandkymcreativeco | floral - @bloomandivyweddings | planner - @georgiadollevents
3. Tour Your Top Venues
Before booking a venue, always schedule a tour. Seeing the space in person will help you visualize your day and give you the opportunity to ask important questions. While touring Chapman Hill, for example, you’ll be able to explore our 17 acres of breathtaking landscape and elegant indoor spaces, all designed to provide the perfect backdrop for your wedding day.
Here are a few questions to ask when touring a venue:
What is included in the venue rental? Make sure to clarify what items are provided, such as tables, chairs, linens, and lighting.
Can the venue accommodate my guest list? Ask about guest capacity for both the ceremony and reception spaces.
What’s the backup plan for bad weather? If you’re considering an outdoor ceremony, it’s crucial to have a solid indoor option in case of rain.
Are there any noise or time restrictions? Some venues may have limits on how late your celebration can go or restrictions on noise levels.
What’s the parking situation? Make sure the venue offers enough parking for your guests or easy access to nearby parking.
Chapman Hill's property sprawls 17 acres and there's a memory to be made on every square foot! photo - @kimhymesphotography
At Chapman Hill, we encourage you to ask as many questions as possible during your tour. Our team is here to ensure every detail is addressed and that you feel confident about choosing us as your wedding venue.
4. Book Your Venue Early
Once you’ve toured potential venues and found the perfect one, it’s time to book. Popular venues can fill up quickly, especially during peak wedding seasons. The sooner you secure your date, the more time you’ll have to plan the rest of your wedding.
If Chapman Hill is the venue of your dreams, don’t wait to lock in your preferred date. We are one of the most sought-after venues near Jefferson, and booking early will give you peace of mind as you move forward with your planning.
5. Start Building Your Vendor Team
With your venue booked, the next step is to start thinking about vendors. Your photographer, florist, caterer, and DJ or band will help bring your wedding day vision to life. Be sure to do your research and book vendors early, as many popular professionals get booked months, even years, in advance.
At Chapman Hill, we can recommend a list of trusted local vendors who have experience working at our venue. We’re happy to help connect you with the best vendors in the area to ensure your day is flawless from start to finish.
photo - Carson Lee | floral - @jldesignsweddings | coordinator - @georgiadollevents
6. Ask the Right Questions When Booking a Venue
Before finalizing your venue choice, make sure you have all the details sorted out by asking the right questions. Some key questions to ask when booking a venue include:
What is the deposit and payment schedule? Understand the financial commitments upfront.
What’s the cancellation policy? Knowing the cancellation terms can protect you in case of unforeseen circumstances.
Do you have preferred vendors or can we bring in our own? Some venues require you to use their preferred vendors, while others are more flexible.
Are there any additional fees we should know about? Clarify if there are extra costs for overtime, cleaning, or specific services.
Can we do a rehearsal? Rehearsals are crucial for a smooth wedding day, so be sure to ask if the venue allows one and when.
At Chapman Hill, we are transparent about all our policies and strive to provide as much flexibility as possible to make your planning process smooth.
7. Start Planning the Details
With your venue and vendors secured, you can start focusing on the details that will make your wedding day unique. Think about your wedding theme, color palette, flowers, and any personal touches you want to incorporate. This is also the time to send out save-the-dates and invites to ensure your guests can mark their calendars.
At Chapman Hill, our venue’s natural beauty offers a versatile backdrop that complements any theme—from rustic farmhouse to elegant garden weddings. We provide the space; you provide the vision.
photo - @johnandkymcreativeco
Plan Your Dream Wedding at Chapman Hill
Now that you know what steps to take after getting engaged, it’s time to start planning your dream wedding at Chapman Hill, a breathtaking 17-acre indoor and outdoor venue perfect for your special day. Our event venue near Jefferson offers everything you need to create an unforgettable wedding experience, from our stunning ceremony sites to our elegant indoor reception space.
Ready to start your wedding journey? Contact us today to schedule a tour and discover why Chapman Hill is the perfect place for your wedding. We’re here to answer your questions, provide guidance, and help you every step of the way as you plan the most important day of your life.
Welcome to the Chapman Hill family!
Did you know…when you choose a locally owned wedding venue you are helping to develop and improve the local economy? It’s true, your locally owned wedding venues are small business owners who not only create hundreds of jobs for the local wedding industry every year, we actively support our local economy. Please consider a locally owned venue, you can find locally owned wedding venues featured on this wedding venue map.
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