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Everything You Need to Know About Exclusive Use Wedding Venues

If you’ve started searching for your dream wedding venue, you’ve probably come across the term ‘exclusive use’. Confused? Read on and I’ll explain…  

What Does ‘Exclusive Use’ Mean?

Choosing an exclusive use wedding venue usually means you’ll have the place to yourselves. It guarantees your privacy and ensures you won’t bump into anyone that isn’t a guest, supplier or a member of staff.

Believe it or not, if your venue isn’t exclusive use, yours may not be the only wedding, event or activity taking place. Larger venues often have the capacity to host more than one celebration at a time. This may not be an issue for you, but if you’d prefer to be the only couple on site saying, ‘I do’, exclusive use is the way to go.  

However, the terms of an exclusivity package can differ from one venue to another. For example, a blank canvas or ‘dry hire’ exclusive use wedding venue will require you to hire everything yourself – tables, chairs, linen, décor, catering and more. Other exclusive use venues may provide these things in house or insist you source suppliers from an approved list.

When some venues say they offer ‘exclusive use’, they mean yours will be the only wedding taking place on that day, but they may be open to the public or have other events going on at the same time. For example, if a hotel has more rooms than you and your wedding guests are using, you’re likely to encounter other hotel guests in communal spaces like the bar and/or lobby.

Generally, you’ll have sole use of the venue for 24 hours. Bear in mind, if weddings are booked back-to-back across a few days, you might overlap with arrivals and departures, or the set up and take down of the weddings either side. In some instances, exclusive use is available for a longer period, giving you the scope to plan a multi-day celebration or wedding weekend.

The Benefits of an Exclusive Use Wedding Venue

• Privacy - You won’t have to worry about anyone gatecrashing the reception or loitering in the background of your precious photos. You’ll have the whole place to yourself for the duration of your wedding.
• Freedom - You and your guests will be free to wander and explore the beautiful venue you’ve hired without worrying about bumping into anyone else. Many couples find it much easier to relax when they know they aren’t sharing the space with strangers.
• Attentive, Personalised Service - You won’t have to share the venue’s staff or facilities. While larger venues that host multiple weddings at once tend to have larger teams, it doesn’t mean staff won’t be overwhelmed or rushed off their feet. At an exclusive use wedding venue, you and your guests will be the sole focus of everyone’s energy and attention.
• Flexibility – Non-exclusive use venues often have strict time allocations for certain aspects of your wedding day. In the worst cases, it can feel like a bit of a conveyor belt because they need to get your ceremony out of the way before the next couple arrives. Booking an exclusive use venue usually eliminates this issue. You’ll have the run of the place for at least 24 hours, allowing you to linger over your vows for as long as you want.
• A Seamless Experience - If your exclusive use wedding venue has accommodation on site, it will make for a much more seamless experience. You’ll have somewhere to get ready beforehand, and you and your guests won’t have to travel far at the end of the night.
• No Hidden Extras – Exclusive use hire packages tend to be very transparent. You’ll know exactly what’s included and for how long.

A Few Things to Bear in Mind…

If you’re considering booking an exclusive use venue, I’d encourage you to arrange some viewings and visit a few different options. As well as touring each space, make sure you clarify what’s included in terms of access, service, catering and accommodation. Don’t forget to ask about their proposed timetable for things like setting up and clearing down.    

Hiring an exclusive use wedding venue can be slightly more expensive. Essentially, you’re paying for the benefits listed above. If you decide it’s a priority, you may want to check in with your budget and adjust things accordingly.

Find Your Venue and Plan Your Wedding with Benessamy

Benessamy can help you plan a wedding that feels right for you, in the UK or overseas. We bring a calm efficiency to everything we do, and our Full Wedding Planning service includes a venue search and supplier recommendations. Learn more here or get in touch to arrange a consultation. You’ll also find more advice and inspiration via the links below:

• Benessamy’s Guide to Planning the Perfect Marquee Wedding
• Country Vs. City Wedding – Which is Right for You?
• All Inclusive Vs. Bespoke – Which Caribbean Wedding Package is Right for You?
• Is a Destination Wedding Right for You?

Val x

Photography Credits

Images 1,4,6,& 7: Photography: Katie Buffey | Venue: Wootton Hall

Images 2,3,5,& 8: Photography: Katie Buffey | Venue: Wootton Hall | Stylist: Stories Of Events Elevate Workshops | Florals: Emma Cox Floristry

Download our free guide - Questions to Ask the Venue BEFORE You Book

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