Touring wedding venues is one of the most exciting steps in wedding planning, but it can also be one of the most overwhelming. With so many beautiful spaces and different packages to compare, it is easy to miss key details that will affect your wedding day.
At Mankin Mansion, we believe the best couples are curious couples. Asking good questions helps you find a venue that fits not only your vision, but also your comfort level and planning style. To help you make the most of your venue tours, our planning team has rounded up the questions we think every couple should ask, along with how we handle them here at the Mansion.
Availability can fluctuate quickly, especially for spring and fall weekends. Some venues adjust pricing for peak and off-peak dates, so it is worth asking early.
At Mankin Mansion: We keep an updated calendar so you can easily check open weekends and our team is happy to help you compare Friday, Saturday or Sunday, as well as on-season or off-season pricing to find your best fit.
Understanding exactly what your rental covers prevents unexpected costs later. Ask about setup, teardown and any overtime fees.
At Mankin Mansion: Your rental includes access to the Mansion, gardens, gallery, getting ready suites and tented temperature-controlled reception space for the full day, not just your event hours. You have plenty of time for setup, getting ready and photos before guests arrive and our team ensures cleanup runs smoothly at the end of the night. We believe in transparency, so all of this is clearly outlined on your tour and throughout the planning process.
A solid rain plan means peace of mind. You should know how a venue transitions between outdoor and indoor spaces, how long it takes and whether there is an extra cost to move inside.
At Mankin Mansion: We have both indoor and outdoor ceremony options and our fully enclosed tent offers year-round comfort with climate control and romantic lighting. If weather takes a turn, our team transitions your setup quickly with no additional fees or stress involved.
The people behind the venue make all the difference. Ask who your point of contact will be and how involved they are during the planning process.
At Mankin Mansion: Once you book, you are paired with one of our in-house planners who will guide you through every step. You will have several planning meetings to review timelines, layouts and design details. On the wedding day you have the same planner, assistents and event crew members to oversee setup, breakdown and to coordinate the flow of events.
Some venues have exclusive partnerships, while others are more flexible. Always confirm whether there are any restrictions or additional fees.
At Mankin Mansion: We maintain a trusted required list of caterers and DJs and a preferred vendor list ~ professionals who know our property and consistently deliver excellent service. However, you are welcome to bring in your own licensed and insured vendors if you prefer. Our team reviews every detail to ensure smooth coordination on the day of your wedding.
Tables, chairs, linens and lighting can add up quickly. Ask for a full breakdown of what is provided.
At Mankin Mansion: We include elegant gold chiavari chairs, round tables and all standard setup items. In our Evermore package, we also include polyester linens, a brunch and a luxury car getaway! Couples can personalize the space with their own décor, MM decor, candles and floral touches, and our team can guide you on safe and approved ways to hang or display your pieces.
It might not be romantic, but it is essential. Knowing the payment terms up front ensures you can plan your budget with confidence.
At Mankin Mansion: We require an initial non-refundable deposit to reserve your date, with the balance spread out in scheduled payments leading up to the wedding. All policies, including cancellation and rescheduling terms, are clearly stated in your contract so there are no surprises.
Guests should arrive relaxed, not confused or frustrated. Ask about parking, accessibility and load-in details for your vendors.
At Mankin Mansion: We offer on-site parking, convenient access for shuttles and ADA-compliant facilities. Our team also provides a detailed vendor guides that cover setup times, load-in areas and event-day logistics to keep everything running smoothly.
Many couples assume the venue takes care of everything, but that is not always the case. Understanding where the venue’s responsibilities begin and end will help you plan properly and avoid gaps in coverage.
At Mankin Mansion: Our in-house planning team manages the full flow of the day, from setup and vendor arrivals to ceremony cues, dinner timing and teardown. We coordinate with all vendors and oversee every transition so you and your loved ones can truly relax and enjoy the celebration.
No one wants an abrupt ending to a perfect evening. Clarify the latest possible end time and any local noise ordinances that could affect your reception.
At Mankin Mansion: Events typically conclude by 11:00 pm. Our team will help you build a timeline that keeps the night’s energy flowing naturally into your grand exit. We handle cleanup immediately after, ensuring an effortless close to your celebration.
Every couple deserves a venue that feels like a partnership, not just a rental. The right space will answer your questions with transparency and make you feel taken care of from the very first tour.
At Mankin Mansion, we welcome your curiosity, because great questions lead to great weddings! If you are beginning your venue search, we would love to invite you for a tour so you can see firsthand how our historic estate blends elegance, flexibility and genuine care for our couples.
Every couple deserves a venue that feels like a partnership, not just a rental. The right space will answer your questions with transparency and make you feel taken care of from the very first tour.
At Mankin Mansion, we welcome your curiosity, because great questions lead to great weddings! If you are beginning your venue search, we would love to invite you for a tour so you can see firsthand how our historic estate blends elegance, flexibility and genuine care for our couples.