One of the first (and most important) decisions you'll make when planning your wedding is choosing the right venue. Not only does the venue set the tone for your entire celebration, but it also affects nearly every other planning decision from your date and vendor availability to your guest list and budget.

So, how far in advance should you book your wedding venue? In short: the sooner, the better. In this post, we’ll explore the ideal timeline for booking, the benefits of early reservations, and the key factors to consider as you secure the perfect spot for your special day.

Booking a Wedding Venue: The Ideal Timeline

For most couples, the wedding planning journey begins with venue selection, and for good reason. Without a confirmed venue, you can’t set a firm date, book vendors, or send save-the-dates.

Recommended Booking Timeline:

12–18 months in advance is ideal for most weddings
18–24 months in advance for peak seasons or high-demand venues
9–12 months in advance for weekday or off-season weddings
6 months or less only if you're flexible on date and location

Why start early?

Popular venues—especially scenic barn venues in Vermont like The Barn at Smugglers’ Notch—tend to book out quickly, especially for Saturdays in peak months like June, September, and October. Booking early gives you more options and peace of mind.

Benefits of Booking 2 Years in Advance

While it might feel far off, booking your wedding venue 18–24 months in advance offers several advantages, especially if you're eyeing a specific date or season.

Top Benefits of Early Booking:

First choice of dates: Secure the exact weekend you want before it fills up.
Access to top vendors: Once your date is set, you can book your dream photographer, band, and caterer without schedule conflicts.
Time to save and plan: More time means more flexibility with your budget and payment schedule.
Room for creativity: You can thoughtfully design your celebration without the pressure of rushed decisions.
Less stress: Avoid the last-minute scramble and enjoy the journey of planning.

At The Barn at Smugglers’ Notch, we often receive inquiries for dates two years in advance—and they go quickly! Booking early helps ensure that your wedding unfolds exactly as you envision it.

Key Considerations for Early Bookings

Booking a venue well in advance gives you flexibility—but it also means making some decisions before you have all the details. Here’s how to make the most of your early reservation:

Estimate Your Guest Count

You don’t need an exact number, but a general estimate will help ensure the venue can comfortably accommodate your group.

Understand What’s Included

Clarify what’s part of the venue rental—tables, chairs, lighting, prep suites, coordination—so you know what additional rentals or vendors may be needed.

Ask About Policies

Get clear on cancellation terms, payment schedules, and what happens if your plans change. A reputable venue will offer transparency and guidance.

Think About Seasonality

Booking early lets you align your wedding with peak foliage, wildflower season, or the crisp beauty of early fall in Vermont. Just be sure to consider weather, travel logistics, and backup plans for outdoor ceremonies.

Communicate Your Vision

Even if you’re booking two years out, start conversations with your venue team early. At The Barn, we love getting to know our couples and helping them tailor the space to match their unique vision.

Why Timing Matters for Wedding Venues

Your venue is the anchor of your entire wedding experience. It affects the date, the budget, the vendor team, the guest list, and even the style of your event. Booking at the right time helps you:

Avoid disappointment if your ideal venue or date is already booked
Maximize vendor availability with confirmed timelines
Secure better pricing before potential rate increases
Enjoy a relaxed planning process without unnecessary pressure

And remember: every other decision flows from your venue. Once it’s booked, everything else—photographer, florist, officiant, catering—can fall into place.

Bonus Tip: Flexibility Can Help

If you're planning your wedding on a shorter timeline or have a limited budget, consider less traditional dates:

Fridays or Sundays
Weekdays (especially Thursdays!)
Winter or early spring months

You’ll often find more availability, lower rates, and just as much charm—especially at venues like ours, where the mountain setting is beautiful in every season.

Final Thoughts: Don’t Wait to Book Your Dream Venue

Your wedding venue is more than a location—it’s the stage for one of the most meaningful days of your life. Booking it early gives you the gift of time, choice, and confidence. Whether you’re dreaming of a barn wedding surrounded by mountain views or an intimate gathering in a rustic, romantic space, the right venue will help bring your vision to life.

At The Barn at Smugglers’ Notch, we recommend reaching out as soon as you’re ready to start planning. We’re happy to share availability, schedule a tour, and help you lock in your perfect date—whether it’s next fall or two years from now.

Ready to reserve your wedding date?

Contact us today to explore availability and see why couples from near and far fall in love with The Barn at Smugglers’ Notch.