What to Ask Your Wedding Venue Before You Book
- Ally
- Jun 8
- 5 min read
Don't Book Your Amarillo Wedding Venue Without Asking These Questions!
Let’s be real—planning a wedding is a whirlwind. You’ve got the dress, the flowers, the cake (yum), and about a million Pinterest boards open at once. But let’s talk about something that can make or break your big day: the venue.
Sure, you’ve Googled “best venue in Amarillo” and maybe even landed on Cornerstone Ranch Events Center (and if you did, congrats—you’re already on the right track). But even when you think you’ve found the one, there are some lesser-known questions that are 100% worth asking before signing on the dotted line.
Here’s a quick, casual checklist of the stuff most couples don’t think to ask when booking a wedding venue, especially in the Texas Panhandle.
Is There Heating & Air Conditioning?
This is Texas—we do weather in extremes. Whether it's a blazing 100-degree summer day or a surprise cold snap in October, heating and air conditioning are non-negotiables for your wedding day. You don’t want guests sweating through your vows or bundled up during dinner. Bonus tip: ask if the venue has climate control in all event spaces—not just one. At Cornerstone Ranch Events Center, all of our indoor spaces are fully climate-controlled, so your comfort (and your guests’) is guaranteed.
Will Guests Have to Move Chairs After the Ceremony?
We’ve all been there—wedding guests awkwardly carrying folding chairs from the ceremony space into the reception hall. It’s not the vibe. Ask if your venue handles that transition or if you need to recruit Aunt Linda and your college roommate for chair duty.
Here’s where Cornerstone Ranch shines: they have over 800 chairs on-site, so there’s no moving or shuffling necessary. Ceremony here, reception there, no sweat. Even if your wedding is hosted inside, our staff quickly picks up the ceremony chairs, which opens up your dance floor!
What’s the Venue’s Max Capacity—And Is It Comfortable?
This one gets overlooked all the time. A venue may say they can fit 300 people... but will it feel like a wedding or a can of sardines?
Cornerstone Ranch Events Center can host up to 500 guests, and comfortably. Most events average around 250–300 guests, which leaves plenty of space for food stations, cake cutting, and—most importantly—a huge dance floor. Trust us, you don’t want your first dance crammed into a space the size of a broom closet.
Also, booking a venue at max capacity right off the bat can be a big mistake. Tables will be elbow-to-elbow, guests will be weaving through tight spaces, and the dance floor might be no bigger than your walk-in closet. Another thought, what if your guest list gets a bit longer than expected? Note to Self: Always aim for breathing room.
How Big Is the Outdoor Space?
If you want fresh air, sunset photos, or just a break from the party, outdoor space matters more than you think. Cornerstone Ranch offers a spacious 14,000 sq. ft. of green fescue grass, which is even bigger than the 10,000 sq. ft. indoor venue—perfect for lawn games, cocktail hour, or just letting the kids run and play. Many venues don't even have an outdoor space, and if they do, it's too small to be enjoyable. Let your guests spread out and enjoy the patio, or even bring the dancing outside!
And let’s not forget the Silo Patio, the venue’s newest and most-loved addition. It’s an ideal chill spot where guests can sip drinks, soak in peaceful West Texas sunsets, and enjoy the kind of starry skies you just can’t find in the city.
Can We Bring Our Own Vendors?
Some venues have strict rules about using their in-house caterers, DJs, or coordinators. Others, like many flexible Texas Panhandle wedding spots, let you bring in your favorite taco truck or that band your cousin plays in. Always ask ahead to avoid surprise limitations—or fees. Cornerstone Ranch provides each booked couple with a preferred vendors list. This list will help you get started on wedding planning, but you are not required to use vendors off of it.
How Big Is the Kitchen (And What’s In It)?
Even if you’re not cooking your own meal, your caterer will thank you for asking this. Does the venue have a prep kitchen, fridge, and freezer for ice? Is there enough space to plate meals or store the cake until showtime?
At Cornerstone Ranch, there’s a fully-equipped prep kitchen, plus large refrigerator and freezer space, so keeping things cool (literally and figuratively) isn’t a problem.
Is There a Bar Area?
If you’re planning to serve drinks, this is a biggie. Some venues give you a corner table and call it a bar. Others, like Cornerstone Ranch, go above and beyond with a spacious built in indoor bar, and a relaxed outdoor version at the Silo Patio Bar. Your guests will love the variety, and you'll love the flow of traffic (and cocktails).
How Long Do We Get the Space?
“Wedding day” doesn’t mean the same thing to every venue. Some places give you just a few hours, while others (like Cornerstone Ranch) offer full-day access, 9am-midnight, so you're not scrambling to decorate while your curls are still setting. Clarify how early you can show up, and when you need to pack out. Some of our packages also include 4 hours the day before, so all those final details can be taken care of ahead of time!
What’s Included in the Price?
Tables, chairs, lighting, linens—sometimes they’re included, sometimes they’re extra, and sometimes they’re...not even an option. One of the smartest things you can do is ask for a detailed list of what’s part of the package and what’ll cost you more. It helps avoid sticker shock down the line. Cornerstone Ranch provides floor length linens with every package, something that many venues do not offer. We also have decor packages that are fully customized to your style and colors.
Are There Photo Ops on the Property?
You’ll be looking at these photos forever—so pick a venue that’s more than just four walls. At Cornerstone Ranch, photo ops are everywhere. You’ll be greeted by a 24-ft windmill at the entrance (a total statement piece), and find a gorgeous rustic red barn that makes a perfect photo backdrop. There’s also an outdoor handcrafted wooden pergola that looks dreamy with draped florals, and vintage touches like a wooden wagon and handmade barn doors inside the venue.
The greenery wall indoors is perfect for Instagram-worthy shots or a DIY photo booth, and the wide-open views of West Texas sunsets are unbeatable for golden hour portraits. The new Silo Patio also adds a ton of visual charm—with a license plate wall, vintage metal road signs, a real stop light, beautifully stained fencing, landscaping, arches, roses, and more. Basically, every corner of this place is photo-ready.
Final Thoughts
Choosing the right wedding venue is more than just love at first sight. It’s about asking the right questions so you’re set up for the smoothest, happiest wedding day possible.
If you're tying the knot in the Texas Panhandle, don’t miss Cornerstone Ranch Events Center. With flexible space for up to 500 guests, tons of charm, outdoor escapes, thoughtful details, and a picture-perfect vibe—this really is one of the best venues in Amarillo.
So ask the real questions. Tour the space. Picture your people dancing under the Texas stars. Then book the place that’s ready to make your dream wedding a real-life memory.
When you're ready to take a closer look, contact us for your private tour!
XOXO--Ally
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