Engagement season is nearly here, where the question is asked and couples become engaged across this festive season and new year. January is the time of year when couples freshly engaged start their exciting search for the perfect venue. Couples may not know it, but Christmas eve, Christmas day and New years eve, is a popular time to get engaged.

For destination wedding venues, this is a golden opportunity to stand out. For couples there is so much choice, but they often face similar frustrations during their search.

To truly impress, it’s vital to anticipate their needs, address common pain points, and showcase your venue as the ideal choice.

Attracting and Supporting Newly Engaged Couples

Here’s how your wedding venue can rise to the occasion by preparing your sales and marketing strategy to attract and support newly engaged couples.

1. Transparency is Key: Show Couples What They Need to See

The problem: Lack of clear pricing.

Many couples express frustration when venues fail to provide transparent pricing. They often have to enquire to get a quote or understanding of costs, sometimes this can be complex and not clear, other times lacking and not obvious what is and isn’t included. This leads to unnecessary back-and-forth, leaving couples feeling like they’re wasting their time – and yours.

How to solve it:

  • Publish starting prices: Include clear “from” prices on your website for packages or key services. Don’t just do a from for the venue hire, give an idea of what a typical wedding would be from to give a clear example of price. This gives couples a realistic idea of costs from the outset and what is included.
  • Offer downloadable brochures: Provide downloadable brochures directly on your website, with no need for a form submission. Couples will appreciate the ease of access.
  • Be clear about inclusions: Break down what’s included in your pricing—such as catering, accommodation, exclusive use, or extra services. A transparent approach helps couples see the value you provide.
  • Include optional extras: Clearly outline add-on services and their costs, such as décor, additional hire items, or event coordination. This gives couples the flexibility to plan within their budget.

Being upfront about your pricing not only builds trust but also ensures you attract the right couples – those who are genuinely interested and able to afford your venue.

2. Respond Quickly and Efficiently: Speed Matters

The problem: Slow response times.

Many couples find the enquiry process frustratingly slow, some venues are hot on it, but many are slow and steady with a generic blanket response.

How to solve it:

  • Use automation tools: Implement a CRM system to send instant, professional acknowledgment emails. Personalised responses can still follow shortly after but having an immediate reply reassures couples that their inquiry is valued.
  • Set response time targets: Commit to responding to all inquiries within 24 hours. A prompt, enthusiastic reply sets the tone for a positive relationship.
  • Offer personalised calls: After receiving an inquiry, give couples the option to book a call. An introductory chat not only helps build a personal connection but also gives you a chance to understand their vision and tailor your response.
  • Create email templates: Prepare templates for common inquiries that can be quickly adapted to save time while still providing a personal touch.

Speed and efficiency in your communication show couples that your venue is organised, professional, and genuinely interested in their special day.

3. Offer Virtual Showrounds: Bridge the Distance

The problem: Lack of virtual tours and imagery.

Many couples struggle with overseas venue options because they can’t visualise the space. Some venues don’t offer enough photos, a floor plan or map, so couples cannot understand the flow of the venue and the dat between the different areas. A video your is the next step from enquiry, getting them on a call, this allows you to build on the emotional connection and to help them fall in love with your venue.

How to solve it:

  • Host live virtual tours: Offer guided tours via platforms like Zoom or Microsoft Teams. A member of your team can walk couples through the venue, answer questions, and highlight unique features in real-time.
  • Invest in virtual walkthroughs: Use 360-degree imagery to create a self-guided tour that couples can explore at their convenience. This technology provides a detailed, immersive experience.
  • Photograph every detail: Ensure your website has a comprehensive photo gallery showcasing all key spaces – event areas, accommodation, outdoor grounds, and even behind-the-scenes spaces like kitchens.
  • CTA: When replying and following up ensure the call to action is to book a video tour and show round, this is the next logical step for couples.

By offering virtual tours, you’re making your venue accessible to couples who may be unable to visit immediately, helping them feel more confident in their decision-making.

4. Make Your Website Work Harder

The problem: Outdated, clunky websites with limited information.

Many wedding venue websites fail to inspire. Even if you are found on our website for example, todays couples like to research and will go and check out your website, does it reflect your couples and your venue? Do a website audit here.

How to solve it:

  • Upgrade your website design: Invest in a modern, responsive website that’s mobile-friendly and visually engaging. First impressions count, and your website is often the first interaction couples have with your venue.
  • Add practical details: Include floor plans, room layouts, bathroom facilities, and accommodation capacities. Clear, detailed information helps couples imagine their wedding day at your venue.
  • Focus on user experience: Ensure navigation is intuitive, pages load quickly, and key information is easy to find.
  • Optimise for SEO: Use relevant keywords such as “destination wedding venue in [location]” to improve your visibility on search engines. Include meta descriptions and alt tags for all images.

A user-friendly, informative website reflects the quality and professionalism of your venue and helps couples feel confident in their choice.

5. Don’t Underestimate the Power of Follow-Ups

The problem: Lack of follow-up communication.

Amazingly, many venues fail or don’t bother to follow up after calls or enquiries. However, from our annual survey with our couples, that actually want you to! And not just a single follow up, no response? Don’t give up as we see couples usually respond on the 3rd or 4th follow up! If you give up after the first response and don’t follow up again then you are certainly missing out on potential business.

How to solve it:

  • Send thank-you emails: After a tour or call, send a personalised email thanking the couple for their time and expressing enthusiasm about their plans.
  • Share helpful resources: Attach a checklist, planning guide, or link to preferred suppliers. This adds value and keeps your venue top of mind.
  • Schedule additional follow-ups: If you don’t hear back within a week, send a polite reminder email. Use follow-ups to address any questions or concerns they may have, this can all be automated.

Following up shows couples that you care about their experience and are keen to work with them, it also keeps you fresh in their mind, and stops you being lost and forgotten in an email inbox of wedding plans.

Read – 5 Reasons Couples Are Not Booking Your Venue After Enquiring

6. Build a Personal Connection

The problem: Lack of hospitality or personal touch.

Couples often remember how a venue made them feel, and a warm, personal approach can play a big part in their decision, the venue is the one and the staff care, attentive and are on the ball. This is why follow ups, tours and being personal is so important.

How to solve it:

  • Create a welcoming experience: If a couple visits your venue, greet them with refreshments and take time to get to know them before starting the tour.
  • Be attentive to details: Ask about their vision, priorities, and any special requirements. Show genuine interest in their story.
  • Personalise communication: Address couples by name and reference specific details about their plans in emails and calls.

A warm, personable approach helps couples feel valued and leaves a lasting impression.

7. Boost Your Online Visibility

The problem: Couples struggle to find your venue.

Many venues are hard to discover online, especially if they rely on being found on Google, or even just Instagram, it is a living area and you need to constantly ensure your being found from different sources, but also the right ones for your venue and target audience.

How to solve it:

  • Enhance your SEO: Regularly update your website content with blogs, FAQs, and guides to help couples find you. Use keywords that reflect what couples are searching for, such as “luxury beach wedding venue.”
  • Strengthen social media: Post regularly on platforms like Instagram and Pinterest to showcase your venue’s best features, highlight real weddings, and share planning tips.
  • Partner with trusted platforms: List your venue on reputable third-party wedding directories, ensuring your profile is up-to-date with accurate information and eye-catching visuals.

Improved visibility ensures more couples discover your venue and connect with you directly.

Engagement Season Checklist for Wedding Venues

As engagement season approaches, use this checklist to prepare your venue:

  1. Publish transparent pricing and downloadable brochures.
  2. Respond quickly with personalised replies and scheduled calls.
  3. Offer virtual tours and comprehensive photo galleries.
  4. Modernise your website with detailed, practical information.
  5. Follow up with couples after every inquiry and visit.
  6. Create a welcoming and personal experience.
  7. Strengthen your online presence through SEO and social media.

By addressing these common frustrations and elevating your sales and marketing efforts, your venue can stand out during engagement season. Couples are not just booking a space—they’re trusting you with one of the most important days of their lives. Show them you’re ready to make their dream wedding a reality, and you’ll not only win their hearts but also their business.