Couples often fall in love with a venue from photographs: fairy lights in a garden, chandeliers in a ballroom. Then they find out it holds half their guest list, has no parking and sits at the end of the worst traffic in Accra.
Choosing a reception venue is one of the biggest decisions in wedding planning. It affects the budget, the date, the decor and how guests experience the day.
Start with the numbers
Before visiting venues, agree on a realistic guest count. Ghanaian weddings often grow, with relatives, church members and colleagues all expecting a seat. A venue that fits 250 comfortably will feel cramped with 400.
Ask venues for their seated capacity, not their standing capacity.
Types of venue
Gardens and outdoor spaces are popular for their beauty and space. They need a plan for rain and heat, including tents or canopies, and often lighting and power for evening receptions.
Hotel ballrooms offer air conditioning, catering and security in one place, but can be expensive and may limit outside vendors.
Church halls and event centres are often cheaper and convenient when the ceremony is at the same church, but they may have restrictions on alcohol, music or time.
Location and traffic
Accra traffic can wreck a schedule. Choose a venue that guests can reach easily from the ceremony. If the church is in one part of the city and the reception in another, plan for travel time at the hour of the day you will be moving.
Parking and access
Ask how many cars the venue can take, and whether there is overflow parking nearby. Consider access for elderly guests and anyone using a wheelchair.
What is included
Get a written list of what the fee covers: chairs, tables, linens, power, generators, security, cleaning, toilets and changing rooms. Ask about closing time and overtime charges, noise limits and whether you can bring your own caterer, decorator and drinks.
Visit at the right time
Visit the venue at the same time of day as your reception. Check the light, the heat and the noise from nearby roads, churches or clubs.
Book early
Popular venues fill up quickly, especially for December and Easter weekends. Pay a deposit only after reading the contract carefully.
The last test
Before signing, picture the moment the couple walks in and the MC calls everyone to their feet. If the room, or the garden, feels right for that moment, it is probably the one.
