Your Complete Wedding Venue Guide: How to Find “The One”

Wedding planning is full of exciting moments — but with so many choices, it can also feel overwhelming. One of the biggest decisions you’ll make is choosing where to celebrate.

 

Whether you dream of mountain views, cozy fireplaces, or a weekend-long celebration surrounded by friends and family, taking a venue tour is the best way to bring that vision to life. This step-by-step guide will help you prepare, compare, and confidently book a venue that feels just right.

 

Reaching out to venues is easier than ever. Most couples start by filling out an inquiry form on the venue’s website or contacting them through wedding platforms like The Knot or WeddingWire.

 

At Bear Creek Mountain Resort, our Wedding Sales Team responds to all inquiries within 24 hours and sends a digital wedding package with an overview of spaces, menus, and pricing so you can explore options before your visit.

 

📞 Contact: 610-682-7100

🌐 Website: bcmountainresort.com

 

Before your tour, review any materials the venue provides and write down your top questions — that way you can focus on how the space feels when you’re there.

 

Pro Tip: Try to visit on a weekend when other weddings are being set up. At Bear Creek, you’ll see how our ski lodges transform into elegant ballrooms — a true mountain-to-magic moment.

 

A typical tour lasts about an hour to ninety minutes. At Bear Creek, you’ll explore multiple ceremony and reception spaces while meeting your dedicated wedding coordinator — your point of contact from booking to “I do.”

 

 

Each ballroom has its own personality and capacity. Think about your guest count, dance floor, and any extras you might want to include, like photo booths or dessert stations.

 

Bear Creek offers three distinct ballrooms, accommodating weddings of various sizes and styles. Your coordinator can suggest layouts and share photos from past events to inspire your design.

 

Pro Tip: Let the venue’s natural décor guide your style. Working with the existing aesthetic helps your details shine — and can stretch your décor budget further.

 

 

If you’re saying your vows on-site, ask about both indoor and outdoor ceremony options and how the venue handles last-minute weather changes.

 

At Bear Creek, couples exchange vows among mountain vistas and gardens, with seamless indoor backup options available.

 

Pro Tip: Wear comfortable shoes for your tour — exploring a resort property means a bit of walking. Save the heels for the aisle!

 

Your venue’s food and beverage costs usually make up the largest portion of your wedding budget. Ask whether pricing is per-person or based on a minimum spend, and find out exactly what’s included.

 

Bear Creek offers a range of wedding packages designed for every season and guest count, with chef-curated menus, bar options, and thoughtful enhancements.

 

Pro Tip: Don’t skip the tasting! Bear Creek hosts a complimentary group tasting for booked couples (plus up to four guests) so you can sample the menu and meet the culinary team.

 

Choosing a venue that offers full support makes all the difference.

 

 

If the venue handles setup and teardown, that’s a major stress reliever. At Bear Creek, our team takes care of everything so you and your loved ones can stay present and enjoy every moment.

 

 

Bear Creek provides a complimentary Wedding Suite for the couple on the night of the wedding. Many brides also choose to use this spacious suite as their getting-ready space if they’re not utilizing the on-site spa.

 

During the celebration, the couple and bridal party also have access to the Hospitality Suite during cocktail hour — a private retreat stocked with hors d’oeuvres and beverages, and a comfortable place to freshen up before joining guests for the reception.

 

Pro Tip: Start your day at the on-site spa for hair, makeup, or a pre-wedding massage — it’s the perfect way to relax before the celebration begins.

 

One of the best parts of a destination-style venue is keeping everyone together. Bear Creek features a 116-room mountain lodge, on-site dining, and spaces for rehearsal dinners, farewell brunches, and after-parties — all under one roof.

 

Pro Tip: Many couples book our Loft Suite, which sleeps up to 12 guests — perfect for getting ready together and celebrating into the night.

 

After your tour, you’ll receive a detailed proposal outlining your options and estimated costs. Most couples book 12–24 months out, especially for peak weekends.

 

At Bear Creek, we’ll hold your proposal for two weeks while you decide — no checkbook or on-the-spot decision required.

 

Pro Tip: Prime dates go fast! If you’ve fallen in love with a space, act quickly to make it yours.