What to Expect on a Wedding Venue Tour at a Grand Junction Wedding Venue.
- Linda Prock
- Jul 5, 2025
- 7 min read
Updated: Jan 17
Congratulations! In this blog, you are about to learn what to expect on a wedding venue tour. No doubt looking for a wedding venue is great fun, but choosing the right venue can be a process. Scheduling a site tour is an important first step in booking a venue. Our advice is to come prepared with a list of questions.
Expect to see the different spaces such as the ceremony site, reception area, and bridal suite. Be sure to ask questions about capacity, parking, catering, backup plans, and if there are any add-ons.
So, if you are a bride looking for a rustic, elegant wedding with amazing views of the San Juans, sunsets, an outdoor ceremony, and an authentic wedding barn that has large sliding doors opening on all sides to give you an indoor/outdoor feel with amazing views in all directions.. Contact Antler Ridge Weddings today. We would love to meet you and give you a tour or shoot me a text at 970 209-1571.
Location is important, but don't worry, Antler Ridge is centrally located and is known as the playground of the western slope. Montrose has a new boutique hotel, brew pubs, and we are also 20 minutes from the Black Canyon of the Gunnison, where your out-of-town guests will love exploring. The wedding venue is also just 45 minutes from Ouray. Did you know that booking a venue outside of a tourist town or a bigger city can save you up to 20% or more, and you get the same amenities?
Your Wedding Vibe?
The vibe of the wedding venue is important and is a reflection of you and your partner. It will also help in determining your wedding theme. For many couples, the venue is the biggest decision... it impacts your budget and determines how smooth or how stressful your wedding day will be. The barn at Antler Ridge and its natural surroundings with open grassy fields and the best views on the western slope can be elegant, rustic, chic, or western. Over the past 10 years, we have seen every style of wedding. The barn is so adaptable and beautiful no matter what your vibe. It is a venue that offers guest experience, and we guarantee your guests will be talking about your wedding for a very long time. At Antler Ridge Weddings, we offer a weekend package that is guaranteed to make your wedding day stress-free!
Antler Ridge Weddings, located near Grand Junction, has hosted hundreds of weddings for couples from Grand Junction and all over the Western Slope. So whether you're just starting your search or ready to book, here are some questions you should ask on every wedding venue tour.
How long is the tour?
Tours can vary, but at Antler Ridge, generally, it takes 45-60 minutes.
How many ceremony sites are there to choose from?
Most wedding venues only have one ceremony site to choose from, but at Antler Ridge, we have multiple locations.
1. Pond with mountain views and rustic wooden arch
2. Spacious green lawn area with backdrop of the wedding barnor use your our arch in the garden area.
Can We Use Our Own Vendors?
Some venues restrict outside vendors. Be sure to ask about the policies. Being able to choose your vendors, especially your caterer, or the ability to bring in your own liquor can save you money.
At Antler Ridge, we allow outside vendors. We also have a preferred vendors list to choose from that is provided to you when you book the venue. However, you are not required to use our preferred vendors list.
What Does Preferred Vendors List Mean?
Preferred Vendors are vendors that have been to our venue several times and that we know will be professional and reliable. On the list, you will find several different price ranges. Having the ability to choose your own vendors saves you money because you can pick a vendor that fits your budget and your vibe.
How Many Guests Can The Venue Accommodate?
Always ask about capacity for both the reception and the ceremony.
Antler Ridge Weddings sits on 5 acres and has a large, spacious grassy area in front of the barn allowing
us to accommodate various sizes. We have intimate ceremony spaces as well as grand ceremony spaces. We also have both indoor and outdoor spaces, and if you have always wanted a tent to celebrate your outdoor ceremony in, we have plenty of room for that specific vibe as well.
Is There a Lighted Parking Area?
Antler Ridge has a large parking area that is convenient for all your guests.
There is a pathway to the wedding ceremony site and it is easily accessible.
Is There a Bridal Suite and is it Conveniently Located to the Wedding Reception?
Antler Ridge has a newly renovated Bridal Suite! The Bridal Suite has three bedrooms and two bathrooms. One of the favorite things about Antler Ridge is having a “last girlfriend night together.” The Bridal Suite has individual make-up stations with mirrors in the master and a fun porch to hang out on to enjoy a “Mimosa.”
with your "Besties." It is conveniently located near the wedding reception area.
Hold the Date Deposit
If you're in love with our wedding venue—and we are sure you will be—once we check availability and decide on a date, you will fill out a contract and make a hold-the-date deposit of $1,000.00. The balance of the venue is due 30 days before the wedding.
How Long Do We Have Access To The Venue?
Some venues limit access to a few hours, causing stressful setups. So, it is an important question to ask!
At Antler Ridge, our packages offer generous amounts of time for access to allow a stress-free environment. You can get ready on site, have time to relax and enjoy your day, or you can choose our weekend package that allows you time to decorate, have your rehearsal, rehearsal dinner, and stay in the cottage with your bridesmaids. Your wedding day is stress-free..
Who will be Assisting on the Wedding Day?
Antler Ridge provides a day of MANAGER. Their job is to take care of the grounds and general maintenance. Managers are not event planners and do not help with the logistics concerning the wedding event. However, we are there to answer questions and make sure your guests are enjoying themselves.
Can we use real candles and confetti to decorate with ?
You can use sparklers and candles if you have a day-of-event planner. We ask that you use
biodegradable products like real flower petals. Silk flower petals and confetti are NOT allowed.
Are Linens included in the Wedding Packages?
We do NOT provide linens at Antler Ridge because we want your wedding to be unique and show off your style. If you have questions about linens, please read our Blog on our Website: Should I Rent or Buy My Wedding Linens?
Do you provide a Day of Coordinator?
No, but we highly recommend that you have one. It is NOT required, but we have several very professional and fun day-of coordinators on our preferred vendor list. It is a sure way to make your day go smoothly.
Do you provide an all inclusive packet ?
Yes, we can work with an event planner and coordinate your wedding.
When is the Balance Due?
Many wedding venues ask for 50% down and a couple payment in between.
At Antler Ridge, we make it easy. You are required to make a hold-the-date deposit, and then the balance is due 30 days before your wedding. SIMPLE.
What Is The Weather Backup Plan?
Colorado mountains can have alot of weather but Antler Ridge has asesome mountain views but also has
indoor and outdoor ceremony options and a beautiful barn that can make a seeamless transitions in case of inclement weather. We have been in the wedding business for 10 yars and have only had 3 indoor weddings!
Colorado mountains can have a lot of weather, but Antler Ridge has awesome mountain views and also has
indoor and outdoor ceremony options and a beautiful barn that can make seamless transitions in case of inclement weather. We have been in the wedding business for 10 years and have only had 3 indoor weddings!
Can you bring in your own liquor?
Yes, you can! At Antler Ridge, we require event insurance and will provide you with that information when signing the contract. The event insurance covers you as the liquor host.
Can you bring in additional wedding decor?
Absolutely, we encourage you to be creative and show off your style.
Can I add extra lights inside or out? Yes, and you can also hang draping. The rental company will be happy to do that for you.
Hope you found this information helpful. There is a lot to think about when securing your perfect venue for your big day! After all of the questions have been asked and you have toured the venue, there is just one more question to ask yourself, and that is, "Do you love the venue?" We are sure you will, especially if you are looking for a venue that is unique, has a relaxed feel, awesome sunsets, mountain views, and staff that are easy to work with and excited you are here.
We have been in business for 10 years and would love to be part of your day. Please follow us on instagram and tik tok to see more reels and pictures .
Antler Ridge is a locally owned wedding venue near Grand Junction, Colorado. Did you know…when you choose a locally owned wedding venue, you are helping to develop and improve the local economy? It’s true, your locally owned wedding venues are small business owners who not only create hundreds of jobs for the local wedding industry every year, but also actively support our local economy. Please consider a locally owned venue. We want to give a shout out to some of the locally owned wedding venues around the country. Thanks for reading our blog.
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