How To Pick A Perfect Venue…
And Why Hampton Roads Event Center is the Perfect Venue for Your Special Event

Searching for the perfect venue for a wedding is probably one of the hardest parts of planning a wedding and often the first decision you have to make. Usually, once you choose the location, everything else falls into place. Unless you have your heart set on a specific location, where do you even start to look? Since the wedding venue sets the backdrop for the whole event and locks in the date for your wedding, it’s important to get it finalized before moving on to other details. In fact, according to a 2025 study from The Knot, 82% of couples found their perfect venue first before hiring additional vendors.

How to pick a wedding venue...                ... And why hampton roads event center is the perfect venueWhen focusing on how to choose a perfect venue, there are a number of things to take into consideration, like the venue’s size, location, cost, bathroom options, and so much more! Finding your dream venue can be a tricky process. The following list is what you should look for when selecting the perfect venue that’s just right for you and your special day, and why Hampton Roads Event Center (HREC) is your perfect venue.

Ask Yourself These Questions When Searing for the Perfect Venue:

  • Does It Fit My Budget? – There’s nothing more disappointing than finding what feels like your dream venue but then realizing later down the line that it doesn’t fit into your wedding budget.
    • HREC is extremely affordable. Plus, because you can choose your own vendors or even bring in your own food and alcohol, you can choose how much money you will spend!
  • Is It Big Enough? – When picking a venue, you need to think about your guest list. You don’t need a final count, but you do need an estimate of the number of people you will have at your wedding. 
    • HREC can accommodate up to 130 people. So unless your wedding is large, we have you covered.
  • Is It Available? – If you’re dead set on a particular date for your wedding, try and start looking at venues early to increase your chance of venues still being available.
    • HREC can’t guarantee we will be available on the date you want, but we are available every day of the year, so ask!
  • Does It Match My Wedding Theme? – Since the wedding venue sets the tone of the wedding, you should at least have a general theme for the wedding in mind when choosing a location. If the location is overly decorated or won’t work with your theme, don’t consider it!
    • HREC is minimally decorated in a rustic elegance which lends itself to being a blank palette for you to incorporate your personal style and theme. Plus, we have many decor options of our own that are available for your use, free of charge.
  • Are There Indoor And Outdoor Options? – When it comes to weather, it’s a good idea to hope for the best but prepare for the worst! Since weather can be unpredictable, if you’re planning to have any part of your day outside, it’s worth asking if there are covered or indoor options in the case of bad weather such as rain.
    • HREC offers a 2300 sqft indoor event space and a beautifully lit 2400 sqft outdoor patio space for your use.
  • What About The Surrounding Area And Nearby Accommodations? – In addition to making sure the venue itself meets your needs and wants, be sure to also think about the venue’s location overall. Think about how close it might be to a popular airport, nearby accommodations, and if the area feels safe.
    • HREC is in a safe area located within walking distance of three hotels and only a six-minute drive to the Newport News/Williamsburg International Airport.
  • What is the Privacy Like? – When searching for your wedding venue, you want to make sure you find a place that is personal and private enough for you. Sometimes a venue will be hosting multiple events or weddings on the same day making it difficult to feel like it is your special day.
    • HREC rents the entire space to you for your day. You don’t have to worry about sharing bathrooms, parking or any part of the space.
  • Is It Handicap Accessible? – Be sure to consider the needs of all your guests when looking at venues. Check and ask how ADA-accessible the facilities are, including the accessibility of entrances/exits, bathrooms, parking, and seating options.
    • HREC is entirely ADA-accessible.
  • What Are The Vendor Options? – Some venues require you to use their floral company, catering, alcohol, wedding planner, band, etc. If you prefer to choose your own vendors, be sure to pick a venue that accommodates that.
    • HREC allows you to bring your own vendors for everything, food, cake, alcohol, anything. We can provide recommendations but the final decision is yours. If you don’t want any outside vendors and you’d rather do it all yourself, that is fine too.
  • How Easy Is Set Up And Breakdown? – Another detail to consider is how the setup and breakdown process works and how much time you’re allowed. If there’s an event happening before or after your wedding, this might add some unwanted stress to your planning. 
    • HREC does all the setup and cleanup for you! We set up the table and chairs however you would like and after your event, we will clean it all up. You are only responsible for setting up and taking down anything you or your vendors bring.

Book Hampton Roads Event Center for Your Perfect Venue

Hampton Roads Event Center meets almost everyone’s needs for the perfect venue. If you are interested in learning more about HREC and what we have to offer for your big day, review our website. We have beautiful images and answers to all of your questions. When you are ready to reserve your date, you can even do that right on our website.