Hopefully you've already made your budget so you know what's in your price range (Look at this post for major ways to save on your budget: Setting a Wedding Budget). Once you know that, it's good to start a preliminary search based on the location and setting that you want most to see if your dreams are within your budget. My favorite website to use was Here Comes the Guide because you could get really specific in your search like views, setting, guest count, etc. And what makes this guide even more handy is that in the description of each venue, it gives a breakdown of all the rental costs. That is super handy to have because sometimes it is hard to find on each venue's site and it also explains it all in an easy to understand way. Those that didn't have their prices available for the Here Comes the Guide site, I assumed were too pricey and trying to hide things.
Once you've looked at a few places that you were thinking of, you'll be able to see if what you were envisioning is within your budget. You may have to make some compromises, but don't get discouraged! There are hidden gems, other ways to get the feel that you want, or if you're really set on a place, you can make compromises in other areas that have a big impact on price as suggested in Setting a Wedding Budget.
Areas that are important to a venue (I will be focusing on Northern California as that is where I live, but the same idea applies to all places):
Location
This may be what makes a price the most expensive. Bigger cities are going to have higher price tags. Try going a little outside the city to save a few bucks (and probably make it easier on the guests too!).
Are you really set on a winery? Of course everyone thinks Napa, but those wineries are the most expensive. Try the nearby Sonoma Valley or even the Livermore Valley has a lot more wineries now at a much cheaper price! (My wedding was at a beautiful winery in the Livermore Valley, Elliston Vineyards. Check it out!)
View
Really want an ocean view? Most people gravitate towards Monterey but there's a whole coastline full of wedding spots! (Here's a great place that I loved but was too small for my wedding, Landmarks Art and Garden Center.)
Catering Offered
This may seem like it makes a place more expensive but, trust me, it saves a lot of hassle and usually ends up being cheaper in the long run. In fact, the really packaged places can save you A LOT of money. It wasn't my thing because I wanted more say in the decision-making process. But if you're not big on the whole details thing, you should really check out some awesome packages like this cool company that has a lot of great venues throughout California, Colorado, Arizona, and Nevada: Wedgewood Wedding & Banquet Center.
Hope this helps and happy venue hunting!
