So, you’ve decided to tie the knot in Belgium? Congratulations! You’re about to embark on an adventure filled with historic castles, chic urban lofts, and countryside estates straight out of a fairy tale. But before you start practicing your vows in French or Dutch, there’s one crucial thing to do—secure the perfect wedding venue.
And trust me, in Belgium, this isn’t as easy as pointing at a castle and saying, “I’ll take that one!”
Venues get booked years in advance, costs vary wildly, and legalities can sneak up on you like an uninvited wedding guest. But fear not! With this guide, you’ll navigate the process like a pro (or at least avoid the major pitfalls).
Step 1: Picture Your Dream Wedding Venue
First things first—what’s your vibe?
Pro tip: Before falling in love with a venue, check if it allows outside catering, music past midnight, and enough parking for your guests. Nothing kills the romance like a noise curfew at 10 p.m.
Step 2: Timing Is Everything (Don’t Wait!)
Belgium is a hot spot for weddings, and venues book 1-2 years in advance, especially for Saturdays in summer. Want a prime location but don’t have that much time? Consider:
✅ A Friday or Sunday wedding – you might snag a discount.
✅ A winter wedding – cozy, magical, and often more budget-friendly.
✅ Last-minute cancellations – some venues offer deals if a couple cancels (hey, their loss, your gain!).
Fun fact: A couple once booked Château de Namur just six months before their wedding by choosing a Thursday in November. The venue gave them 30% off and included free fairy lights. Not bad, right?
Step 3: Budget Like a Boss
Before you sign on the dotted line, know what you’re paying for. Wedding venues in Belgium vary dramatically in price:
| Venue Type |
Estimated Cost (for 120 guests) |
| Luxury Castle 🏰 |
€5,000 – €15,000 |
| Rustic Barn 🌿 |
€2,500 – €6,000 |
| Industrial Loft 🏙 |
€3,000 – €8,000 |
| Beachfront Venue 🌊 |
€3,500 – €10,000 |
⚠️ Hidden costs to watch for:
- Catering exclusivity (some venues require you to use their caterers, which may be pricier).
- Furniture rentals (some places don’t include tables, chairs, or even basic décor).
- Corkage fees (if you bring your own drinks, you might get charged per bottle).
One couple I worked with nearly blew their budget because their dream venue charged €8 per rented chair. Yes, for a chair. Always ask what’s included before committing.
Step 4: Visit in Person (Seriously, Do It!)
Online photos lie. What looks dreamy on Instagram can feel completely different in real life. When visiting, check:
✔️ The lighting – will it work for photos?
✔️ The sound – echoes in high ceilings can ruin speeches.
✔️ The backup plan – Belgian weather is… unpredictable. Does the venue have a solid indoor option?
Also, consider accessibility. Is there parking? Are there hotels nearby for guests? Will Grandma need to hike up a medieval staircase?
Step 5: Get Your Paperwork in Order
Unlike a Vegas elopement, Belgium requires actual legal steps to get married:
1️⃣ One partner must have lived in Belgium for at least 3 months before the wedding (unless you’re planning just a symbolic ceremony).
2️⃣ You must submit your marriage application to the local commune at least 14 days in advance.
3️⃣ If you’re non-Belgian, check with your embassy for required documents (birth certificate, passport, etc.).
Planning a symbolic ceremony (i.e., paperwork elsewhere, party in Belgium)? Great! That gives you total freedom on location without the legal hassle.
Step 6: Make It Yours
Once your venue is locked in, it’s time to personalize it! Some ideas:
- A beer-tasting corner featuring Belgium’s finest brews. 🍺
- A waffle dessert bar (because… Belgium). 🧇
- A photo booth inside a vintage tram (totally possible in Brussels). 🚋
Step 7: Capture the Magic
Your wedding day will fly by faster than a champagne cork. Make sure you have a professional photographer to document every laugh, tear, and wild dance move.
And speaking of capturing moments—hi, I’m Serg, the creative eye behind Your Happy Moments. I specialize in storytelling wedding photography, ensuring every heartfelt moment is preserved beautifully.
📸 Explore my portfolio: yourhappymoments.net/blog
💍 Check out my wedding packages: yourhappymoments.net/investment
📩 Ready to chat? Let’s make your wedding unforgettable: yourhappymoments.net/contact
Final Thoughts: Belgium Wedding Venue Cheat Sheet
✅ Book early (1-2 years ahead for peak dates).
✅ Budget smartly (watch for hidden costs!).
✅ Visit the venue in person (don’t trust photos alone).
✅ Sort legal paperwork in advance (if needed).
✅ Add personal touches (beer, waffles, or fairy lights—your call!).
✅ Hire a top-notch photographer (like me 😉).
Now, go forth and find the wedding venue of your dreams in Belgium! 🍾✨
