Golf courses aren't always the first venues that come to mind when planning a wedding, but many of these venues offer a wide range of services and amenities for weddings. As you look at your different wedding venue options, use this guide to help plan your dream wedding at the right golf course facility.

Look For Off-Peak Discounts

Golf courses typically experience a slowdown during the winter months due to weather, and some may offer a discount if you set your wedding date during these off-peak times. You can host your wedding indoors at the golf course's club and enjoy a discount that helps you to stick to your wedding budget. Ask about discounts for winter months and even for specific days of the week. For example, you may be able to get a discount if you have your wedding on a weekday instead of on a weekend.

Book With The In-House Caterer

While some golf courses may let you use an outside caterer for your wedding, you may be able to save some money by using the in-house caterer. Consider making lunch or dinner reservations at the golf course you are interested in to get an idea of what the food might taste like, and ask to see private-event catering menus while you are there. If you are happy with the food choices, schedule an appointment with the golf course's party planner to discuss catering packages and possible discounts for your wedding.

Check Out All The Locations

Golf courses sometimes offer a range of locations on their grounds for hosting a wedding. For example, you may be able to host an outdoor wedding near the course's lagoon to create a beautiful backdrop, or the course may have an outside patio you can use for a summer wedding. For a winter wedding, the golf course may offer a private room, or you can simply rent out the facility's restaurant for the night. Ask to take a tour of the different locations set aside for weddings so you can choose the right one for your special day.

Ask About Event Setup

Setting up your event is an important part of the planning process, and each golf course may have different rules regarding the setup. Ask how long you will have before the event starts to set up, and inquire about how much assistance you will get from the golf course staff. If you will be hosting your event outdoors, you'll also want to know whether you are allowed to install a dance floor or anchor a tent into the golf course grounds. Knowing these details in advance can help to make your big day a frustration-free event.

Work with your wedding planner to narrow down the list of golf courses in your area, and start to tour each venue as soon as possible so you can reserve your wedding date and get started on planning all the details. For more information on using a golf course as a wedding venue, contact a company like Peoria Pines Golf & Restaurant.