If you’re newly engaged and starting the venue search, you’ve probably already run into this question: Should we choose an all-inclusive wedding venue, or a venue that lets us bring our own vendors?

I’ve photographed weddings at both for years, and while there’s no “wrong” answer, I want to share a real, honest perspective—not a sales pitch, not a brochure version—just what I see play out again and again behind the scenes.

What Is an All-Inclusive Wedding Venue?

An all-inclusive wedding venue typically includes things like catering, bar service, rentals, décor, and coordination in one package. The appeal is obvious: fewer decisions, fewer contracts, and a very streamlined planning process. For some couples, that simplicity is exactly what they want.

What Is an Open-Vendor Wedding Venue?

An open-vendor (or outside-vendor) venue provides the space but allows you to choose your own photographer, florist, planner, caterer, DJ, and other vendors. This option usually requires a little more planning—but it also gives you a lot more freedom.

The Reality of All-Inclusive Wedding Venues

All-inclusive wedding venues can be beautiful and well-run. I’ve seen plenty of smooth, joyful weddings at them. But there are a few things couples don’t always realize at the start.

Weddings Can Start to Feel Similar

Because these venues host weddings constantly, they rely on the same timelines, layouts, and systems that work best for them. Over time, weddings can start to feel a little… familiar. If you’re someone who wants your day to feel deeply personal or non-traditional, this is something to think about.

Vendor Choice Is Often Limited

Many all-inclusive venues require you to use their in-house team or a short preferred vendor list. Even if those vendors are talented, you may not get to work with the people you truly connect with—or whose work you already love. From my side of things, chemistry between couples and vendors makes a huge difference.

Flexibility Can Be Harder

All-inclusive wedding venues run on tight schedules. That efficiency is great—until you want to slow down, adjust the timeline, or do something a little different. Moments don’t always fit neatly into preset time blocks and in my photographer opinion – those are some of the most special memories of the day. 

Benefits of Open-Vendor Venues

You Get to Choose People You Trust

When couples choose their own vendors, they’re not just booking services—they’re building a team. A team they’ve talked to, connected with, and feel comfortable around.

This is something wedding educator Stacy Hillstead with Maxwell + Gray explains beautifully:

“When couples have the freedom to select their own vendors, the entire wedding becomes more meaningful. Each choice can be aligned with their priorities, which ultimately creates a more memorable and intentional experience for their guests. Do I think the heart behind all-inclusive venues is bad? I sure hope not. But do I think it is more vendor, business and industry-focused rather than client focused? 100%. If you can get a rockstar team of vendors on board who understand your vision, who you hand-select specifically because you trust them and you know they’ll tell YOUR story perfectly—well, that’s the secret sauce. That’s what keeps the magic alive in wedding days. Your vendors become like family and trust me when I say it’s worth every single vendor conversation, quote and interview to have a vendor team YOU select to bring your vision to life!”

As a photographer, I see this play out constantly. When couples trust their vendor team, the day flows easier. Communication is smoother and couples feel noticeably more at ease.

Your Wedding Feels Like You

With an open-vendor venue, you’re not trying to fit your vision into someone else’s template.

You can choose:

– A photographer whose style you genuinely love

– Food that actually reflects your tastes

– Music that matches your vibe

– A timeline built around moments that matter to you

That freedom shows up in the photos—and in how the day feels.

There’s More Room to Breathe

When you’re not locked into a rigid schedule, the day often feels calmer. You’re not rushing through emotional moments just to stay on track. That flexibility gives you space to be present instead of constantly watching the clock.

You Control Where Your Budget Goes

Instead of paying for bundled services you might not care much about, open-vendor venues let you invest intentionally. If photography matters most to you, you can prioritize it. If food or guest experience is your thing, you can build around that.

Is an Open-Vendor Wedding More Work?

Honestly? Yes—at least at first.

But with a solid planner or coordinator (which I always recommend), most of that work is handled for you. And many couples tell me afterward that they felt more supported—not less—because every vendor was there specifically for them.

This is My Honest Take

After photographing hundreds of weddings, the ones couples talk about most fondly aren’t the easiest ones—they’re the most personal.

Open-vendor venues give you:

– Creative freedom

– Stronger vendor relationships

– A wedding day that feels authentic

– A team that’s truly invested in your experience

If you care about connection, flexibility, and building a day that feels like a reflection of you, an open-vendor venue is often the better starting point. Your venue choice shapes everything that follows. All-inclusive venues offer convenience. Open-vendor venues offer possibility.

My best advice? Choose the option that lets you feel comfortable, supported, and excited—not boxed in. When you’re surrounded by the right people in the right space, your wedding doesn’t just look beautiful—it feels right.

– Taylor Salerno