Anyone used The Knot's Venue Concierge?

I tried the venue concierge for the same reasons (free advice and free insurance). The woman was responsive and even helped me workout a sensible budget. She only suggested ideas in our price range. I liked several of the venues she sent but we ended up booking a venue my fiance found. It was in the same area and within our budget. I was initially disappointed it didn't show up in her search. Especially since I mentioned it to her once we found it and asked if she worked with the venue. She didn't respond to that portion of the email.

But here are my thoughts on that... The venue concierges get a commission from the venue if you book it. A sort of "finders fee" if you will. It's possible not all venues want to participate in that - so they would not be a searchable venue. For instance, she said she did not work with any of the National Parks (my original idea for an outdoor ceremony).

What I'm saying is, I think they have a limited search ability. But the responses are so fast (and it's free) that it's worth it to try.

It's great they found you a new option. Good luck with your venue search! I hope one of them works out

I haven't but I can pretty much tell you that they'll steer you to their advertisers.....

I used it when I was having venue anxiety. They gave me two venues I already knew about, two that were way out of my price range, and one that was almost 2 hours outside the location range I gave them. I ended up booking a venue I found on my own. The response time was really great though, so I do give them props for that.

From the venue's perspective, it's similar to pay-per-click service. It's rather simple, The Knot sends a couple for a tour, if they book, the venue pays The Knot the contracted "referral fee". As a bride, you will be steered towards contracted venues only, of course.

My advice, do your own research, tour potential venues, make your own conclusions. Good luck!

Well fair enough! I was just shocked to be steered towards a venue that would have taken up LITERALLY MY ENTIRE WEDDING BUDGET after site fees and catering minimums, when they specifically ask your budget. This is helpful, I'll (continue to) take it with a grain of salt... and of course do my own research. Thanks!

TheKnot concierge program is basically a way for the Knot to make money off the venues. The venues have to agree to give the knot a substantial commission for recommending them. The free insurance they offer isn't that great either. I agree with the previous response to do your own research and make your own conclusions!