How soon do we have to book a venue?

I would start looking now. We picked out venue over a year in advance. Venues in my area book up very quickly so at least a year is suggested. Make sure you have a rough idea of guest list size before you look so you an rule out anything right away that won't work. The deposit depends on the venue. We had a $2000 deposit to secure our date that went toward our final bill. May and June are very popular months to get married so finding venues with an open date may be tricky the longer you wait to book.

I booked my venue this past February for my wedding in May 2015, since May is a popular month and Saturday weddings are the most popular as well.

We were required to put down $1,000 at signing. You pay in increments, with the last payment being the biggest one.

Going by your screen name, I'm also going to assume you're from Jersey—that's where I'm from and getting married at. I would look ASAP if I were you, a lot of venues in Jersey are booked far in advance!

Figure out a sorta guest list then look now and book as soon as you can. Don't forget that you're not only competing with other brides, but grad parties, bar and bat mitzvahs, and other events that have dates set years in advance.

Every venue is different as far as a deposit.

SOON!

My venue has already booked completely for May 2015!

Book ASAP! Think about what type of venue you want, the budget, then how many people you want to accommodate. I booked in February for my December 2015 wedding. $1000 deposit was required. Every venue is different. Get an idea of what you and FH like then go for it. We went to 10 venues before we finally booked.

Congratulations on your engagement!!

Thank you everyone I'm glad I asked because my other half was telling me stop stressing the venue it's a year away lol LITTLE DO WE KNOW right I wish they made an engaged for dummies book but this site is beyond helpful haha

We booked ours a lil over a year in advanced, since we did it so early we negotiated and we got Sunday price for a Saturday!