Using new or unusual venues keeps events interesting and engaging. But finding the perfect event space can be time-consuming. It has to be the right choice, otherwise, your event could flop or execution could become a major headache. Thankfully, there are websites you can consult to simplify your selection process.

Here are some of the best websites we’ve found that make finding an event space easier. While some of them are global in reach, others focus on the U.S. Many even allow you to contact the venue or submit requests for proposal (RFPs) directly from the site. 

Websites to Help Find Event Venues

As you’re researching sites, note that some — but not all — charge a commission.

• Cvent – This company offers a wide variety of event planning/execution tools in addition to venue selection assistance. Their venue database includes more than 200,000 destinations worldwide.
• EVENTup – This site lists many types of locations in more than 300 cities across the country. It is easy to browse and offers multiple filtering options including budget, number of attendees, desired amenities, and even the “vibe” you want. You can read descriptions, see photos, and see each venue’s location on a Google map. Get a quote, or chat with someone from the venue.
• eVenues – This is both a marketplace and a listing service for traditional and unique meeting or event spaces.
• Social Tables – You can read venue details and reviews and see everything from photos to scale diagrams with dimensions for thousands of event space options.
• Unique Venues – This website shows thousands of options across Canada and the U.S. that are, as the site’s name implies — unique. They’ll even help you track down the best options.
• VenueBook – Submit your date, number of guests, and budget, and this site will give you a list of possibilities that fit. You can also search for spaces that allow DIY food and beverage or specify semi-private or private space.
• Venuefinder – Looking for a rooftop garden? Something in the countryside?  This app gives you a “digital booklet” to browse venues suitable for special events, conferences, and meetings. That said, most of their thousands of listings are in the U.K.

Know What You Want, First

You could spend all day — all week, really — investigating venue-locator websites and their offerings. That will only add to your frustration rather than saving you time. The clearer you are about what you need (or would love to have, if only you could find it), the easier it will be to narrow your options.

If you have a particular city in mind, you can quickly eliminate websites that don’t go there. On the other hand, if anywhere might do, more sites might help. We’re guessing you have something a little more specific in mind, though.

Since most of these websites let you filter your search, make a list of all the ways you’d like to do that. Each site is different, so you will still have questions for some possible venues. Nonetheless, the more you can zero in on viable options with the features and amenities you want and need, the easier it will be to compare your favorites. Websites that enable you to contact the venue directly make this process a lot easier.

Note that at least a few of the websites also allow you to submit RFPs to multiple venues. So, rather than hunting down amenities, you can let the venue’s salesperson determine if they have what it takes to give you and your attendees a fab event experience.

Consult Your AV Team

Your AV team can also be a great resource when it comes to choosing the right venue for your event. They have worked in countless event spaces and they see things from a different vantage point that can prove to be helpful when thinking through how you want to use the space. It’s always better to problem-solve before there is a problem!

And, what the heck! Even if you don’t find exactly the right venue for your next event, your search process is bound to turn up ideas you can incorporate into future event space planning.