August 2021 wedding

I would look for one that at least has the option just for your peace of mind. Ideally you could plan for an inside wedding but find a place that will switch you to outside if need be

I think people tend to feel "safer" at outdoor events and they are not as restrictive in terms of capacity during Covid. However, I understand August is not ideal weather outdoors in most parts of the country. My daughter just had her outdoor August wedding/reception and the weather was in the 90's. Fortunately with the pavilion tent, electric fans, enormous shaded trees it was pleasant.

Yes, I agree with the previous poster. You should look for outdoor options.

I think it depends on your guest count. If it’s inside and people could social distance I’d need be then I don’t think an indoor venue will be a horrible idea. As long as it’s big enough and you don’t plan on inviting the maximum number of guests

I agree with your friend that it's a good idea to look for a venue with outdoor space. I'm sure things will be better by next August, but I don't think everything will be 100% back to normal. It depends on where you're getting married and how traumatic covid was to your area (or where your guests live) this year, but it's likely that people will feel a lot more comfortable going to an outdoor wedding than an indoor one. We live in Boston and I'm not willing to go to an indoor restaurant right now, so it's hard for me to imagine going to an indoor wedding anytime soon. (I would if it was for someone close to me, but I'd be incredibly uncomfortable about it.) One of the groomsmen, who lives in New York, already asked if there was outdoor space for our reception in July 2021, and seemed relieved when we said there was.

Best to look for a venue with an outdoor option. My venue is beautiful inside but does not have an outdoor reception space. I booked my venue pre-pandemic and my venue has put up a tent in the front yard for the upcoming fall weddings. It’s not as pretty as if I booked a venue with an outdoor reception area but this is what I may have to work with now. And people will feel more comfortable gathering outdoor.

Are you 100% set that this date must be your date? If COVID was still an issue next year to the point where your guests wouldn't feel comfortable at an indoor space do you still want to have your wedding and reception? If the answers to these questions are yes, then I would look at an alternate venue, but if you absolutely love this venue and wouldn't mind postponing if COVID was still a thing I would go ahead and book.