Venue Selection

This is business, not personal. You're not the first or last person to tell them that you're looking at other venues. I would simply say "we have a couple of other venues to meet with, but we will have a final answer for you soon."

Just tell them, trust me you're not the only ones.

If you already have a date set up to visit the other venues, it may help if you can tell them when you are expecting to have your final decision. It's by no means a must but it might help you feel more comfortable in the conversation

This is how venues/vendors operate - They try to streamline the process by drawing up a contract quickly and sending it to you. For some, it's a race to get you to sign on before other contracts come in. The wedding industry is a multi-billion dollar one. If you don't sign on, someone else will. They see us as dollar signs! No feelings hurt, I promise!

Good luck and happy planning!

I agree with PPs, it's their job. This is what they do. It won't hurt their feelings; it's just how it works. I would just be honest, but polite. The "We have a couple of other venues to speak with, but we will have a final answer for you soon" suggestion from above sounds great!

As everyone else said, it’s business - and they want yours, they’re going to want to move quickly. I’d just say “thank you for sending this, we will review the contract and let you know if we have any questions.”