Choosing Your Wedding Venue with Your Photos in Mind

As you embark on the exciting journey of wedding planning, one of the most important decisions you’ll make is choosing a wedding venue.

As a Florida wedding photographer, I’ve experienced photographing MANY, many different venue settings! From the beautiful historical buildings to the luscious gardens, and tropical beaches! There are so many amazing, breathtaking options here in Florida! Because of that, finding a wedding venue is probably one of the most overwhelming tasks that you’ll face when planning your wedding. There are a lot of variables, from your budget to the location, not to mention finding a venue you and your Fiance’ both love!! Selecting a venue that resonates with your vision is no easy task, but it’s totally doable!

There are tons of articles out there, sharing the best tips on how to narrow down your selections. Check this one out!! However, I’m here to share some valuable tips on how to choose the right wedding venue that suits your vision for your wedding photos, ensuring you walk away with the photos you’ve always dreamed of having!!

View Real Wedding Photos Taken at Your Venue

Before you make any decisions, take a moment to envision your wedding day at your potential venue.

Utilize the power of technology and search for real wedding photos taken at the venue you’re considering. This is an excellent way to get a glimpse of how your wedding photos may turn out. By searching “Your Venue + Wedding” on Google, you’ll find a treasure trove of images from real couples who have tied the knot there.

As you browse through these photos, pay close attention to various aspects:

1. The lighting at the ceremony: Does the venue offer ample natural light, or is it dimly lit? Is the lighting even, ensuring everyone looks their best in photos? Or is the bride or groom in direct sunlight? You don’t want to see squinting eyes or dark shadows in your cherished moments.
2. The reception area: Take note of how the reception room photographs. Does it align with your desired ambiance and aesthetic? Are there white surfaces or is it all dark wood or orangy walls? White walls or lighter surfaces create a dreamy atmosphere for your celebration and bounce light much better for those light and bright photographs.
3. The getting ready photos: Check the bridal suite and groom’s suite in the photos. Do they provide enough space for you and your bridal party to get ready comfortably? Is there abundant natural light that will add a soft and glowing touch to your pre-wedding photographs?
4. The First Look photos: Observe whether there are beautiful spots indoors or outdoors for the first look or if couples are having to make do in less-than-ideal locations.

Checking the Ceremony Site During Your Ceremony Time

One crucial aspect to consider is the lighting during your ceremony.

Different venues may have varying lighting conditions, and it’s essential to see how it looks at the time of your actual ceremony. Visiting the ceremony site during your ceremony time will give you a realistic idea of what to expect.

1. Evaluate the lighting: Stand in different areas of the ceremony site and note how the natural light falls. Is the lighting even, or are there areas with harsh shadows? A well-lit ceremony site can make a significant difference in the quality of your wedding photos. If the bride or groom is standing with the sun directly on them, the photos are not going to be what you’ve dreamed of them being.
2. Watch for squinting: Stand where you and your partner would be during the ceremony and observe if either of you has to squint due to harsh sunlight. Squinting can affect the emotional expressions captured in your photos.

Ensure You Love the Rain Location Just as Much

Planning an outdoor wedding can be a beautiful idea, but unpredictable weather may not always be on your side.

It’s essential to have a backup plan in case of rain. When visiting your prospective wedding venue, inquire about the rain location and assess whether you love it just as much as the primary one.

1. Embrace Plan B: The rain location should be equally charming and offer ample photo opportunities. Make sure it aligns with your vision and photography style. It’s probably not going to be everything your first option would be, but make sure you’re okay with it should you have to use the space on your wedding day.
2. Be prepared for the unexpected: Mother Nature can be unpredictable, so having a rain option will bring peace of mind, ensuring your wedding photos turn out stunning, rain or shine. Make sure your venue even offers a rain option, as not every venue does!!

Inquire About Popular Photo Spots with the Venue Manager

The venue manager can be a valuable resource when it comes to discovering popular photo spots.

They’ve likely seen countless weddings take place and know where the most picturesque locations are. They observe photographers capturing weddings pretty much every week and can share where those locations are.

1. Ask the venue manager: Don’t hesitate to reach out to the venue manager and inquire about the most photogenic spots on the property. They may offer insights that you wouldn’t find in brochures or online.
2. Discover hidden gems: The venue manager might share secret spots that are often overlooked, adding uniqueness to your wedding photos.

Adequate Space and Lighting in the Bridal Suite and Groom’s Suite

The bridal suite and groom’s suite play a significant role in your wedding day. These spaces are where you’ll spend precious moments with your bridal party, getting ready and sharing heartfelt emotions before walking down the aisle.

1. Size matters: Ensure the bridal suite and groom’s suite have enough space to accommodate everyone comfortably. There’s nothing worse than falling over each other trying to get ready, and keeping everything somewhat tidy so your photographer can capture beautiful photos. A spacious room allows for natural and candid moments, adding depth to your getting-ready photos.
2. Embrace natural light: Natural light is a wedding photographer’s best friend and a bride’s best beauty filter!! 😉 Look for suites with large windows that fill the space with soft, flattering light, creating a warm and inviting ambiance for your pre-wedding photographs.

Evaluating the Reception Venue for Ideal Lighting

The reception is where you’ll celebrate and create cherished memories with your loved ones. Evaluating the lighting conditions at the reception venue will significantly impact the ambiance of your wedding photos.

1. Assess the lighting: Determine whether the reception room offers the type of lighting you desire for your photographs. Natural light creates a warm and inviting atmosphere, while soft ambient lighting can add a touch of romance to your reception photos. Uplighting should be natural colors until the dancing portion of the night to ensure you’re photographed beautifully without the rainbow of colors discoloring your skin tones!
2. Consider the ambiance: Take into account the overall ambiance of the reception room. If you envision light and airy photos, look for a venue that has lots of white and less dark surfaces.

The Impact of Venue Restrictions and Staff on Your Wedding Day

Every wedding venue has its own set of rules and restrictions, which can impact your wedding day experience and photography sessions. Talking with the Venue coordinator and the staff will give you an idea of how pleasant their personalities are and ensure they’re going to be a joy to work with.

1. Inquire about venue restrictions: Ask about any specific photography restrictions or designated areas for photography. Knowing these details in advance will help you plan your photo sessions accordingly. It’s stressful if they have tons of rules about where you can or can’t take photographs, or if you’re sharing the venue with another bride and groom at the same time.
2. Consider staff cooperation: Friendly and helpful venue staff can make a significant difference on your wedding day. A cooperative staff can assist in ensuring smooth transport between different photo locations and enhance the overall experience.

Ample Grounds for Your First Look and Portrait Session

The first look and bride & groom portrait session are often some of the most anticipated portions of your wedding day!!

Having several gorgeous locations to capture these sweet moments is vital for setting the tone and look for your portraits.

1. Explore outdoor spaces: Consider whether the venue has beautiful outdoor spaces for your first look and portrait session. Lush gardens, charming architecture, or mossy trees can create romantic backdrops for your once-in-a-lifetime portraits.
2. Embrace the beauty of nature: Florida’s natural beauty offers incredible opportunities for stunning outdoor photos. Choose a venue with beautiful outdoor grounds that will allow for beautifully natural bride and groom photos and align with your vision!!!

Choosing the perfect wedding venue with your photos in mind is a significant step towards creating beautiful memories that will last a lifetime.

By viewing real wedding photos, checking lighting conditions, and inquiring about essential aspects like the rain location and popular photo spots, you can make an informed decision that complements your photography vision.

Ensure that the bridal suite and groom’s suite provide ample space and natural light for getting ready photos, and explore the reception venue’s lighting and ambiance to create a warm and inviting atmosphere for your celebration. Additionally, considering venue restrictions and staff cooperation will contribute to a seamless and delightful wedding day experience.

Remember, your wedding day is a reflection of your love story, and the right venue will elevate your photographs and add a touch of magic to your special day. Take your time, trust your instincts, and choose the wedding venue that resonates with your heart, your style, and your photography dreams. Happy planning, my friend!!!