Choosing your wedding venue can be a daunting but exciting experience!! It's such a big decision to choose where will you tie the knot on your wedding day. There are so many things to consider when choosing a venue; from guest count to rain plans. But choosing a venue that matches the aesthetics of what you're hoping your wedding photos to look like is crucial. For instance, if you want light and airy photos but are getting married in a dark barn, you're probably not going to have a gallery full of whites and light. Your ceremony backdrop, the perfect lighting, and a beautiful ambience all work together to create magic for your wedding photography.
So how would you know if it’s the perfect venue or not? There are so many options that provide a wide range of variety in terms of interiors, decor, and vibe. Here's a little guide of helpful tips for selecting a photogenic wedding venue
Tips for Selecting a Photogenic Wedding Venue
Match the Venue With Your Preferred Photography Style
To start the venue brainstorming process, what comes to your mind when you think about your wedding? Is it a laid-back vibe, a party mood, or an intimate event with just your close ones? Will it be during the day or at night? How many guests will you invite? Do you want it to be expansive or feel cozy? Is it going to be indoors or outdoors? When you have answered all those questions, you will be able to narrow down the list of options. Once you have the general scope of a venue, you can begin to look at the options through the eyes of your dream photos.
If you have a vision of bright and airy wedding photos, you might want to narrow down your venue options to the ones with a ton of large windows for natural light, one with a white tent for reception, or something outdoors.
On the other hand, if you want wedding photos with a rustic venue, you might choose an open farm with a rustic vibe.
If you dream of waterfront wedding photos, you might want to choose a cruise or an open venue with solid oceanic views.
Coordinating the Color Palette
Another thing to consider is your color palette. Look for backgrounds that will complement or contrast with the colors you want for things like flowers, outfits, and signage. Keep in mind what it feels like.
Your wedding palette encompasses the flowers and decor as well as your bridesmaids dresses and groomsmen suits. If you want bright wedding photos, consider a venue that has white or pale colors. If you want a really colorful wedding, choose somewhere that supports ALL the color! If you'd hoping for moodier photos, then a darker venue or one that supports darker colors like burgundy and black would work. Your wedding palette colors and venue combo will result in a beautiful synchronization of aesthetics in your wedding photos.
Making Sure the Venue is Well-Lit
If you want light and airy photos, wedding venues with the best natural light have windows, and not just any- the bigger windows, the better lighting! Large / many windows provide the entire venue space with natural light while small windows give little pockets of light for smaller scale photos like getting ready or solo portraits.
A benefit of natural lighting is that the photographer can discreetly capture moments since you won't see a flash. They will also be able to capture photos freely, rather than being limited to locations where the flash looks good which will give you a variety of photos.
If you want moodier images, your photographer will probably experiments with flash. In that case, ambient lighting like lamps, wall lights, and chandeliers that bring a lovely warm glow to your venue, and adds dimension.
Having Access to Your Favorite Areas
Often couples shortlist a venue based on a few spots that instantly connect with them. It may be the silhouette of the skyline that they’ve fallen in love with or the expansive coastline and beach. But sometimes in that excitement forget to confirm in advance that it won’t be off-limits that day.
Some venues host multiple weddings a day. In those cases, they do everything in their power to prevent the couples from seeing each other. In those cases, you won't be allowed to venture into the area where the other wedding festivities are taking place.
If you're hoping for a lot of variety in your wedding portraits, choosing a venue that has many different areas that are photogenic is great! Not only will it result in more variety in your photos, but it can make the day run smoother as we walk along the "photo path" and don't just have to stay in a single area to do a bunch of different poses.
Venues built with a Photographer in Mind
Some venues keep photographers in mind when making decision. For instance:
Hooks in the bridal suite to hang up the wedding gown in well lit areas
A huge full length mirror
Not having carpet
Not having conflicting colors in decor
Having a groom suite, period
Having a clean space to "hide" the DJ table that cords won't be the focal point of dances
Positioning outdoor ceremonies so that the the sun is in front of or behind the couple
Daytime hue light bulbs for indoor areas that also have natural light to not mix WB
Large windows on multiple walls in every space
Separate cocktail hour space so no one interferes with reception details before photos
Having the couple enter into through reception from an area that isn't cluttered with exit signs or other unsightly objects
Up-lighting or other reception lighting to add dimension to dancing photos if DJ doesn't bring lights or props
Having a Rain Plan
You might have your heart set on getting married outdoors. But what if it rains that day? It's important to choose a venue with thoughts of their backup plan. Some venues don't have a plan and require you to rent a tent from an outside company. Some have a separate indoor area to use. Some will require you to get married where your reception is.
Bonus points if the venue already has an option you're able to choose even on a sunny day because that means that they have it beautiful all year long. Ask any 2023 couple - they'll tell you the importance of having a plan B rain plan.
Check the Venue Policies
Every wedding venue has its unique set of terms and conditions or policies and rules. Before sign on the dotted line, make sure to cross-check and familiarize yourself with the rules. This is because some of the policies might get in the way and could affect your wedding photography.
The questions you can ask and get a better sense of what it is going to look like that day are:
Is there anywhere my photographer isn't allowed to go?
What time are we allowed on the property?
Will we need a member of the staff to accompany us to particular areas of the venue?
Are there any paintings or portraits that can’t be photographed?
Do you provide some kind of transportation to get around the grounds quickly?
Are there any places off-limits?
Can confetti be thrown or champagne be sprayed?
At last, remember to choose a venue simply based on what’s important to you and feels right for your big day. The good news is that an experienced photographer will be able to capture your wedding moments anywhere.
Deciding your wedding venue is a pivotal moment as it sets the stage and memories for your special day. Remember, the best is what makes you feel comfortable and content!!
This blog was guest written by Rosie Maclean from the Breezit team.
