Hey lovebirds! Picking your wedding venue is a big deal—it’s not just about how pretty it looks. Your venue sets the vibe for your big day and plays a huge role in how your photos turn out. Let’s go over what to look for so your venue is as unforgettable as your wedding album!
1. Location: Convenient and Beautiful
The location of your venue isn’t just about getting there—it’s about making it easy for everyone and stunning for photos.
Keep it Simple: Pick a spot that’s easy for guests to find, especially if they’re coming from out of town. Bonus points if it’s near hotels or transport.
Picture-Perfect Views: Venues with gardens, mountain views, or cool architecture are automatic winners. Even sleek, modern spaces can look amazing in photos.
Short Travel Times: If your ceremony and reception are at different spots, keep the drive short. Less travel means more time to party and take great photos!
2. Lighting: The Secret Ingredient
Great lighting can make or break your photos, so pay attention to how your venue is lit.
Natural Light is Everything: Venues with big windows or outdoor spaces are perfect for soft, flattering light. If you’re having an outdoor ceremony, aim for golden hour (just before sunset) for those magical, glowing shots.
Warm Indoor Lighting: Indoors? Look for warm, cozy lighting—not harsh fluorescents. They’re a no-go for flattering photos.
Evening Magic: String lights, candles, or uplighting? Yes, please! They create a dreamy vibe that looks stunning in pictures.
3. Wedding Team: The Real MVPs
A solid venue team makes your day stress-free and helps your photographer capture every moment.
Coordinators Are Key: A great venue coordinator keeps everything running smoothly, so your photographer can focus on getting the best shots.
Photography-Friendly Rules: Some venues have restrictions on flash or where photos can be taken. Check this early to avoid surprises!
Teamwork Wins: Venues that know how to work with photographers will help you nail those dreamy portraits and keep everything on schedule.
4. Food & Entertainment: Capture the Fun
Your reception is all about celebrating, and that means fun photos!
Interactive Features: Things like food trucks, cocktail bars, or lawn games make for fun, candid photo ops.
Dance Floor Vibes: A great DJ or band brings the energy. Your guests having a blast on the dance floor? That’s pure gold for your photographer.
5. Space: Comfort and Options
The right venue layout means everyone’s comfortable, and your photos look amazing.
Plenty of Room: Make sure there’s enough space for your guests and your photographer to move around easily.
Quiet Corners: Venues with private gardens or cozy spots are perfect for intimate couple photos.
Backup Plans: Outdoor venues are gorgeous, but have a Plan B in case of rain. You’ll thank yourself later!
Final Thoughts
Above are the tips on how to choose a venue. Choosing your wedding venue isn’t just about style—it’s about creating a space that feels right, runs smoothly, and gives you the best photos. Focus on location, lighting, the venue team, food and entertainment, and space to make your day unforgettable.
Your wedding is your love story, and the perfect venue is the canvas for it all. Let’s make some magic happen—happy planning!
