tips on how to choose a venue

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! As a wedding photographer, I wanted to share a few tips with you!

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.

When choosing your wedding venue, make sure it’s easy for your guests to find, particularly if they’re coming from out of town. If the location is close to hotels or public transportation, it will be even more convenient for everyone, allowing them to get there with minimal stress.

Venues with gardens, mountain views, or unique architecture naturally lend themselves to stunning photos. Even sleek, modern spaces can make for incredible backdrops when captured in the right light.

If your ceremony and reception are at separate locations, try to keep the travel time between them as short as possible. This will allow you and your guests more time to enjoy the celebration and give us more opportunities to capture those special moments.

Lighting: The Secret Ingredient

Great lighting can make or break your photos, so pay attention to how your venue is lit.

As a wedding photographer, I always recommend choosing venues with large windows or outdoor spaces to make the most of natural light. It provides soft, flattering lighting that makes everyone look their best. If you're having an outdoor ceremony, scheduling it for golden hour—the time just before sunset—can give you those magical, glowing shots.

For indoor settings, look for warm, cozy lighting. Harsh fluorescent lights can create unflattering effects, so it’s best to opt for softer, warmer tones. You can see my weddings shooting at Castlefield Rooms and Malthouse.

When it comes to the evening, nothing beats the magical ambiance created by string lights, candles, or uplighting. These elements add a dreamy vibe that looks absolutely stunning in photos, making the evening feel even more special.

Wedding Team: The Real MVPs

A solid venue team makes your day stress-free and helps your photographer capture every moment. Having a great venue coordinator is crucial for keeping everything running smoothly. This allows me, as your photographer, to focus solely on capturing the best moments without any distractions.

Some venues may have specific rules, like restrictions on flash photography or certain areas where photos can’t be taken. It’s important to check these details early so there are no surprises on the big day.

Venues that understand how to collaborate with photographers make a huge difference. They help ensure that we get those dreamy portraits while also keeping everything on track and running on schedule.

Food & Entertainment: Capture the Fun

Your reception is all about celebrating, and that means fun photos!

Interactive features like food trucks, cocktail bars, or lawn games are perfect for creating fun, candid moments that add personality to your photos. These activities keep your guests engaged, and they often lead to spontaneous, joyful shots that reflect the vibe of your day.

A great DJ or band can really bring energy to the reception, and when your guests are enjoying themselves on the dance floor, it provides some of the most authentic and exciting moments for me to capture. Watching the energy build and seeing everyone have a blast is truly priceless in photos!

Space: Comfort and Options

The right venue layout means everyone’s comfortable, and your photos look amazing.

It’s important to ensure there’s enough space for both your guests and your photographer to move around freely. This way, everyone can enjoy the celebration without feeling cramped, and I can capture the best shots without any limitations.

Venues with quiet corners, such as private gardens or cozy spots, offer the perfect setting for intimate couple photos. These areas provide a peaceful atmosphere that allows for meaningful, personal moments to be captured away from the crowd.

While outdoor venues are absolutely beautiful, having a backup plan in case of rain is essential. A covered or indoor option ensures your day isn’t interrupted, and you'll be grateful for the peace of mind it provides if the weather doesn’t cooperate.

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!

Ready to find the perfect venue for your wedding? Let’s work together to create stunning memories—contact me today to start planning your dream photos!