As an East Coast wedding photographer, my job is to capture the moments that tell the story of a couple’s most important day. A key part of achieving those stunning shots lies in the choice of venue. Your wedding venue sets the stage for the entire day, and the right venue can elevate your celebration from good to incredible. Here’s what to look for in a wedding venue (from a New Jersey wedding photographer!):
Natural Light for Getting Ready
The first moments of the wedding day—when the couple is getting ready—are some of the most intimate and emotional. As a photographer, I love when a couple has access to natural light during this time. Soft, diffused sunlight creates beautiful, flattering images, especially for bridal portraits or details like the wedding dress, shoes, and rings.
Look for spaces with large windows or open areas that let in plenty of daylight. If you’re getting ready indoors, avoid rooms with harsh fluorescent lighting, as it can create unflattering shadows and unnatural skin tones.
A Beautiful Backdrop
The backdrop is everything in wedding photos. A stunning location adds atmosphere to your images, and a carefully chosen setting can reflect your personal style. When touring venues, think about how the surroundings will play a role in your portraits. Some venues naturally offer beautiful features like gardens, fountains, or breathtaking views, while others might have charming architectural details, vintage elements, or elegant interior spaces.
Space to Move
Weddings can be busy, dynamic events, and space matters. From the getting-ready moments to the ceremony, the reception, and the dancing, there are a lot of moving parts to capture. A venue with plenty of space ensures I can move freely to capture all the different aspects of the day without feeling constrained.
The bridal suite or groom’s room should have enough space for the bride and her bridal party (or the groom and his groomsmen) to move around comfortably. The ceremony space should offer enough room for guests, but also a vantage point for me to get good angles without obstructing anyone’s view. Even the reception space should be thoughtfully planned with enough room for dancing, dinner, and all the special moments you’ll want to remember in your photos.
Outdoor Spots for Wedding Photos
While beautiful indoor spaces are important, the outdoor grounds of your venue can provide even more opportunities for unique and stunning shots. Think gardens, wide open fields, beautiful walkways, or charming corners that can offer different textures and backgrounds for your couple portraits, family photos, or even just candid moments.
When visiting venues, be sure to walk around and take note of any interesting spots that could serve as the perfect backdrop for your photos. If there’s something that you love about the venue, make sure to let your photographer know so that we can incorporate it into your portraits, too!
A Plan B for Rainy Wedding Days
No one wants to think about rain on their wedding day, but it’s always a good idea to plan for it just in case. A solid backup plan ensures that the event can go on smoothly, regardless of weather conditions. Ideally, the venue should offer an indoor alternative for both the ceremony and the reception, should the weather take a turn.
Choosing the perfect wedding venue can be overwhelming, but taking into account how it will work for your photographer is a smart way to help ensure you get the most stunning wedding photos possible. Natural light, a beautiful backdrop, spaciousness, grounds for photos, and a good rain plan are all key components in creating the kind of wedding day memories you’ll cherish forever.
Learn more about Myra Roman:
Myra is a Modern & Fashion-Forward Wedding & Portrait Photographer based on the East Coast. Ready to plan your wedding day or portraits for your growing family? Complete the contact form here!
