Wedding planning can be a stressful time and choosing a wedding venue is no exception! I know personally, I’m the kind of girl that thrives off of the Chick-fil-a menu and crumbles under the Cheescake Factory menu! I am immensely indecisive having so many great options being thrown everyone can be very overwhelming! The more I can narrow down my choices, the better! So if you are anything like me, then you have just stumbled into the perfect blog to help you weed through your wedding venue choices by asking a series of questions!

One of the biggest mistakes that I see people make on their wedding day is not considering their wedding photos when choosing a venue. It is easy to separate these two world of, choose an awesome venue, and choose a great photographer. But I’m here to tell you that it is SO important to think of your photos when choosing a venue! Not only will your photographer be beyond grateful, but you will too when you are able to get the dreamy photos that you had in mind!

It is important to remember as you go through this blog that these are all main points to consider, but don’t let them sacrifice the ultimate vision you had it mind. Remember, this day is for you! Have I convinced you yet? If so, lets dive in to the 5 questions to consider when choosing your perfect wedding venue that will give you the best photos as well!

1.) Does the Venue Have a Bridal Suite Available?

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Photos taken by Alicia Caitlyn Photography at The Red Horse Inn

This is so important on a wedding day. This is quite honestly where you will be spending about 1/3 of your wedding day. The photos that will be taken in this area (unless there is another area on the venue that better suites certain photos) include first look with dad, first look with bridesmaids, getting ready photos for the bride and her bridal party, getting into the dress photos, and bridal portraits. That is a big part of the day! Especially if it happens to be rainy outside and we aren’t able to utilize the outdoors, we will greatly be depending on this room for most, if not all, of those shots.

If they have a suite available, it would be beneficial if they could show you around the day that you tour the venue so you are able to actually lay eyes on the suite and not just a photo that could be a false representation. When on your tour, ask the venue if there are any time restrictions that make it to where you are only able to use that location for a certain amount of time.

Lastly, make sure the bridal suite has good lighting! This is a very important point to consider when looking at the bridal suite. Try to stay away from rooms that don’t have any windows or harsh lighting. Remember, the more natural light that you can bring into a space, THE BETTER!

2.) Is The Venue Big Enough To Fit Everyone & Get the Desired Shots In the Desired Locations?

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Photos taken by Alicia Caitlyn Photography at The Southern Bleachery

Is the venue large enough to fit your entire bridal party, along with family members attending? It is also good to think about if any family members or friends have certain needs that will be a conflict with your venue. Such as stairs, hills, and so on.

Is enough space so that everyone can put their bags, lipsticks, shoes, and other items without it being cluttered and messy? As a photographer it can be difficult having to work around everyones belongings. Also, having to ask people to move their items is not only bothersome to your friends and family, but it also takes up unnecessary time that could be used getting more shots.

3.) Are There Outdoor Options?

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Photos taken by Alicia Caitlyn Photography at Barry Farms

Chances are, if you have been following my photography, you know that my style is bright and airy with lots of natural light! Having outdoor options allows for those dreamy golden hour couples portraits and the luscious green bridal party shots! I am a strong believer that colors come alive outside!

This also widens our backdrop options for photos throughout the day so we can still get the timeless details of the building while also getting some outside shots as well. Ultimately it boils down to more variety and options! You don’t have to have an outdoor wedding to get this look. You could use a patio space, a little getaway in walking distance, or even a little rooftop.

4.) Is There Natural Light?

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Photos taken by Alicia Caitlyn Photography at The Red Horse Inn

I am ALL about the character that a venue has to offer! But a little help from the sun is always a good way to truly show off those details! Windows that bring in natural light makes all the difference for photos! Are you looking for those light, bright, and airy photos, but you still want to capture that beautiful character in the venue? Then keep your eyes open for a venue with lots of windows that pour in natural light!

If you are having a difficult time finding a venue with lots of light, at the least try to make sure that your ceremony location has light coming in to offer than soft look you are going for. I promise, you’re photographer will be thank you and you will be thanking them for the gorgeous photos!

5.) Does the Venue Have Character?

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Photos taken by Alicia Caitlyn Photography at The Cliffs at Glassy Chapel

Character doesn’t have to mean crown molding from the 1800’s! Although that is beautiful! Character is anything that makes a venue YOU. As a wedding photographer, my main goal is to deliver a gallery to my couples that reflects their style, their love, and their day. So choose a venue that reflects you!

Many people are now opting an Air B&B that embraces the theme of their wedding day instead of a hotel room with bright blue carpeting. After all, your wedding day is about YOU! Make it unique and have fun!

Choosing a Wedding Venue

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