Choosing your wedding venue is one of the biggest decisions you'll make when planning your wedding. Of course, you want somewhere that feels right for you as a couple, but if your photographs are important to you, there are a few things I think are worth looking out for too.As a photographer, these are some of the things I naturally notice when I walk into a space, beautiful light, interesting textures, little pockets of privacy and places where you can create photographs that feel natural and timeless.
Beautiful natural light
Light can completely change the feeling of a photograph. When you're looking around a venue, look for rooms with plenty of natural light, particularly where you'll be getting ready. Large windows, soft daylight and bright, airy spaces can create beautiful photographs without needing lots of artificial lighting. I especially love soft window light for those quieter moments while you're getting ready.
Interesting architecture
You don't need a grand stately home to have beautiful surroundings. Interesting doorways, old stone walls, wooden beams, large windows, staircases and beautiful details can all add something to your photographs. Look beyond the main room too. Sometimes the most beautiful photograph can happen in a quiet corner you hadn't even noticed when you first viewed the venue.
Gardens and outdoor spaces
Having somewhere beautiful to step outside can make such a difference.Gardens, trees, flowers, open fields and courtyards all give you different options for your photographs and allow you to take a little break from the celebrations. You don't need hours away from your guests either. Even 15–20 minutes together can be enough to create some beautiful, relaxed portraits.
Somewhere private for your couple portraits
This is something I think is really worth asking your venue about.Is there somewhere you can go together for a few quiet moments away from your guests? It doesn't need to be a huge garden or a perfectly manicured space. Somewhere peaceful where you can walk, talk and have a little time together can be more than enough. And honestly, those few minutes can be a lovely opportunity to take a breath and enjoy being newly married.
Think about your getting-ready space
The room where you get ready is often where your wedding photography begins. When viewing a venue, think about where you'll be getting ready and how that space feels. Is there natural light? Is there enough room to move around? Are there beautiful details or interesting features? It doesn't have to be perfect but a light-filled room can make those early photographs feel soft and beautiful.
Look for variety
One of my favourite things about a wedding day is that the photographs don't all need to look the same.A venue with a mixture of spaces can give your gallery lots of variety. Perhaps there's a beautiful room for getting ready, gardens for your portraits, interesting architecture around the venue and somewhere cosy for the evening celebrations. These little changes in scenery help tell the story of your whole day.
Don't worry too much about the weather
Living in the UK, we all know that sunshine isn't guaranteed! When you're choosing your venue, it's worth thinking about what happens if it rains. Are there beautiful indoor spaces? Covered areas? Large windows? Somewhere you can still create photographs without getting soaked? Rain doesn't mean your photographs won't be beautiful. In fact, soft window light and atmospheric interiors can create some of my favourite kinds of images.
And don't forget golden hour
If you love those soft, warm and romantic photographs, ask your photographer about golden hour. This is the period shortly before sunset when the light becomes softer and warmer. Depending on the time of year and your wedding schedule, you may be able to sneak away for 10–15 minutes during this time. It doesn't need to interrupt your evening, just a few quiet minutes together can be enough.
Choose somewhere that feels like you
Most importantly, don't choose your wedding venue purely because you think it will look good in photographs. Choose somewhere that feels like you.The photographs will naturally become more beautiful when you're comfortable, relaxed and surrounded by a place that feels right for your day. Your venue doesn't need to be perfect. It just needs to give you somewhere to celebrate, somewhere to make memories and a few beautiful spaces where those memories can be photographed.
