Lutz Do This- What To Look For In Wedding Venue From A Wedding Photographer

Forever starts here

Choosing the perfect wedding venue is like finding the heart of your special day! It's where all your dreams come alive, where you and your loved ones will celebrate love, laughter, and lifelong memories. When picking your dream spot, don't forget your photos! Imagine your wedding photos - glamorous, romantic, or quirky? As you scout venues, think about what will make your pictures pop. Let's dive into the secrets a photographer seeks in a wedding venue!

First and foremost, lighting is everything. Natural light creates stunning and flattering photos. Venues with ample natural light sources like big windows or outdoor settings are a creative playground for photographers. I love to play with window lighting as it can create some dramatic looks without the need for extra equipment. Outdoor ceremonies are some of my favorite not only because of the lighting but the space to move around and get different angles of the ceremony. When planning an outdoor wedding, pay attention to the location of the ceremony and the time of day. If you are planning a summer wedding in a wide open field, a later start time will work in your favor with the lighting and the temperature. 

Next, consider the variety of photo opportunities. A venue with diverse settings—think romantic gardens with a pond and dock, rustic barns, or scenic vineyards—offers a plethora of backdrops for your wedding album. Each corner of the venue should tell a story, from getting ready with your best girls and guys in a stunning bridal suite to the partying the night away on the dance floor with your nearest and dearest. 

Willowbrook, a venue known for its breathtaking spaces, provides a spacious bridal suite designed for both the bridal party and groomsmen. The bride’s area features Hollywood vanity mirrors where the ladies can glam up for the special day. The lighting is a dream for photographers, and next to the windows, you'll find two stylish blue and grey couches perfect for bridal photos. On the guys' side, there's ample space to unwind, play cards at the table, or relax with a cold drink on the porch. The venue offers numerous picturesque photo spots throughout the property, such as the beautiful willow trees, the dock and pond (ideal for ceremonies), vast open fields, and the outdoor patio. The reception barn boasts large windows that provide guests with a stunning panoramic view of the property while they enjoy dinner.

Lastly, don't forget the logistical aspects that can make or break your day. Does your venue have a bridal suite for everyone to get ready at? Bridal suites for both the groom and the bride can elminate an additional cost of an Airbnb or hotel room. It is adventageous to be close by just incase you need to pass information along or to avoid traffic. If a bridal suit is not an option, look at local accommodations or Airbnbs around and how far are they from the venue? Event centers are a popular choice for weddings due to the ease of having everything in one location. A few tips to keep in mind is the ceremony space. If having multiple angles of the ceremony is important to you, the ceremony space must allow for movement. If there are no side aisles to move down, it leaves litte opportunity for different angle photos at the ceremony. What about photos after? Is the space large enough for family groups? Is there an outdoor location? If not, an off-site location for photos may be needed. It’s important to keep the distance from the venue to any off site location as that will play a significant part into your timeline. 

In essence, choosing a wedding venue through the lens of a photographer ensures not only beautiful photos but also a smooth and joyous celebration. So, take your time, trust your instincts, and enjoy the journey. After all, this is where your forever begins!