You are engaged and now you want to find the perfect venue! From a photographer’s perspective, there are so many amazing things about venues and I wanted to share some them here. A venue is more than a pretty space, or a place to hold your party. It helps set the tone of your wedding, offers the backdrops for many of your photos that you’ll cherish forever, and can compliment your style really well. The great thing is, there are no shortages of really amazing wedding venues, and many to choose from for the exact style and vibe for your wedding.
Olivia & James – Trader’s Point Creamery
Is the venue where your whole wedding will be? Sometimes couples choose to get married in a church and have the party elsewhere, so for those weddings, maybe your venue doesn’t need to have as many amenities that a ceremony + reception venue might need. If you are having the whole party at your venue, then here are some great suggestions on what the venue might or should have that can help you:
• getting ready area – what does it look like, is it large enough for you and your attendants, and is there a separate getting ready area for your partner and their attendants?
Hello Hair Studio – Fountain Square
• multiple ceremony sites – are there outdoor options as well as indoor options? What does the light look like and are the areas backlit or have really harsh lighting? Are there areas for poor weather, or does the venue have backup options in case you can’t have an outdoor ceremony?
• cocktail hour – does the venue have some designated areas for cocktail hour or spots where guests can mingle, or will the room or space need to be turned over?
• colors – some venues are older and more industrial, which is really awesome, but know that those tend to be darker with lots of wood and exposed brick. Some venues are brighter and lighter inside, so it just depends on what look you’re going for. Ask your venue for photos from past weddings to give you a general idea of what your own photos could look like in the space.
• surrounding areas – what part of town is your venue located? If it’s in a downtown area, you will have lots of options for photos nearby if you wanted some different looks. If it’s in a more rural area, or not close to other spots for photos, then be sure to check the venue grounds to see if it has a good variety of spots for photos. Most venues do a fantastic job of keeping that in mind, and are proud to offer multiple spots and spaces right in one spot!
Once you choose your venue, during a walkthrough, keep a lookout for spots you love that you might want to use for some photos. Share those with your photographer, and likely they will be looking for lovely spots when they arrive on site too. If you’re getting ready at the venue and want those pretty getting ready photos of you with your attendants, my biggest suggestion is to move all your stuff – bags, dress hangers, curling irons, etc. all into one corner or spot since you won’t want all that clutter in your photos!
Choosing your venue is so exciting and is usually one of the first things on your list after engagement. Have fun with it and find the style and space you love and fits you well!!
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