How to choose your wedding venue
When it comes to booking your wedding venue, most couples make their decision based on its sentimental value or on its appeal - it could really just be the perfect wedding venue and you don't want to get married anywhere else!
But is it that simple?
There are many things to consider when choosing your wedding venue and I hope the following helps you in choosing yours.
Accessibility, backdrop, space, permission.
With photographer's (and me especially) they need to know everything about the venue. It's crucial to know which areas of the venue are accessible to photograph and not just to enter, but to be able to physically move in that space.
In the past my couples weren’t made clear by the venue on the space they were allowed to have their photos taken.
Things can always change when it comes to decor, choirs and movement of objects affecting the space. It will always look different on the wedding to previous visits.
The main locations to look out for at your venue is the ceremony room, where the speeches are held and the location for couples and family photos.
Ceremony Room
This is where the marriage actually happens.
So you want to make sure those beautiful (only happens once) memories are captured.
Most registrars are extremely kind and generous to photographers. They allow the photographer the time to capture what they need and a discussion of where everyone will be placed happens before the ceremony. This way everyone knows who is where and images can be captured without interruption.
Make sure you speak with your ceremony venue and check firstly you are allowed to have photos taken inside (trust me this important!) and secondly visualise where everyone will be seated alongside your decor and ensure there are spaces for the photography team you have hired to capture your day.
Formal Photos
Take into consideration where you want your couples and family photos taken.
Getting married in the UK can come with a rain warning so make sure you check that your venue caters to keeping yourselves and your guests dry, while still providing a fabulous experience.
Pick your favourite locations that provide enough space for your family photos and plan for a dry and rainy day location. Ask your venue if they have a room that can be kept clear to use incase it rains if there’s no shelter outside.
Photographer’s will also make suggestions based on whether it’s too bright and they will give you options on areas that has shade.
Speeches
This traditionally takes place before or after the wedding breakfast.
Usually the the main party along with the couple are on a long table with dozens of tables surrounding them. This is great in a large venue, photographers can stand at the back out the way and move around freely and shoot from various angles.
Sometimes there is a projector for the best man's speech, a videographer with a 3 camera set up and to make things extra tight, large centre pieces...this isn’t always ideal, especially in a smaller room.
Therefore opt for decor where your faces will still be seen or else expect photographers to move these items off the table during the speeches.
It can really help when speakers move out of the bridal table, it gives more access to be captured and also the guests at the back can see and hear better!
These are just a couple things to think about from a photographer's point of view. Be it a teeny tiny room or one you can get lost in.
You can make both work if you think about these elements.
Your wedding photos will forever be a reminder of your wonderful wedding day, so take a few steps back and see what your venue can offer you.
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