If you’re in the early stages of planning your wedding, you’ve probably googled ‘how to choose a wedding venue’ at some point. It can be really overwhelming! Picking your venue is usually the first step and your first big decision, and it dictates most of your planning from there. As a Boston wedding photographer, I’ve had the pleasure of shooting weddings at venues all across New England, so I’d love to share some unique perspectives on choosing your venue that you may not have thought of yet.
A Photographer’s Advice on Choosing a Wedding Venue
Choose a Wedding Venue Based on How You Want Your Day to Feel
If you’ve been dreaming about your wedding for a while and saving lots of inspiration on Pinterest, you probably have a pretty good idea of how you want your wedding to look. But I always encourage couples to also think about how you want your day to feel.
Years from now, what you’ll remember most is the experience you had on your wedding day with the people you love. That feeling will be reflected in your photographs too. So look for a venue that aligns with how you want the day to feel and the atmosphere you’re looking to create.
In my experience, the most photogenic venues aren’t always the most extravagant, but those that put intentional thought into the experience of the couple and their guests. Great light, thoughtful design, and a beautiful setting are all very important, but when you and your guests are easily able to relax, have fun, and engage with one another, your photos will naturally feel more authentic and alive.
Consider Layout and Flow When Choosing a Wedding Venue
You’ll want to consider how a venue functions throughout the entire day in addition to how it looks. I often pay close attention to how people move through the space, and I find that the most memorable venues create opportunities for people to gather and have conversations. Those interactions can become some of the most meaningful photographs of the day!
So when you’re choosing a venue, think about where guests will gather during cocktail hour, where family members can have a quiet conversation if they’d like, or how the flow of the celebration will move from one part of the venue to another.
The Boston Public Library immediately comes to mind as a venue that does this really well. It feels both grand and welcoming at the same time. The architecture is breathtaking of course, but what I love most is the variety of experiences the property offers throughout a wedding day. The interior spaces are intimate, while the courtyard is open and beautiful, and every part of the venue feels thoughtfully connected.
When Choosing a Wedding Venue, Look for a Strong Sense of Place
I’m always drawn to venues with a strong sense of place. Beautiful architecture and natural light definitely matter, but what catches my attention first as a photographer is whether a venue feels distinct and connected to its surroundings.
I’m excited to see couples choosing venues with character and a genuine sense of identity. Venues like historic properties, libraries, museums, coastal inns, and private estates all offer a really unique feeling.
More than anything, I love seeing couples prioritize spaces that reflect who they are rather than what’s currently trending. When a venue feels personal and intentional, the entire celebration tends to feel more meaningful.
[If a historic property or estate is your vibe, you might like this post: 12 Gorgeous Mansion Wedding Venues in New England.]
Lastly, Pay Attention to the Light
The light will change throughout the day at your venue, and it can completely transform a space from morning to evening. Ask to see images of your venue from different times of day so you can get a sense of how the lighting will feel throughout your wedding day, and chat with the venue coordinator about this as well when you’re making your decisions.
Boston Wedding Photographer
Hopefully this has given you some helpful things to think about as you choose your wedding venue! This is such an exciting time in your lives and will be so much fun.
And when you’re ready to search for your perfect photographer, I’d love to meet you! I’m based in Boston, but travel all over New England for weddings. I take a natural and documentary-style approach to photography to ensure your images tell an authentic story of your day. If this sounds like what you’re looking for, simply reach out to me through my contact page to start the conversation!
