If you’re about to get married and in the process of finalizing your day, here are a few things to consider when choosing the location for your wedding day portraits. The location in which you’re photographed before/after your ceremony is often something that gets overlooked during planning, but it doesn’t have to. You’ve already spent so much time ensuring that this day is perfect so it’s important to not only choose a location that you love but one that also matches the vibe of your overall wedding day. These photos of you and your partner will undoubtedly be the ones that you’ll adore for many years to come.

Here are a few questions you can ask yourself to determine the best location for your wedding day portraits:

Where is the wedding taking place?

Oftentimes wedding venues are set up with the assumption that couples and their guests will spend the entire day there. This is especially true if you’re planning to have a shorter window for photographs and want to eliminate additional travel time. The bonus with having your photographs taken right on the venue grounds is that you’ll have more time for photographs, without having to incorporate travel time, and plan additional mode’s of transportation. The photos that you take at the venue will also match the overall aesthetic of your wedding day. If you plan to attend your cocktail hour, it probably makes the most sense to utilize space at the venue or somewhere close by so that you can make it back for this! If you want to travel somewhere for your portraits, planning for an earlier ceremony will allow time for photographs following the ceremony, all while still being able to attend your cocktail hour.

Are you planning to have a first look?

I know this seems like an odd thing to consider when choosing your location for your wedding day portraits, but here’s why it’s important. If you want to take the time for just the two of you prior to your ceremony, you essentially have the freedom to go anywhere you like for this moment as you won’t need to be at the venue until just before the ceremony starts. If you plan to have your first look or exchange vows prior to the ceremony, it’s most ideal to find somewhere private where you can have your quiet moment and you won’t be disrupted by other people.

Are you having a wedding party?

If you plan to have a wedding party you’ll need to schedule additional time for portraits in the afternoon. Since most wedding parties are made up of four or more people, you’ll also need to consider somewhere with the space to accommodate the size of your party. If you choose a busy public place, having other people or objects in the background can sometimes be distracting, and not to mention you probably don’t want that in your photos! So just consider this when choosing your backdrop. If your timeline allows for a second location for your your whole crew, that’s great too. In addition, if you value having lots of time with your wedding party to chat and have some fun, think about finding somewhere that will be easy to travel between, especially if you plan on doing the travelling as a group!

What vibe are you going for?

First, imagine looking back on your wedding day images. What vibe do you picture, and how do you want to feel? Your location you choose for your portraits will play a big part in the overall mood of your photographs. For example, the vibe of an urban backdrop is vastly different from a forest filled with trees or somewhere in nature. Take a minute to look at other couples wedding photos and see what you loved about them. Is it the open sky with an expansive landscape? Or the simplicity of a field with more muted, neutral colors? Maybe the blur of cars in the background or overlooking a city landscape with lots of color stands out to you. You should also consider the overall cohesiveness of your wedding gallery. If you’re getting married in a barn or somewhere outdoors, you may want to choose a portrait location somewhere in nature versus a city landscape. Regardless of what you choose, the decision is up to you and the end result will be beautiful!

Consider the time of day

If you’re planning to have your portraits taken in the afternoon on a summer day, consider the time of day and look into what the light will be like at that time. Mid-afternoon sun is typically directly overhead and can create harsh shadows on the ground and your faces. If you want a softer light, I would recommend choosing somewhere shaded or in a location with trees or buildings that can diffuse the light so that it’s softer, and more flattering. You may also find that if you’re shooting in harsh sun, it may not be the most comfortable in your dress and/or suit, not to mention your eyes! If you are looking for a warm, glowy feel to your photos, sunset portraits are a beautiful option. Typically sunset portraits are taken outside of your venue or close by so that you’re able to slip out of your reception with your new beau without having to travel or leave the fun for too long.

Consult your photographer

Your wedding photographer has likely photographed many weddings and sessions, they are the perfect person to help you determine a location based on their previous experiences. You hired your photographer for a reason and were drawn to their work through their images, so spend some time browsing their social media and blog from past weddings and sessions as well. Your photographer is also the expert in knowing which places are best in regards to lower traffic, lighting, accessibility and more. So don’t be afraid to work with them to determine which locations would be best to achieve your desired look all while staying in line with your timeline. Your photographer is your personal hype person, and are there to help you make the most of your wedding day portraits!

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