Finding the Best Location for Wedding Shoots

Finding the ideal spot requires thoughtful consideration, and many factors come into play, such as accessibility, aesthetics, lighting, and the couple's style. Follow this guide to learn how to find an excellent place for a wedding shoot, learn about the most popular locations, draw inspiration from less conventional ideas, and get the best photographs from your chosen shooting location.

Understanding the Couple's Vision

There is no one-size-fits-all solution to choosing the right setting. You can get great images at classic beauty spots, but there may be places that hold immense sentimental value to the couple. So, the first thing I want to say is that the place that serves as the perfect backdrop for capturing your couple's cherished memories will depend as much on them as it will on you to do that location justice. 

It's good to be prepared and arrive at a consultation meeting armed with ideas, but don't spend too much time researching locations before that initial chat. The couple may not be open to the idea or may have their own suggestions. Their preferred styles will influence your choice of location, too—some prefer a classic and posed look that will lend itself well to traditional locations. In contrast, others prefer a relaxed and informal look where you may have more creative freedom.

Finally, ask if there are any sentimental places they have in mind. This could be where they first met, shared their first kiss, or became engaged. It could even be their favourite local bar! Getting to know your couple and their personalities will lead you to the right choice.

Read more: How To Get Through A Busy Wedding Photography Season Well

Some Examples of Classic Locations for Wedding Shoots

1. Beaches

If you have access to a coastline, a beach setting is timeless and romantic and a reasonably safe option to offer couples who don't know what they'd like for their photos. Put your couple beside the ocean's natural beauty, soft golden sand, and, if you're lucky, a picturesque sunset, and you'll have created a dreamy atmosphere for wedding photos. 

For a more avant-garde take on a coastal shot, head to a location with dramatic cliffs or rocky shorelines that can add drama, texture, and variety to the shots. This option works well when the weather isn't on your side—use turbulent skies and rocky shores to create striking visuals. Be safe—consult the tide times and weather forecast before attempting a photoshoot like this.

2. Gardens and Parks

Whisk your couple away to a nearby botanical garden, park, mansion, or private estate to incorporate lush greenery and vibrant flowers into their wedding shoot. Natural beauty without fuss allows the couple to take centre stage. If possible, think about framing your couple using features like fountains, gazebos, or tree-lined pathways. This is a great option during fall weddings when you can capture incredible reds and oranges or a carpet of fallen leaves

3. Historic Buildings and Castles

Here in Wales, we are blessed with more castles per square mile than any other country. Couples love having photos at these grand historic locations, which give their shots a timelessness and an old-school aesthetic. We look for those cool details that make these places extraordinary, such as interesting architecture, elegant staircases, or elaborate facades.

Elsewhere in the world, where castles are not as readily available for shooting, consider mansions, churches, county halls, or notable historical monuments.

4. Urban and rooftop locations

When photographing weddings in a town or city, your opportunities for green space and the natural world are limited. Not to worry, though, as urban settings can yield jaw-dropping results on camera for couples who love the energetic city vibe. 

Imagine rooftop terraces with skyline views, busy streets with neon lights, or street art in alleyways to create a modern, urban atmosphere. The juxtaposition of classic wedding attire against an industrial or urban backdrop creates striking compositions.

Inspiration for Unique and Unconventional Wedding Shoot Locations

1. Farms and Barns

Many couples enjoy the warm, cosy, and down-to-earth aesthetic of an agricultural setting. Imagine the rustic charm and character that you can add by incorporating wooden fences, rolling fields, and vintage decor to the shoot. Don’t forget you can also incorporate this environment for detail shots too.

2. Abandoned Buildings

This is certainly unconventional, but abandoned buildings are becoming increasingly popular with wedding photographers who want to create striking imagery with mystery and artistic contrast. The juxtaposition of raw, weathered textures and classic wedding attire can create visually stunning and emotive photos.

3. Bold Colours and Neon Lights

Fun-loving couples may enjoy the suggestion of a bar, amusement park, or carnival setting. These kinds of venues are not often used for a wedding shoot, but they can add a playful element to their photos that reflects their personality, and your couple may appreciate that you think outside of the box. Imagine bokeh string lights, cotton candy, and candid responses for warm and lighthearted imagery. 

Even if you can’t reach such a location, you can achieve a contemporary look by finding a place where you can photograph your couple adjacent to bold colours, striking patterns, or neon lighting. 

4. Waterfalls

Water can add a sense of serenity to wedding photos—the ocean and lakes are a fairly conventional choice—but there is a way you can go the other direction with your shoot. Instead of a calm lakeside, head for a powerful waterfall cascading in the background. The juxtaposition of your newlyweds and the dynamism of nature is a compelling idea for a photoshoot.

Read more: Outdoor Portrait Photography Made Easy: How to Capture Perfect Shots

Practical Tips When Choosing a Wedding Shoot Location

Tip #1: Make Sure You Have Permission

Many public locations, such as parks, historic buildings, and private properties, may require permits for professional photography. 

As a rule of thumb, contact the relevant authority before any photoshoot on public land or in a public building to ensure you have all the necessary approvals. You don't want to encounter the nightmare scenario where the couple's hopes of a dream shoot are dashed because you didn't have the foresight to make a phone call!

Tip #2: Consider Accessibility & Comfort

Though you might be gung-ho about visiting a remote location or heading up several flights of stairs for a photo, stop to consider how easy it is for the couple to reach the area. Formal attire and elaborate wedding dresses can be challenging to manoeuvre. 

Locations that require a hike or a long travel time may not be practical. One of the questions we ask our couples in our wedding questionnaire is if one or both partners are impacted by limited mobility. This shows consideration but also helps us to limit our search to manageable photoshoot locations.

Tip #3: Be Ready for Any Weather

Outdoor shoots are at the mercy of weather conditions, so check forecasts. You may need a backup plan in case of extreme weather. We live in a part of the world that is renowned for its unpredictable weather, so we always have the following in our car: umbrellas, foot protectors, a towel, and multiple microfibre cloths for safely removing raindrops from our lenses. 

With risk comes reward, though—sometimes the most interesting lighting conditions come between rain showers, so keep a close eye on the forecast for these beautiful photo opportunities.

It is essential to be prepared for this possible outcome, as weather is one of the top causes of anxiety for couples planning their weddings. We have been asked, “What happens if it rains on our wedding day?” so often that we published an article to allay these concerns.

Read more: What Happens If It Rains on Our Wedding Day?

Tip #4: Plan Around the Best Lighting 

Natural light is most photographers' go-to, so plan for shooting at a location and time when you can achieve the best results. Golden hour is the time shortly after sunrise and before sunset when the sun is low in the sky, creating beautiful side-on lighting. 

These times of day are coveted by landscape photographers for soft, flattering lighting. This also rings true for portraiture. In general, shooting in harsh midday sunlight is best avoided unless you can make use of shaded areas or reflectors to balance the lighting.

Tip #5: Avoid Crowded Locations

Consider whether or not your chosen location may be crowded when you intend to shoot there. This is a particular issue in a town or city. For example, a sporting event or festival may occur during which commercial photography might not be allowed. If you can, schedule the shoot during off-peak hours. 

This will help you avoid unwelcome distractions during the shoot and give your couple some physical and mental space to fully relax and enjoy their photoshoot.

Tip #6: Always Have a Backup Plan

Sometimes in life, things happen that are beyond our control. As a wedding photographer, I travel with a backup camera in case the first one fails, a choice of lenses, and several spare batteries. Preparing for a technical failure like this is critical, but don't sleep on preparing for a logistical failure, either.

If your first location doesn't work out, having an alternative location is always prudent. There can be a multitude of reasons for this, and we've encountered many of them—traffic jams, construction work, and inclement weather are the most common culprits. Discussing a “plan B” with your couple shows you take their photoshoot seriously and want to ensure they come away with photos they will treasure even if their plans didn't quite work out. For more ideas about places to shoot in your area, check out PhotoHound, the app for travel photographers.

Conclusion

Producing a successful wedding shoot is not just about your technique behind the camera; it's also about understanding what to place in front of it. Getting that right means profoundly understanding your client's needs and personality and conveying that through your images. 

Researching, consulting, and understanding your couple's needs takes time. Do it right, and you will delight them with images they will treasure and generate portfolio-quality work for yourself.

Whether it's a classic venue like a beach or park or an unconventional spot like a rooftop or farmhouse, the key is to choose a setting that reflects the couple's love story. You can create stunning images that your clients will adore when matched with good lighting, expert technique, and tasteful editing. 

We'd love to see the wedding photographs you capture on location! Make sure to tag us on social media #madewithaperty.