6 tips for Choosing a Great Location for your Bridal Party Photos:

1. Start at the beginning- your venue.

   When choosing a venue, there are many things to consider: the number of guests, your budget, your style and taste and somewhere meaningful to you as a couple. Another thing to think about is your photos. What time of day will you be getting married and what will the light look like then? Chat to your wedding photographer for advice around the timeline of your day. Find out whether there are great locations for photos nearby. You don’t want to be stuck in the car for hours on your wedding day driving all over the place!

   

2. Think about a wet weather location.

   Especially in New Zealand, unfortunately we really cannot rely on perfect weather all the time. I shot many a rainy wedding in the middle of Summer this year, but they were equally beautiful. It’s a great idea to have a backup location in mind for photos or at least a bunch of umbrellas on hand. Discuss with your photographer some wet-weather options to eliminate any last-minute stress on the day. Rain photos can be beautiful so, in my opinion, embrace the rain!

   

3. Make it personal!

   What do you love to do as a couple? Go to the beach, hike in the forest, have brunch at your favourite cafe? Consider incorporating photo locations that relate to you and what you love. It will be more meaningful as well as comfortable for you.

   

4. What are you wearing?

   A bohemian chic wedding dress may look a little out of place in a modern ballroom setting just as a black-tie tuxedo may be a bit too formal for beach photos. Consider your venue and photo locations when choosing your bridal attire for the day. Or the other way around!

   

5. Go off the beaten track/Go wild!

   There has been many a time I’ve found an incredible location to shoot at but it’s a little tricky to get to so we have to flag it. Couples that are happy to jump fences, walk through long grass, run through the rain and are not afraid to get their dress a tiny bit dirty… make my heart sing! Consider organising a 4WD to take you to that hilltop location for sunset, or climbing on the west coast beach rocks, even jumping in a field with horses. You will have unique and different photos, break tradition and go your own way. Go wild! Your wedding day is supposed to be fun and doing something a little crazy always makes for the best stories and the best photos!

   

6. Talk to your wedding photographer!

   As a wedding photographer I have been to A LOT of weddings and have shot at many different venues and locations. I often know of good spots around your venue. I can also give you advice about how much time to allow for your location photos, what time to do them and how to make the day run smoothly. I often like to do a location scout prior to the wedding day (especially if I’ve never shot at the venue before) to get some ideas of good spots and what the light will be like. Sometimes I will get permission to use a nearby private property if there is a unique location there too. As photographers we want to create beautiful photos for you and are always happy to help you out with any advice and ideas!

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These are just a few ideas and things to consider when planning your location photos. The love between you as a couple, and the commitment you are making is the most important thing on the day, no matter where you make those vows. Capturing that love and emotion is such a privilege I am blessed to do for a job! Do you have anything you would add to this list? Any good advice you’ve been given? I would love to hear it in the comments below! Let me know if you’d like to see more advice posts like this?

xx