Choosing Wedding Photo Locations: Do and Do Not
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Explore the Planning Tools →A pretty place does not guarantee pretty photographs. Light, timing, and how much of your day you spend driving matter more than the backdrop. Here is what works and what does not when you pick your wedding photo locations.
Do
Choose for the light first. A beautiful spot in harsh light makes a harsh photo. Ask your photographer what the light does at each place at the hour you would be there. A plain wall in soft light can beat a garden at noon.
Pick places that mean something. Where you met. The park you walk in. Your grandparents’ porch. A location with a story gives the photographs a reason to exist beyond looking nice.
Stay close to the venue. Portraits go better when you can walk or take a short ride. Every drive costs time, and time is the one thing your timeline does not have spare.
Visit at the same time of day. If you can, go see the place at the hour of your portraits. The light you see is the light you get.
Have a rain plan. Find a covered porch, a big doorway, a staircase, a room with a big window. Rain is workable when you have picked the spot in advance. See the St. Louis rainy day photo locations for ideas.
Ask about permits and rules. Some parks and venues require a permit or charge a fee, and some limit where photographers can set up. Ask before you build your plan around a place.
Do not
Do not plan five locations. One or two good ones beat five rushed ones. Each move eats into your time and wears down your wedding party.
Do not choose from Pinterest alone. The photo you saved may be another season, another hour, or a spot that looks very different in person. Fall color in particular can miss its peak.
Do not forget your people. Long walks in heels, heat, bugs, and uneven ground wear everyone out. Your grandparents and your wedding party will thank you for easy footing.
Do not plan portraits for midday sun if you can help it. Shade, or later light, is kinder to every face.
Do not forget the other people. Popular parks fill up on weekends, especially in fall. Plan for strangers in the background, or pick a quieter spot.
Do not skip the conversation with your photographer. I have worked in these places at different hours and in different seasons. That experience can save you a scouting trip.
Where to start
These guides will help you narrow it down:
- Top outdoor locations in St. Louis
- A guide to St. Louis photography locations
- When weather rewrites your wedding day timeline
Want to talk through your own list? Start a conversation.
Frequently asked questions
How many photo locations should we have?
One or two. More than that usually means rushed photos and tired people.
Do we need a permit for photos at a park?
Sometimes. Rules vary by park and venue, so ask before the day.
Can we take portraits at our venue?
Often yes, and it is the easiest choice. Check the venue’s rules and ask your photographer which spots on the property have the best light.
What if it rains?
Pick a covered backup in advance, such as a porch, a doorway, or a large window. Rain is workable when you have a plan.
When is the best time of day for portraits?
Soft light, early or late in the day, is usually the kindest. Your photographer can tell you what the light does at your venue.
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