An image says a thousand words – Photographing Your Wedding Venue

Never has the power of the image been so great – we’re constantly surrounded by photos. Photos all around our social media feeds are bursting with image after image and millennial couples (those born from 1978 to 2000) want to actually see exactly what they are getting before booking, so it’s critical they see your venue in the very best possible light.

What do you need the images to say/do for you?
Couples want to imagine themselves and their wedding in your venue so you need to focus your photos on what they want and need to see, in particular:

1. Images of the ceremony room ideally set up with a view from back to front so they can imagine themselves walking down the aisle

2. Evocative images taken of a couple in situ showing your key venue ‘wow features’. It might an impressive entrance, a stunning spiral staircase, a grand fireplace; seeing other couples in that setting gives them the sense of what they can enjoy.

3. A view of their wedding breakfast set up – a wide lens perspective of the tables, chairs etc in the room, set fully with inspiring décor & tablescapes

4. Photos of the evening party set up and ready to go, ideally showing any stage sets, bar set ups, dancefloors or similar.

Quite often images of past client events don’t quite nail it for you, especially true if you’re trying to attract a new perhaps more affluent spending market; your images need to reflect where you’re going not where you’re at.

Cue the photo shoot….

What can a photo shoot do that a real event can’t?

1. You choose the photographer – this is within your control if you are heading up the photo shoot – fine art style photographers, in particular, are capable of showcasing some incredible venue interiors with the most flattering natural light.

2. You choose the setups – you know how your venue works best so showcasing the right set up’s furnishings, be it your fabulous dining chairs or your latest bar unit, it’s your chance to show it off.  I do know that as a venue it can be a tough decision as to whether to showcase your “standard” furnishings that come with the venue hire or whether to showcase upgraded offerings but a photo shoot is most definitely the time to shine and show the possibilities.

3. You can get the detail – there’s time to capture close-ups of food, of little details that your venue offers such as unique signage, or that tray of champagne that you regularly decorate for the couple; there often isn’t time for this on an event day.

4. You can choose the colours/décor/design that works best in your setting, not chosen by your clients. In general, if you want the images to have longevity, err for a more neutral pale palette but if you’re planning on doing regular shoots and/or if your venue is less classic and suits bold and bright, then this is the moment to go for it.

5. You can, within reason, choose the best time of day and time of year for light within your venue; even the best photographer is going to struggle to create your venue images with failing winter light and sometimes that is inevitable if you’re relying on actual event images themselves.

The difference a photo shoot makes cannot be underestimated and it’s increasingly key in making your website stand out and have instant appeal to the very discerning visually-inspired market who are your wedding customers.

Get in touch if you are wanting to take professional images of your venue and need some advice….

Photo Shoot Credits:
Photography: Stuart Bebb // Venue: The White Room and The Blue Room at Waddesdon Manor // Bride’s Gowns: Ellie Sanderson // Groom’s Attire: Stephen Bishop Suiting // Bride’s accessories: Kelly Spence // Models’ hair and makeup: Elle Au Naturel // Flowers: J F Flowers // Gold sequin cloth: Pudding Bridge // Bride/groom chairs: Farley // Dining chairs: Options Hire // Paper goods: Emily & Jo