What To Look For In A Wedding Venue If You Want Light, Airy Photos
If you’re newly engaged and starting to tour wedding venues around Coeur d’Alene or the Inland Northwest—congratulations! Touring venues is such an exciting step, but as a photographer, I often wish I could tag along for those early tours.
The venue you choose has the biggest impact on how your photos will look and feel
Most couples book their photographer after choosing a venue, since they need to lock in a date first (which makes total sense). But I’ve seen how much easier things can be when photography is part of the decision-making process early on.
Let me give you a quick example: one of my inquiries once booked a basement wine cellar for her winter wedding. It was cozy and romantic, but it had no windows—and she wanted bright, light, and airy photos. She had to spend a lot of extra money to make it feel light, but the truth is, you can’t force light where it doesn’t exist. The space simply wasn’t designed for that aesthetic.
If your vision is soft, luminous, and romantic, here’s what I would look for as your photographer when touring venues
LIGHT
Light is everything. Most people see décor or layout first, but I’m looking at how the light moves through a space.
Ask yourself
Does the venue have large windows or skylights?
Are there open outdoor spaces that are shaded?
Can you see the sunset from the venue?
Are the walls and ceilings light enough to reflect light instead of absorbing it?
If the answer is yes, that’s a huge win.
LOCATION & BACKGROUNDS
Your backgrounds matter more than you might think! What’s behind your ceremony is just as important as the altar itself.
Look for
Clean, uncluttered views
A beautiful natural backdrop (trees, water, rolling hills)
No distractions like power lines, cars, or signage in sight
Your setting will be in nearly every photo, so it’s worth imagining it through the camera lens.
COMPOSITION AND DEPTH
Visual interest enables me to provide you with show-stopping images.
Look for
Layers, like winding paths, trees, arches, and open meadows
Look for repeated shapes, interesting lines, and open spaces
Architectural features such as staircases, access to roof tops, decorative fences and gates, or arches
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If your dream aesthetic is romantic and luminous, here are some venue details that make a difference:
Light, neutral stone, gravel, or concrete
Soft, neutral-colored walls and ceilings
White curtains or draping
Large windows that bring in daylight
Trees with broad leaves (perfect for dappled light)
Flowering trees and open meadows
Gentle hills or horizon lines
Water features, like lakes, ponds, or pools for reflections
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Beyond the beauty, think about the logistics that can affect both your experience and your photos:
Will the ceremony area be shaded during your ceremony and family photo time?
How private is the space? Is it open to the public or will there be other events nearby?
Can you access the property early for photos?
Are there comfortable getting-ready rooms for both partners?
Is the venue accessible for older guests or anyone with mobility needs?
What’s the plan (and photo potential) if it rains?
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The following venues were featured in this post
Choosing your venue is about more than just the view - it’s about how that space will feel and photograph on your day. If you’re dreaming of photos that feel light, romantic, and natural, start with the light itself. Everything else, color palette, décor, and even your timeline, builds from there.
And if you’re unsure, I’m always happy to share my perspective as a photographer during your search or help you plan your photo timeline once your venue is booked.
