Field Notes
Northern Virginia Wedding photographer
The DMV (Washington DC, Maryland, and Virginia) area has so many awesome wedding venues with no shortage of unique and interesting choices! Whether you are envisioning a small, intimate wedding with river views, an elegant celebration, or a big bash at a historical wedding venue, you could find it here.
With so many options to choose from, and from a Virginia / Washington DC wedding photographer that has seen a lot of venues, here are some of my favorite wedding venues I have photographed at. Keep reading to discover my favorite and best wedding venues in the DMV area!
Your Guide to the Best Wedding Venues in the DMV Area
Here are my top recommendations for wedding venues in the DMV area:
Washington DC Wedding Venues
Eastern Market
Eastern Market is a historic wedding venue that is still very much a hidden gem. It has rustic charm, bistro lighting outdoors, and is the perfect venue for a small, intimate affair or big dance party! Pro tip: Even if it rains, you can still have your cocktail reception under the covered bays, immersing your guests in the Capitol Hill experience
DC War Memorial
The DC War Memorial is a stunning backdrop that is ideal for an elopement or small wedding ceremony. This round marble memorial is right on the National Mall and surrounded by large, beautiful trees, creating a serene ambiance in a busy city. Pro tip: The Lincoln Memorial is a short walk away if you want to capture some couple portraits there afterwards!
Kimpton Hotel Monaco
The Kimpton Hotel Monaco is a luxury boutique hotel with breathtaking ballrooms and historic architecture. It’s a dreamy wedding venue for an elegant, glamorous celebration with a courtyard for cocktail receptions. Accommodates up to 200 guests. Pro tip: An awesome staircase is perfect for first looks or classy portraits. Also, the Portrait Gallery is right across the street, giving options for portraits even if it rains.
Big Bear Cafe
Big Bear Cafe hosts an intimate garden celebration with a rustic indoor feeling for a reception, dinner, and dancing. It is located in a charming, small residential area and is surrounded by cobblestone patios, gardens, trees, and old native grape vines, creating a warm and welcoming atmosphere. A buy-out of the cafe brings multiple spaces for mingling, dancing, and celebrating! Pro tip: if hosting your ceremony outside, consider a ceremony where you can see the twinkle lights in the outdoor space. Best for late fall weddings for timing.
Patterson Mansion
Patterson Mansion is a historic Neoclassical-style mansion situated on Dupont Circle with an eye-catching grand exterior and an interior full of character and historical comforts. The beautiful balcony allows guests to meander during cocktail hour or provides an iconic first look location. Best for weddings under 100 people. Pro tip: Dupont Circle right after sunset can be a great time to take photos with the twinkle of street lights creating some dramatic photos.
Cathedral of St. Matthew the Apostle
Cathedral of St. Matthew the Apostle is one of the prominent cathedrals in Washington, DC., being the location of JFK’s funeral and many Catholic presidents attending mass at this venue. This circa-1893 cathedral has colorful mosaics, a soaring dome, and an ornate interior, and it is located close to the Mayflower Hotel and other trendy DC hotels. Pro tip: There isn’t a waiting space for the couple prior to the ceremony, so plan to arrive right before you walk down the aisle! (Which makes for some great documentary photos).
Pearl Street Warehouse
If you are looking for a unique venue with a bit of an edge, consider Pearl Street Warehouse, a live music venue located in the bustling area of the DC Wharf. This venue works well for a cocktail-style reception, but can also host up to 150 guests seated. Pro tip: If this space doesn’t work for your ceremony, consider the Molly Smith study at Arena stage, a light-drenched space for ceremonies. Bonus, it’s within walking distance to Pearl Street Warehouse.
Dockmaster Building
The Dockmaster Building at The DC Wharf has idyllic waterfront views with a modern reception space with wraparound windows. Cocktail receptions and ceremonies can be held outside, but are still mostly covered. Pro tip: Consider ceremonies closer to sunset and consider the space on the district pier, for a ceremony that is a little different from your everyday ceremony space.
Josephine Butler Parks Center
Josephine Butler Parks Center is a historic building in Washington, D.C., that is a Renaissance Revival-style mansion with historical charm dripping throughout the venue. It is located across the street from Meridian Hill Park and is perfect for an afternoon brunch or a later into the night dance party. The ceremony and reception are all held indoors, making it a great venue for couples who aren’t fond of coming up with weather contingency plans.
Pro tip: Depending upon current laws, the rental of Josephine Butler Parks Center has a portion of the rental that can be tax-deductible. They also allow outside caterers, making it a great venue if you are hoping for more traditional ethnic food outside of typical wedding catering.
Virginia Wedding Venues
River Farm
River Farm is a gorgeous estate with lush gardens, river views, woodlands, and so much more to offer you and your guests. It is a 27-acre historic venue located on the banks of the Potomac River. Pro tip: Even though the river is east, there is often a beautiful sunset that reflects gorgeous pink colors in the summertime.
Atrium and Meadowlark
The Atrium at Meadowlark Botanical Gardens has picturesque garden views, a serene ambiance, and endless natural beauty – it feels like you’ve stepped into another world. The glass-walled Atrium at Meadowlark Botanical Gardens is one of my favorite Northern Virginia wedding venues. The greenhouse is gorgeous, with lots of beautiful plants and foliage, and a great spot for first looks and wedding portraits! I love this venue so much that I wrote an in-depth guide about it, which you can check out here!
Hotel Heron
Hotel Heron is an Art Deco-style hotel that is a new venue in Alexandria, but with over a century of history. The rooftop bar (ideal for cocktail hours) has beautiful panoramic views of Old Town Alexandria and the Potomac. A highlight of the venue is the beautiful ballroom that feels less ballroom, more a window-filled room of light with a gorgeous wood floor. Pro tip: Consider Carlyle House Garden if you would like to hold your ceremony in a close by but alternate location. The hotel is also close to many different denominational churches.
The Alexandrian
The Alexandrian is another gorgeous, luxury hotel to host your wedding at. It has a charming outdoor courtyard with a backup ballroom space in case it ends up being a stormy day. Pro tip: This hotel is pet-friendly and also has balconies – a great place if you want to include your furbaby in the festivities.
Army Navy Country Club
The Army Navy Country Club, located in Arlington, Virginia, is still close to the city, with a gorgeous view of the city and monuments. The ballroom has beautiful, large windows and a gorgeous patio that overlooks the city. While the club is not open to the public, if you are a member or can be sponsored by a member, you can have your wedding here!
Westfields Marriott Golf Club
Westfields Marriott Golf Club is a hidden gem in Clifton, Virginia, that has all the beauty of a golf course, with a private, secluded feeling. The beautiful front of the clubhouse is seasonally adorned with flowers and ferns, reminding you of the charm of Old Virginia. The ceremony takes place under a covered structure with white billowing curtains that protect you and your guests from the elements. Pro tip: The sunset here is gorgeous, and the golf cart provided means you can sneak out for just 5 minutes for those gorgeous sunset silhouettes!
Clifton Inn Charlottesville
Clifton Inn Charlottesville is not only a gorgeous inn to visit and stay at while in the Charlottesville area, but hosting your wedding here feels as if you are on a private resort, complete with secret gardens, hidden pools, and a gorgeous historic home that is opposite the iconic ceremony backdrop. One of my favorite parts is the sailcloth tent with an elevated summer garden feel.
Cooper Mill
Cooper Mill is a new event space in Old Town Alexandria that is not only a stylish, upscale mill building, but is also one of Alexandria’s last waterfront warehouses. The view of the Potomac River from the event space can’t be beat – but what is truly exceptional is the culinary tastes that feel straight out of Italy, and the hospitality here is top-notch.
Sylvanside Farms
Sylvanside Farms is a picturesque farm wedding venue with various historic barns set on 25 acres of Virginia countryside. They have a selection of ceremony spots throughout the property and two natural springs that are a dreamy spot for gorgeous golden hour photos. They have the largest space for receptions in Loudoun County that is not a traditional hotel space. If you have a large or small wedding, Sylvanside can be the Virginia hunt country charm you are looking for. Pro tip: If you’re fond of horses, see if the horse residents can visit your cocktail reception (they even get their own cocktail reception food of carrots).
Blue Hill Farm
Blue Hill Farm is a B&B / wedding venue nestled in the countryside of Waterford with a charming custom-built farmhouse surrounded by rolling hills, farmland, and pastoral vistas with the stunning Blue Ridge Mountains in the distance. To top it off, there is a gorgeous pool and friendly chickens that sometimes roam the pastures. The owners pride themselves on making you feel at home, as if you are hosting your reception at a family estate. Pro tip: The bonfire is truly a sight to see – definitely add it on to your wedding day if you can!
Maryland Wedding Venues
Woodend Sanctuary & Mansion
The Woodend Sanctuary & Mansion is an elegant and romantic setting for a wildflower garden-style wedding. It is a 40-acre nature sanctuary where you’ll be surrounded by lush greenery, meadows, and forest. The mansion has a newly designed garden tent that is attached to the historic home, allowing for beautiful events, rain or shine. The getting-ready spaces are unique and large, making it easy to host larger wedding parties. Pro tip: Large family photos are a breeze following the ceremony, with lots of space and steps for the perfect family photo.
Attaboy Brewery
Attaboy Brewery is located in Downtown Frederick’s East Side and is a modern wedding venue with a 2000 sq ft private outdoor beer garden. The venue is chic and playful, and truly offers you a blank slate to create a unique wedding with the barrel backdrop and ample space to have food trucks if you want to give your guests fun options. Pro tip: They have some awesome beers, my favorite is the ones with fruit like Guava no Guava!
Chesapeake Bay Beach Club and Inn
Chesapeake Bay Beach Club and Inn is an idyllic, coastal wedding venue. It sits right on the water and has gorgeous bay views and views of the iconic Bay Bridge and beach access. If you are looking for a scaled-back wedding with the same charm as the beach club, consider the Inn with adorable farm-to-table gardens.
Ready To Hire Your Wedding Photographer?
I hope you found this info on wedding venues in the DMV area helpful and maybe even found your dream wedding venue.
And… if you’re still looking for a Washington DC/Virginia wedding photographer, I’d love to connect! My approach to wedding photography starts with understanding what—and who—matters the most to the two of you.
When you hire me to photograph your wedding, we’ll sit down to figure out what photos are must-haves and how you want your day to feel. Your images will capture your day in its entirety: the spontaneous joy, the precious family photos, the experience you created for your guests.
You can learn more about my wedding photography services here or get in touch with me here!
Read these next:
Virginia Wedding Venues: Your Guide to the Atrium at Meadowlark Botanical Gardens
How To Make Your Family Wedding Photos Painless: 5 Tips From A Wedding Photographer
It’s hard not to choose all of your friends as people to be included in your wedding party. And while that might be the right choice for some, I’m going to walk you through what it is like to have a small wedding party, the benefits, and potential drawbacks.
If you aren’t sure if a small wedding party is right for you, this guide will help guide your decision.
Why Have a Small Wedding Party?
A common assumption I’ve seen about weddings is that having a large wedding party will make your day more fun or meaningful. However, after seeing many weddings and the dynamics of what happens on a wedding day, I’ve learned that bigger parties don’t always mean fun and more might be more of what you don’t want – stress.
When you think about it, it’s a simple equation – more people = more logistics, more moving parts, and more potential for things to get off track. Whereas fewer people often equals more peace, more presence, and more time to focus on connection.
For whoever you’re including in your wedding party, I believe that they should be there because they truly matter to you, not just because you feel you should have a big wedding party.
Pluses of Having a Small Wedding Party
Reduced wedding costs
With a smaller wedding party, you can budget less for many items, including bouquets, boutonnieres, hair/makeup services, gifts, transportation, etc., because you will have fewer people.
Simpler timeline
With a small wedding party, you’ll need to schedule less time for getting ready (all of those hair and makeup appointments take some time!) and more likely that everyone can be together instead of having to handle things in shifts. You’ll also have fewer people to keep track of, so things are more likely to stay on schedule. Large wedding parties often require you to add more time for getting to places. Remember last time you went to dinner with 1 person versus 10 people? Wasn’t it substantially more difficult to get everyone into the car and on their way? That’s exactly what happens on a wedding day!
Easier communication with reduced conflicts
Think about that group text you share with your coworkers, friends, etc. The larger the group chat, the more opinions that come up. Sometimes those opinions can rub some the wrong way. When you have a larger group, you are more likely to have those situations arise, and if you are hoping for a stress-free (or at least reduced) experience, narrowing the size of your wedding party can keep communication easy and opinions more easily managed when decisions are being made.
Easier wardrobe decisions
With fewer people, you can allow your wedding party to infuse a little bit more of their style into the wedding, with less focus on a large group looking cohesive. From a photography perspective, variation in wedding party clothing allows your important people to capture not just how similar they look to everyone, but allows their uniqueness to shine through (and bonus for you – fewer decisions to make along the way)!
But What if I Don’t Want People to Feel Left Out by Not Including Them in My Wedding Party?
There are a lot of ways you can show these important people in your life that you are thankful for their support of your marriage without causing them to spend additional money to be a part of your wedding. Here are a few ways:
Get ready with them
They can still hang out with you as you get ready, except they won’t need to worry about being ready for a time other than your wedding. They can partake in activities with you – think morning run, yoga, golf outing, breakfast in bed, spa visit, etc. – but the actual part of getting ready (hair, make-up, dressing, etc.) can be done without having to start so early!
Plan a special meal before your wedding
A special meal the day before your wedding is another way to bring your nearest and dearest together and show them how special they are to you in a way that’s intimate and personal.
Include them in your ceremony
There are many places to include your favorite people in your ceremony without having them be in a procession. Consider seating them in the front rows, having them do a reading, officiating your wedding, singing or playing a song, holding your flowers or rings – the ideas are endless. Including them in your ceremony allows them to feel a part of the day, without having to commit to all the wedding activities in a traditional wedding party.
Ask them to give a toast at your rehearsal dinner or reception
This is another meaningful way to acknowledge the special people in your life who aren’t in your wedding party, and also allow them to showcase their personality in a way that is comfortable for them.
Do I Even Need to Have a Wedding Party?
That choice is completely up to you. It is nice to have people with you before you walk down the aisle, but for couples who see each other before the wedding, you might just want to spend that time with your soon-to-be spouse.
If you still worry about leaving someone out, having just the two of you removes that worry, but still including them in the day, whether it is getting ready, during the ceremony, or a special toast at the reception, you will likely be surprised by the appreciation of your friends and family to spend more time enjoying your wedding than having to prepare for it.
After reading all this, you have a group of friends that are thick as thieves, and you want all of them to be by your side through all the moments of planning a wedding – then by all means do it! This guide is here to remind you that there is no right way to celebrate your wedding, and whether you have a small, no, or big wedding party, aligning with your values as a couple is the most important aspect of planning your wedding day.
Ready To Hire Your Wedding Photographer?
I hope you found this info on small wedding parties helpful. I’m passionate about giving couples the information to choose what option works best for them.
And… if you’re still looking for a Washington DC/Virginia wedding photographer, I’d love to connect! My approach to wedding photography starts with understanding what—and who—matters the most to the two of you.
When you hire me to photograph your wedding, we’ll sit down to figure out what photos are must-haves and how you want your day to feel. Your images will capture your day in its entirety: the spontaneous joy, the precious family photos, the experience you created for your guests.
You can learn more about my wedding photography services here or get in touch with me here!
Read these next:
Virginia Wedding Venues: Your Guide to the Atrium at Meadowlark Botanical Gardens
There are so many amazing wedding venues in Virginia that it can be hard to make a selection. To help you understand one of my favorites, today we will highlight the enchanting Atrium at Meadowlark Botanical Gardens. The Atrium at Meadowlark Botanical Gardens has picturesque garden views, a serene ambiance, and endless natural beauty – it feels like you’ve stepped into another world.
Keep reading to learn more about the Atrium at Meadowlark Botanical Gardens and discover if it’s the perfect setting for your celebration!
Your Guide to the Atrium at Meadowlark Botanical Gardens
The glass-walled Atrium at Meadowlark Botanical Gardens is one of my favorite Northern Virginia wedding venues. The greenhouse is gorgeous, with lots of beautiful plants and foliage, and I always recommend using it for first looks or couple wedding portraits!
The venue also has a great rain plan in case of inclement weather, and the outdoor spaces at Meadowlark are always changing, so the gardens (and the photos) never look exactly like another wedding, making your day truly unique to you and your partner.
The Atrium itself has exposed brick walls, a babbling brook, an enchanting cathedral ceiling, and a spacious terrace that overlooks the botanical gardens, which is perfect for your cocktail hour and seeing stars at night.
Furthermore, the venue’s nighttime lighting has a distinct, warm, cozy feel that is cinematic, with great acoustics for dancing. Everything about this venue is dreamy and romantic!
The Atrium is great for weddings up to 175-200 guests and is very spacious. It’s the ideal location for weddings or a small, intimate celebration. It also has charming bridges and gazebos that are beautiful photo spots.
Catering is handled by Great Blue Heron, providing full on-site catering, delicious food, and they have the best bartenders that are energetic and most importantly – FAST! They are great at keeping everything running smoothly and efficiently, creating a stress-free experience for you and a great time for your guests.
Things to keep in mind if you want to plan your wedding here
Here are some important things to know about this venue:
The getting-ready space is quite small
While you can use the venue’s getting-ready space, I personally recommend opting for a hotel nearby, such as the Archer Hotel or the Hyatt Regency Tysons Corner. You’ll have much more room to move and be more comfortable if you choose to have getting-ready photos
First Look timing
Also, due to the layout of the venue, if you are doing a first look, it is very important to be inside, tucked away, 30-40 mins before the ceremony, as there is only one entrance to the ceremony space.
Privacy
Even though guests might be in the garden, it is generally not busy outside of cherry blossom season here. You can expect guests of the gardens to usually be quick to give a “congratulations” as they walk by, but other than that, the gardens are very quiet and private.
Golden hour photos
Due to the terrain of the gardens, I recommend planning your sunset photos 10-15 minutes prior to sunset for the best lighting and photos.
Parking
Parking is plentiful and easy, so it’s definitely not something you or your guests will have to worry about here.
When Is the Best Time of Year to Plan Your Wedding at the Atrium at Meadowlark Botanical Gardens?
Each season here has something different to offer, and the Atrium is open year-round, so the time of year you choose ultimately depends on what you want! Here’s a breakdown of what you can expect from each season:
Fall
Fall has cooler temperatures and vibrant fall foliage. During the fall, there are so many different colors with all of the changing trees. The gardens at this time of the year are still green, and the weather is spectacular. Keep in mind, they sometimes begin setting up for their winter walk of lights towards the end of October or early November.
Winter
Winter in Virginia brings cooler temperatures and shorter days. However, that isn’t always the case, as winter can also bring with it days that are warm and sunny. The Atrium in the winter is beautiful, and the pine trees outside make for gorgeous photos.
The gardens are also much quieter at this time of year and transform into a magical winter wonderland – particularly if you plan your wedding during the garden’s holiday light display!
Spring
During spring, everything is in full bloom, the trees are beginning to bud, and it brings with it sunshine-filled days. The gardens in the spring are truly stunning, and it’s easy to understand why it’s such a popular time of year for weddings!
A standout feature at this time of year is the cherry blossom trees that surround the lake, gorgeous for photos (but keep in mind it is difficult to time when these beauties will appear!). Many couples choose to have their wedding ceremony outdoors at this time of the year, surrounded by all the spring flowers (think lots of tulips) and lush greenery.
Summer
Summer brings with it warm temperatures, long days, and gorgeous sunsets. In the gardens, there’s a plethora of flowers in bloom, and everything is vibrant and colorful. The bridge in the gardens over the water makes for Monet-like scenes in the summer!
Ready to Plan Your Wedding at the Atrium at Meadowlark Botanical Gardens?
Virginia has many stunning wedding venues, but if you’re looking for a wedding venue where no two weddings ever look the same, and where you’re immersed in nature, the Atrium at Meadowlark Botanical Gardens sounds perfect for you.
If you’re still looking for a Washington DC/Virginia wedding photographer, I’d love to connect! My approach to wedding photography starts with understanding what—and who—matters the most to the two of you.
When you hire me to photograph your wedding, we’ll sit down to figure out what photos are must-haves and how you want your day to feel. Your images will capture your day in its entirety: the spontaneous joy, the precious family photos, the experience you created for your guests.
You can learn more about my wedding photography services here or get in touch with me here!
Read these next:
First Look vs No First Look: Which Should You Choose?
How To Make Your Family Wedding Photos Painless: 5 Tips From A Wedding Photographer
First look vs no first look – which one is right for you? If you ask your family and friends what they think, you’ll likely get conflicting opinions, with some who are huge fans of having one and others who will tell you to stick to tradition. But the choice you ultimately make should depend on what feels right for you and your partner.
As a wedding photographer, when I get asked this question, I ask the couple, “What does your gut tell you – why would you do [or not do] one?”
If you aren’t sure or need more information, that’s where this guide comes in to help guide your decision.
First Look Vs. No First Look: Common Misconceptions
Before we go into the pros and cons, let’s clear up some common misconceptions when it comes to choosing or not choosing a first look.
Misconception #1: If I do a first look, I will have more time to spend with guests at the cocktail hour.
Maybe. Yes, you will save time taking the family/wedding party photos before the wedding, but if you are planning on extended family photos, (meaning all the people you want in family photos can’t arrive before the ceremony starts), you’ll need to pull in all the other family members that were in the photos before the ceremony for those large group photos. What takes the longest for family photos is the gathering of everyone – once they are there, the photos can go pretty quickly.
If you aren’t doing extended family photos, then yes, a first look will allow you to enjoy more of your cocktail hour.
Misconception #2: If we do a first look, the moment of walking down the aisle won’t feel as special
Some people love that moment of emotions and seeing everyone all at once, while others feel immense anxiety having everyone look at them during that moment. Talk about your comfort level for either a first look or no first look with your partner. If you have different answers, consider the following:
If you do a first look together right before the ceremony, you’ll have that private moment the two of you, which lends towards the option of the two of you walking in together (a modern twist on the traditional giving-away moment at the end of the aisle) and taking in all the emotions of the guests together.
Maybe one of you needs some calming reassurance, but the other absolutely wants that moment to be when your eyes lock at the opposite ends of the aisle? Find a doorway, corner of a building, etc., where you two can hold hands, and bring down those wedding day jitters before seeing each other at the ceremony.
Misconception #3: If we don’t do a first look, our family photos will take longer.
This is one of the biggest misconceptions. They actually take *longer*. As mentioned in Misconception #1, the longest part of family photos is the corralling. If you do them right after the ceremony, the family will automatically be in the same place at the same time. This removes the need for the family to arrive at a predetermined time before the ceremony, when some of them will likely be late and delay the family photos.
Doing your photos ahead of time will also mean you will have to do them before everyone arrives, leaving you with a 30+ minute period with nothing to do because you can’t be out on the venue grounds as the guests arrive. This means that you need to be ready earlier, arrive earlier, and also use some of your photography time when you are waiting for the ceremony to start.
Hiring an efficient photographer that can make those family photos after the ceremony go quickly (I like to do them in 15 minutes or less, read more about that here (link to family photo post), you’ll likely get to enjoy some of your cocktail hour AND have more time to get ready before the ceremony with photography coverage longer into the evening (when all the guests are around).
First Look vs No First Look: Pros and Cons
As I mentioned earlier, the most important thing is to decide together which you prefer – do a gut check for you both and talk about why you think you do or you don’t want a first look. Both are valid options, but reviewing the pros and cons of each might help determine what fits your personality.
Pros to First Look:
- Can calm anxiety or stress prior to the ceremony
- Private, intimate moment just the two of you (and your photographer!)
- Family photos can be done ahead of time (noting the misconceptions above)
- Ability to be at every moment of your cocktail hour (if you won’t be at your cocktail hour, regardless, skip this pro)
Cons to First Look:
- You’ll have to be ready at least 1 hour earlier than if you didn’t do a first look
- Photos will take place earlier in the day, which limits where you can take photos (think harsh sun)
- If large group family photos are on your wishlist, you’ll actually spend *longer* taking the family photos
- There will be a 30+ minute downtime where you are ready for the ceremony, but you aren’t doing anything because the guests will see you as they arrive
First Look vs No First Look: Final Thoughts
Hopefully the sections above have helped you decide if a first look or no first look is right for you, but if you still aren’t sure, here are a few remaining thoughts to consider:
Sometimes, first looks are not always the emotional, cinematic moment couples expect them to be (especially the overly orchestrated “tap on the shoulder” setup). If you are leaning towards a first look, work with your photographer to create one that feels more like the two of you, such as both of you walking towards one another – meeting at a door frame or getting ready together, and have the first look be an organic, unique moment to you.
If you choose not to do a first look, sending notes to one another before the ceremony can be a way to be in the moment together and calm down those nerves without having to see one another before the ceremony.
Finally, it is easy to be swayed by others (family, friends, wedding vendors), but remember, there is no right or wrong way to see each other on the wedding day. Make this a special moment for the two of you, whether with all of your guests standing by or a private moment before everything begins.
Want to Work With a Wedding Photographer Who Honors Your Choice for a First Look or No First Look?
As you can see, I’m passionate about giving couples the freedom and information to choose what option works best for them when it comes to choosing whether or not to have a first look.
If you’re still looking for a Washington DC/Virginia wedding photographer, I’d love to connect! My approach to wedding photography starts with understanding what—and who—matters the most to the two of you.
When you hire me to photograph your wedding, we’ll sit down to figure out what photos are must-haves and how you want your day to feel. Your images will capture your day in its entirety: the spontaneous joy, the precious family photos, the experience you created for your guests.
You can learn more about my wedding photography services here or get in touch with me here!
Read these next:
How To Make Your Family Wedding Photos Painless: 5 Tips From A Wedding Photographer
What Is Documentary Style Photography? Everything You Need To Know
Family wedding photos are an important way to document the historical moment in time and an important part of every wedding. After all, how many times do you have all of these people in one place that spans family generations?
Thinking about family wedding photos can feel overwhelming and stressful. How will you possibly coordinate everyone where they need to be and on time? What is the way to capture them without distracting from all of the memorable moments of the day? How will you get good photos with the kiddos? What are the logistics of planning for family wedding photos? This guide is just for you!
Keep reading to learn more about how I help couples prepare for stress-free family wedding photos, so you can be more present on your wedding day!
How To Make Wedding Family Photos Painless: 5 Tips From A Wedding Photographer
Here are my pro tips on what works best to get incredible family photos on the day of your wedding (without the stress):
Tip #1: Create a detailed list of photos
The best advice I can give is to create a detailed list with your wedding photographer. By having this plan ahead of the wedding day, you will be able to fly through these photos in no time, getting your family and friends to the cocktail hour quickly.
A list alone will not be enough – oftentimes, lists of photos you want are created in a way that takes people more time to move in and out of the photos. It is also important to prioritize those with limited mobility or short attention spans (hello, 2-year-old nephew!).
To make this happen, I use my football method: where I start with one side of the family, with generally the least amount of people in the first few photos, and then I keep adding until you reach the middle, where both families are combined. After I’ve photographed one side of the family, I then work my way down the other side of the family. This method works like a charm and doesn’t leave your family members waiting around for long periods of time.
Tip #2: Take your family photos after the wedding ceremony, vs before
When mapping out your wedding timeline, I personally suggest planning family wedding photos after the ceremony, rather than before. You might think doing them ahead of time will get them done and out of the way, but I find that people often want to do extended family photos that require those same people to get together again after the ceremony (which means you’re adding onto the amount of time wedding family photos take to capture).
When family photos are done before the ceremony, there is a specified time all family members need to meet to do the photos. If you’ve ever tried to corral a group for a restaurant reservation, you’ll know that not everyone arrives at the exact same time. For family wedding photos, this means standing around while waiting for the arrivals and photos to start.
However, if you do them right after the ceremony, everyone is already there. They will all be at the ceremony at the same time, and you can go right into the family photos after the ceremony, once the guests who are not in the photos can make their way to cocktail hour. It allows all the wedding family photos to move quickly, as long as you have your plan from tip #1.
Finally, post-ceremony wedding family photos tend to move more quickly because people are motivated to move on to your cocktail hour.
Tip #3: Decide on a location beforehand
Work with your photographer to choose a location beforehand (if possible). You’ll want this location to be somewhere easy for guests to get to, especially those with limited mobility, and so that you don’t waste time traversing all over the venue property.
The location of your ceremony is a great option because you already have it set up for your ceremony, but if the lighting does not cooperate or you need other options, consider your porches, patios, and unique sides of buildings. With any location you choose, make sure you consider the time of day you will be taking the photos, as lighting can impact the outcome of the photo. Also, make sure your space is large enough to fit the largest group you have planned.
Tip #4: Tell your family beforehand the plan for family wedding photos
Usually, multiple reminders will help everyone to remember that they have to be somewhere for these photos. I suggest an email or text two days before your wedding, a reminder at the rehearsal dinner, and designating a photo person for the wedding day to make sure all the included family members are at the location spot, or stay seated at the conclusion of the ceremony.
We want to prevent meanders to the cocktail reception or bathroom. Everyone is excited to be a part of your wedding, and it might be easy to forget where and what they are supposed to be doing on the wedding day.
Tip #5: Still want to take family photos before the ceremony? Schedule them as close to your tuck-away time as possible.
When couples see each other before their wedding and take all of their photos ahead of time, it often means that the 30 minutes before the ceremony are reserved for the wedding couple (and party) to tuck away from guest arrivals.
Let those wedding family photos be the last thing you do before that time, so that family members’ arrival time is closer to the ceremony start time. For instance, if you are starting your ceremony at 5 PM, scheduling family photos at 4 PM will provide 30 minutes for those photos (usually all family photos can be done in this amount of time), and they won’t have to arrive earlier (which often results in more delays).
Bonus Pro Tip: If you want your family to arrive for 4 PM photos, tell them 3:45 PM. It’s okay if they are standing around for a bit while you finish up your couple and/or wedding party photos; the key is to have everyone there when YOU are ready to take your wedding family photos.
Ready To Book Your Wedding Photographer?
I hope you found this info on preparing for family wedding photos helpful and will give you more time to spend with your guests, instead of waiting around for those important, historical family photos. With a little bit of preparation ahead of time, you can make this part of your wedding a quick, stress-free experience!
And… if you’re still looking for a Washington DC/Virginia wedding photographer, I’d love to connect! My approach to wedding photography starts with understanding what—and who—matters the most to the two of you.
When you hire me to photograph your wedding, we’ll sit down to figure out what photos are must-haves and how you want your day to feel. Your images will capture your day in its entirety: the spontaneous joy, the precious family photos, the experience you created for your guests.
You can learn more about my wedding photography services here or get in touch with me here!
Read these next:
What Is Documentary Style Photography? Everything You Need To Know
How To Choose A Wedding Photographer: The Most Important Things You Should Consider
What is documentary style photography, and how do you know it’s for you? Documentary or candid, photojournalistic wedding photography is a style of photography that captures how the day felt instead of just how it looked.
As a documentary wedding photographer in Washington D.C. and northern Virginia, I’ve learned this style resonates with couples because it allows them to experience their wedding day instead of being involved in a day-long photoshoot.
Keep reading to learn more about documentary-style photography and whether it’s a good fit for your wedding!
What Is Documentary Style Photography?
Documentary-style wedding photography is all about telling a story, whereas traditional photography captures curated photos that focus on how the day looks. ; Documentary style photography prioritizes capturing genuine emotion, moments, and everything about your day as it unfolds.
What about those posed family photos, couple and wedding party portraits? They absolutely still happen, but with documentary photography, they won’t be the main focus. The posed photos are carefully considered and planned prior to the wedding day, to reduce the amount of time these take, allowing you to focus on spending time with the people you love.
Who Is Documentary Style Photography For?
Documentary style photography works for you if you want to prioritize capturing moments over details, emotions over staged poses, and spending time with your friends and family instead of your photographer. Couples that prefer documentary wedding photography crave photos that highlight unique aspects of their relationship and capture the emotions and feelings of their day authentically with an unscripted approach. You’ll have time to spend with your guests and can be fully immersed in your wedding day from getting ready to when you say your last goodbye – Your photos will have the depth, character, and personality that
Only happens when moments unfold organically. To help guide your decision, here are some questions you and your partner can discuss to decide if this is the right style for your wedding:
- When you picture your wedding day, what does it look like? Does it involve spending lots of time with your guests, enjoying your cocktail hour, lots of laughter, and dancing the night away?
- What parts of your wedding day matter most to you? How do you envision these special moments being photographed? Are you posed or completely immersed in the moment?
- Are you comfortable with your photographer celebrating along with you and your guests, by capturing the big and small moments as they unfold, instead of following a scripted photo must-have “shot” list?
- Do you prioritize being fully present on your wedding day over being pulled away for another set of photos?
If you agree that you want to fully enjoy and be present for your wedding day, it sounds like documentary style photography will complement your need wedding day.
My Approach As A Wedding Photographer To Documentary-style Photography
You’ll notice, as you look at documentary-style photographers’ work, how every photographer’s work looks a little bit different. That’s because even though someone labels themselves as a documentary style photographer, each photographer will have their own approach to this style and their own interpretation of it.
For me, how I photograph is a classic adherence to true documentary photography, meaning I won’t stop to ask you to do something again. I also won’t interrupt your quiet, intimate moments or take over; instead, I’m all about letting your day unfold naturally.
Of course, wedding photography is about storytelling. But what story do you want to tell? That’s not just up to me. (After all, your wedding photos are for you.) When you hire me to photograph your wedding, we’ll sit down to figure out what photos are must-haves and how you want your day to feel.
In viewing your completed gallery of photos, I’ll provide you with photos that chronicle how the day unfolded naturally. My direction to my clients is during family photos, wedding party photos, and couple portraits. The rest of the day, you get to live, experience, and celebrate with all the people you love who have worked really hard to come to your wedding.
Furthermore, instead of being the photographer dressed in all black, I will be embedding myself into your day – capturing the sway to the music, the twists and turns of the day, without stopping you from enjoying every single second for a photo op.
Living and experiencing the day also means you aren’t being pulled in a million directions to do different things; you are present in each moment and what is occurring. You’ve heard the saying that your day goes by so fast that it’s like a blur – but what’s special about this style of photography is that it lets you slow down and reflect on moments and eflect focus in a bit more so that you can actually remember moments of connection with your wedding guests.
Ready To Hire Your Documentary-Style Wedding Photographer?
I hope you found this info on documentary-style photography helpful. At the end of the day, regardless of the photography style you choose, your wedding photos should be a genuine representation of you and your partner and feature the most special moments from your day.
And… if you’re still looking for a Washington DC/Virginia wedding photographer, I’d love to connect! My approach to wedding photography starts with understanding what—and who—matters the most to the two of you.
When you hire me to photograph your wedding, we’ll sit down to figure out what photos are must-haves and how you want your day to feel. Your images will capture your day in its entirety: the spontaneous joy, the precious family photos, the experience you created for your guests.
You can learn more about my wedding photography services here or get in touch with me here!
Read these next:
How To Choose A Wedding Photographer: The Most Important Things You Should Consider
Your Guide To Planning A Small Wedding Or Elopement In Washington, DC / Alexandria
