Choosing a Location for your Edmonton Wedding Photos!

When couples hire me as their wedding photographer, I like to get involved. I like to help them plan their wedding day timeline, practice poses during their engagement photos… I like to know pretty much everything about them and what they want for their wedding day. One of my favorite things though? Helping the choose a location for your Edmonton wedding photos! We want something close enough to your wedding ceremony/reception locations (there are transportation considerations after all) and because we are in Edmonton, we also need to make sure we have a backup plan (or two). Today, I want to share with you just a few things I consider when helping my couples choose a location for their wedding photos.

If you are currently looking for an Edmonton wedding photographer to help you handle the logistics of YOUR wedding day photos, cut to the chase and contact me here! I would love to learn more about your wedding day and help you choose the perfect photo location!

Choosing a Wedding Photo Location Near Your Wedding Ceremony and Reception Venue

First, are you having a first look or are we taking your wedding photos between the ceremony and reception? Often a first-look timeline can be a little more flexible because you can start as early as you want, so a longer drive time isn’t as big of a deal (read more about why I love a first look here). Regardless, when choosing a location for your Edmonton wedding photos, you do want to start near your wedding venue. Can you take your wedding photos at your venue? Do they have a backup location in case of rain? If you are having a first look, is their private space to take photos before the wedding without having your guests see you? Start AT your wedding venue and then start to look nearby.

One of the reasons I love a downtown wedding venue is that there are a ton of nearby photo spots! Click here for a little extra inspiration if you are considering a downtown wedding.

My advice? If the distance is a little longer, don’t stress. In a perfect world, your ideal wedding photo location is nearby, but it’s not worth settling on. Instead, make sure to hire a limo or transportation company to ensure you are still having a great time during every single minute of your wedding day! Don’t forget to include room for your photographer!

Have a backup plan (or two) in case of rain on your wedding day

You already know you don’t want to be the bride screaming “help – the wedding photo location we had in mind is outdoors and it’s pouring rain”. We want to have this planned WELL in advance of your wedding day. Of course, rain doesn’t have to be a dealbreaker – we can definitely take gorgeous wedding photos out in the rain – but I always recommend couples have a backup plan. You can rent a studio space around Edmonton, or take advantage of other beautiful indoor spaces nearby your venue. Keep in mind the time of day and if you are choosing a public space as your backup plan, it won’t be private!

Want outdoor wedding photos come rain or shine? Grab some clear umbrellas and let’s go!

Last Tip: Make Sure Your Wedding Photo Location Matches the Vibe

If you are having an outdoor wedding with a rustic vibe, don’t choose a downtown wedding photo location. Some things just make sense. We want these photos to seamlessly blend in with the rest of your day, but I think we all have a tendency to overcomplicate things.

Okay another last tip? Ask your Edmonton wedding photographer!

Although I wish I could give you a list of the top Edmonton wedding photo locations, the reality is that a lot of the places I love don’t have “names”. If they did they would likely be too busy for your wedding day! You have likely hired your Edmonton wedding photographer because you love them and trust that they’ll do a good job – shameless plug if you haven’t hired your wedding photographer yet I would love to hear from you – so trust their advice and ask them questions!! They can likely brainstorm with you and even scout out locations nearby beforehand. The worst thing your wedding photos can have in them is you stressed. Spend a little extra time before your wedding day choosing a location for your wedding photos in Edmonton that you LOVE.