This is one of the most common questions couples ask me when choosing a wedding photographer:
“Have you shot at our wedding venue before?”
And while I totally get why couples ask this, the truth is…it doesn’t matter. At least, not in the way you think it does. A wedding photographer’s job isn’t just about knowing a venue — it’s about capturing the light, the angles, the emotions, and the energy of your day, no matter where it takes place.
Think about it this way — I shoot weddings in New York, Connecticut, Rhode Island, and across the country (even internationally!). If experience at a venue were necessary, no destination wedding photographer would ever get booked. But that’s just not how it works. The real key to stunning wedding photos isn’t if they’ve photographed there before — it’s skill, preparation, and an eye for storytelling.
So, here are my thoughts if you’re considering me, but I haven’t shot at your venue before.
1. I Always Try To Do A Venue Walkthrough Before Your Wedding
Even if I haven’t shot at your venue before, I try to before your wedding day, especially for local weddings. This gives me a chance to scout the best locations, understand the lighting at different times of day, and collaborate with your planner (if you have one) to make sure everything flows seamlessly. For destination weddings, I typically arrive a day or two early upon request to tour the venue and get a feel for the space. We’ll also talk through what photos are most important to you — whether it’s a cozy first look in a hidden garden, sunset portraits by the water, or large family group shots — so that when the day comes, you can be fully present, knowing I have it all covered.
2. A Fresh Perspective Can Make Your Wedding Photos More Unique
Some photographers shoot at the same venues over and over again. And while there’s nothing wrong with that (honestly, I’ve got a few venues like that myself), if they’re not careful sometimes their images can start to feel…well, the same. When a wedding photographer is too familiar with a venue, they might fall into habits — using the same poses, the same spots, the same go-to shots.
Coming in with fresh eyes means I see things differently. I look for creative angles, unique lighting, and moments that might get overlooked. And since no two photographers shoot the same way — whether they’ve been to a venue before or not — you’re guaranteed a gallery that feels unique to you.
Want to see an example of how I make sure two couples at the same venue can look totally different? Check out this engagement session and this one!
3. Your Day Won’t Look Like Anyone Else’s
No two weddings at a venue look the same. Why? Because every couple brings their own unique vision to the space. The decor, the florals, the colors, and sometimes even the furniture are completely personalized. A candlelit reception at Castle Hill, dripping in white roses and ivy looks nothing like a picturesque wedding at Cipriani New York.
A venue is just a beautiful stage, and I will capture it for you. But it’s the little details, the raw excitement, the way you both say “I do”, and the time spent celebrating with the people you love most that make the day worth remembering. A great wedding photographer isn’t just documenting a pretty venue — they’re capturing the personal details that make your wedding uniquely yours. That’s what makes the difference.
4. I Travel for Weddings All the Time and the Photos Turn Out Beautifully
If you’re having a destination wedding, odds are most of your local photographers haven’t shot there before. But that doesn’t mean they can’t capture it beautifully. When I travel for weddings (to places like Florida, South Carolina, and even overseas), I arrive a day or two early to scout the venue, study the light, and plan the best locations for your photos. The same approach applies every time. No matter where you’re saying “I do,” I’ll make sure you get stunning, timeless photos that take you right back to the day.
The Bottom Line? I’ll Be Prepared, So You Can Enjoy Your Day
If you’re getting married at a venue I haven’t been to before, that’s ok. I’ll tour the venue ahead of time, scout the best locations, and plan for all lighting conditions so that when your wedding day arrives, you can simply live in the moment while I capture it all. At the end of the day, wedding photography is about more than just the venue. It’s about the details, the emotions, and the people — and that’s what I specialize in.
If you’re looking for a wedding photographer who focuses on timeless, heartfelt images — no matter the venue — let’s chat. Feel free to view my portfolio or send an inquiry to check availability!
