1. Consider the Lighting

Lighting can make or break your wedding photos, so when selecting a venue, always consider how much natural light the space gets. Natural light adds warmth and beauty to your photos, making them look timeless and organic. 

Venues with large windows or an open design, like Windows on the River, offer plenty of natural light for indoor ceremonies or receptions. This allows photographers to work with beautiful, soft light without the need for extensive artificial lighting. The Cleveland Botanical Garden is another venue with abundant natural light, ideal for capturing portraits with a pristine softly lit, greenhouse look.

 If your wedding is happening in the evening or you're considering a venue with fewer windows, make sure it has a solid lighting plan. Soft, warm lighting can help create a romantic atmosphere and can create a unique warm glow in your photos.

2. Think About the Flow of the Day

Our goal is to capture the essence of a couple's entire day. From the smallest details to the overall design of a ceremony and reception. So, it's essential that the venue will allow for smooth transitions between key moments, such as the ceremony, cocktail hour, and reception. 

Venues with separate spaces for each part of the day make this flow much easier. For example, The Westin Cleveland Downtown offers a sleek modern space with distinct areas for each part of the celebration. The venue’s design allows for easy movement between rooms, minimizing any downtime for you or your guests.

The Cleveland Museum of Art is another excellent example, where you can have your ceremony in their beautifully lit atrium, followed by cocktails in their outdoor gardens, and finally, a reception in one of their grand halls. Each space is stunning on its own, but also complements the next, allowing for varied photo backdrops throughout the day. 

3. Don’t Forget About the Weather 

Cleveland weather can be unpredictable during certain months, and if you’re planning an outdoor wedding, having a backup plan is a must. While Summer tends to be warmer, hot and sunny, the unpredictable weather in spring and fall means having an indoor option in case of rain or heat is never a bad idea.

Look for venues that offer both indoor and outdoor options. For example, Highfields Event Center has a beautiful outdoor ceremony space, while also having a an adjacent covered area, should the weather take a turn and you have to make a change in a pinch. 

For more relaxed outdoor ceremonies, Stan Hywet Hall & Gardens offers incredible gardens and outdoor spaces perfect for spring and summer weddings, with covered reception venues available nearby in case of rain.

4. Size and Capacity

When choosing a venue, you must consider the number of guests you plan to invite and select a venue that suits that size. Too large of a space can feel empty, while too small of a venue can feel cramped and uncomfortable for your guests.

Work closely with your photographer to figure out how much space you'll need for portraits, group shots, and even candid moments during the reception. For example, Blue Heron Event Center offers a grand ballroom with ample space for large weddings, while The Glidden House offers a more intimate vibe that’s ideal for a smaller celebration.

Venues like the Cleveland Cultural Gardens provide outdoor spaces perfect for weddings of all sizes, while Severance Hall offers dramatic architecture and a large, open space for a stylish and classy celebration.

5. Consider the Aesthetic and Atmosphere

Every venue offers a distinct aesthetic that will influence the style of your wedding photos. Whether you're leaning toward a vintage, elegant, modern, or rustic feel, it’s important to pick a venue that reflects your style and matches the vibe you want to convey in your images. 

If you're looking for something grand and unique, The House of Blues Cleveland is a perfect choice. The venue has a unique and eclectic feel, and its dramatic interiors are great for striking photos that feel bold and stylish. 

For a more relaxed and rustic vibe, venues like Tall Oaks Resort will give your wedding day a cozy, vintage feel, with natural surroundings that will provide breathtaking backdrops for your ceremony and portraits. 

6. Consider Accessibility and Logistics

This is often overlooked in the excitement of choosing a venue, but accessibility is key for making sure your wedding day runs smoothly. Consider your guests’ transportation needs, parking, and whether the venue is accessible for those with mobility issues.

Venues like The Cleveland Arcade or Great Lakes Brewing Co. provide convenient locations in the heart of the city, making transportation and parking easier for your guests. On the other hand, more remote venues may require additional planning, such as providing shuttle services or arranging for guests to stay overnight.

7. Talk to Your Photographer About Your Locations

Before you sign any contracts, it can be helpful to have a discussion with potential photographers about the locations your considering. As professionals, we can often help assess a venue’s photo potential. Things like the layout, available backdrops, and ease of access to various locations can make a big difference when it comes to getting the perfect shot.

Ask your photographer if they’ve worked at the venue before and if they can suggest specific locations or times of day that would work well for portraits. Cleveland venues like Voinovich Park and Edgewater Park offer stunning backdrops of Lake Erie and the city skyline, but your photographer will be able to advise on the best timing to capture the scenery without harsh lighting.