Should I hire a photographer who’s worked at my wedding venue before?

You may have heard that you’re best to go with a photographer who’s worked at your wedding venue before. Of course, whilst that is a real positive, I wouldn’t necessarily say it’s a must. If that were the case, no wedding photographer would ever work somewhere new would they? And quite honestly, it would probably make a lot of us change career paths, we’d become incredibly bored working just at one place all the time.

Throughout my years of working in the industry, there are many wedding venues I have worked at time and time again, so please don’t think that this bit of reading is me saying ‘I hate working at the same venues’. I adore working at venues repeatedly, I simply wanted to share some information as to why it isn’t the end of the world and put a positive spin on having a photographer who hasn’t worked at your wedding venue before.

At the end of the day, an experienced wedding photographer brings skill, adaptability, and creativity that make previous venue experience irrelevant in many cases.

To me, the difference between a great photographer and an average photographer is the ability to be able to work in a multitude of settings – from grand ballrooms to intimate outdoor spaces. They will know how to assess the lighting, architectural elements, and natural surroundings to find the best locations for capturing beautiful images. Regardless of whether it’s their first or fiftieth time at the venue, they will be equipped to adapt to the environment and make creative decisions on the spot.

Having a photographer who’s new to your venue can actually be a creative advantage. Although there is something to be said for practice makes perfect, and knowing somewhere like the back of your hand, as creatives, we thrive on new and exciting places to capture and turn into art.

When choosing a wedding photographer, look at their portfolio and style rather than their venue experience. The ability to produce consistently beautiful and cohesive images in a variety of settings speaks more to their talent than specific venue familiarity. Pay attention to their adaptability, creativity, and how well their style aligns with your vision.

A professional wedding photographer who specialises in capturing luxury events knows how to blend natural and posed imagery, creating a timeless, elegant story through each album. Trusting in their skills and artistic eye can provide you with images that are both beautiful and unique to you, even if they’ve never stepped foot in your chosen venue before.

Ultimately, a photographer’s ability to adapt, prepare, and creatively approach any setting far outweighs the benefits of previous venue experience. A skilled wedding photographer brings with them a wealth of knowledge, a fresh perspective, and the confidence to create stunning images in any location. So, rather than seeking out someone who’s worked at your venue, focus on finding a professional who has the experience, style, and personality to capture the wedding of your dreams, no matter where it’s held.