How to Choose a Wedding Venue

As a wedding photographer, the venue makes a noticeable difference for the experience of the couple and their guests. I had the honor of photographing a corporate event with Distinct Locations. This organization helps match weddings and corporate events to their perfect venue.

Searching venues is not a new concept. Sites like WeddingWire and Wedding Vendors & Services – The Knot have created a directory of venues for you to scroll through. Not only is it very impersonal, that ends up being a lot of work for you with very questionable information. Distinct Locations is different as they allow you to explore multiple private estate properties in their venue portfolio to find the best fit for your event. Then they handle the rest! Having a person to talk to about your vision (who has been to the locations!) will guarantee you find the perfect one for your special day.

I recently attended a Distinct Locations corporate event where they partnered with Bright Rentals Sonoma / Napa. Rentals can sometimes be after thoughts in the planning process. Having a rental vendor at this event was very helpful. They were able to showcase at each of the estates how you can make any venue warm and inviting. Lunch for the day was provided by Park Ave Catering known for their farm to table spreads. I always tell my brides that their guests will remember the food for years to come!

What was very special about this corporate event was being able to tour a venue through a wedding planner’s eyes. To be able to see what they are looking for and how they select the perfect place with the client’s vision in mind. This experience better prepared me for how to evaluate a wedding venue- aside from the gorgeous backdrops and portrait opportunities.

I do want to mention going into this event, I already had an infinity for private estate weddings. It can feel more unique and personal than a traditional venue. A beloved wedding I recently had the pleasure of capturing was a Backyard Wedding at a Private Residence.

How to Choose a Wedding Venue at Distinct Locations

There are so many unique features at each of the estates that we toured. Being able to visit five back to back allowed us as guests to really understand the sometimes nuanced difference between each of them. All had great views, but we were able to recognize the unique details. While they were all beautiful, each one I could see for a different type of couple or corporate event.

Beaumont Farms is an expansive ranch complete with outside heaters, comfortable lounge areas, and (my favorite) a private pond. I couldn’t help but envision the couple portraits we could capture at the edge of the water. This venue can hold up to 250 guests so it’s a great option for a larger wedding.

At Tuscan Retreat, it was the vineyard views that really hooked me. As a Napa wedding photographer, I hear from many couples that these views are something that they really look for. This location reminded me of a deLorimier Winery Wedding and for all the right reasons!

Private Estates: The Dalya Estate, Villa Colibri, Sonoma Vineyard

With an infinitely pool and twinkling lights, The Dalya Estate was meant for dining, drinking, and dancing. Stepping onto the property, you can feel the romance in the wings. When you are determining how to choose a wedding venue, the details really make a big difference! In this case it was the stunning garden and terraces each providing a private and peaceful space. When I talk to couples about the most important factor while selecting a wedding venue, it is making sure there is privacy. Especially for venues that can host multiple weddings, you want to be sure that you are taken care of and treated like you’re the only one.

The most unique venue was Villa Colibri, an intimate European style country estate. An interesting feature about this venue is that it has overnight accommodations. This is perfect for a night before or night after for the bridal party- or just the wedded couple! It includes a pool and hot tub with fountains and separate casitas. Have a wedding that you can enjoy long after the reception is over.

How do you know you found the right wedding venue? Sometimes, it is because it checks all the boxes on your list, but sometimes it’s just a feeling. I don’t mean to choose favorites, but Sonoma Vineyard Estate definitely caught my eye. How could it not with the glorious hanging chandeliers? This is farmhouse chic to the next level. Something else I really liked about the venue was the tables outlining the interior. Not only is this a beautiful set up, no one has a bad view of the dance floor!

Determining What Gives Life to Your Vision

If you are wondering how to make a decision on a wedding venue, Distinct Locations will go above and beyond to help you choose a venue for your wedding planning. Their location matchmaking is second to none.

After such a special event I learned even more about how to help my couples choose a wedding venue. My personal favorite part of the event was definitely being asked to partner with these amazing vendors and now being able to share the personal recommendations to all my couples.

When you are ready to choose a photographer who is established in Northern California and understands your wedding day vision, Contact Alicia Parks Photography.