A Guide to Wedding Venue Lighting & How It Affects Photos

Lighting is one of the most critical yet often overlooked aspects of wedding planning. I’ve probably said this 1000 times by now but lighting is one of the single most important parts of deciding where you’ll have your wedding day. It sets the mood, helps create the ambiance, and plays a major role in how your photos turn out. As a bride, understanding how lighting works can help you decide on which venue is best and ensure your wedding photos are stunning. In this guide, we’ll break down why lighting matters and what you can look for when picking out where you’ll get ready, to walking down the aisle.

You’d never believe the portrait above was taken in the parking lot outside of the hotel room due to the lack of natural light. Luckily I was able to relocate her detail portraits outside.

Why Lighting Matters for Wedding Photography

Your wedding day will be filled with memorable moments, and your photographer’s ability to capture them beautifully depends heavily on the lighting. Here’s why:

• Lighting Affects Skin Tones – Harsh lighting can cast unflattering shadows, while soft, natural light enhances your natural glow.
• Colors Appear Differently in Different Lighting – Ever noticed how a color looks different in daylight versus indoors? The same applies to your wedding decor and attire.
• Clarity and Sharpness Depend on Light Quality – Dark environments force photographers to increase their camera settings, which can sometimes result in grainy images. I’ve walked into a few getting ready locations, with one window and the rest of the room was like a cave.
• Lighting Sets the Mood – A dim, candlelit setting creates an intimate feel, while bright, airy lighting evokes a fresh and joyful ambiance. When booking your photographer, be sure to know which style of photography you’d like to have. If you’re wanting a dark-moody vibe, having low lighting may be what you’re looking for. For me personally, I’m a true to color-airy photographer and I like as much natural light as possible.
  

Types of Wedding Venue Lighting & Their Effects on Photos

1. Natural Light (Best for Soft, Romantic Photos)

Ideal for outdoor ceremonies or venues with large windows, natural light creates dreamy, airy photos. However, be mindful of the time of day—midday sunlight can be harsh, while golden hour  which is just before the sun sets, is perfect for warm, glowing shots.

Optimization Tip: If your venue has large windows, plan key moments like your first look or bridal portraits near them to take advantage of soft, diffused light. (Your photographer can help you find the best spots.)

2. Indoor Overhead Lighting (Can Be Harsh & Unflattering)

Many banquet halls and ballrooms have strong overhead lighting, which can create shadows under the eyes and make skin tones appear unnatural.

Optimization Tip: Ask your venue if they can dim the lights or use warm-toned bulbs instead of cool-toned fluorescents, which can make photos look sterile.

3. String Lights & Fairy Lights (Creates a Magical Glow)

String lights add a warm and whimsical touch to reception spaces. They are especially effective for outdoor tents, barns, and garden venues. However, they don’t provide strong lighting, so additional light sources may be needed.

Optimization Tip: Use a mix of fairy lights and soft uplighting to maintain the ambiance while ensuring your photos are well-lit.

4. Candlelight (Beautiful but Tricky for Photography)

Candlelit receptions exude romance, but they can be difficult to photograph due to the low light levels. This often requires photographers to use flash, which can alter the ambiance.

Optimization Tip: Mix candlelight with soft uplighting to maintain the romantic feel while improving photo quality.

5. DJ & Dance Floor Lighting (Fun but Can Be Chaotic in Photos)

Colored lights, strobes, and lasers add energy to the dance floor, but they can also result in unpredictable photos with unusual color casts.

Optimization Tip: Have a conversation with your DJ and photographer to coordinate lighting effects so they don’t overpower your dance floor shots.

6. Uplighting (Adds Drama & Elegance)

Uplighting is used to cast colored or warm-toned light onto walls and architectural features. It creates a dramatic effect and enhances the atmosphere.

Optimization Tip: Stick to warm, neutral tones like amber or soft white, as bold colors (like purple or blue) can reflect onto skin tones in photos.

How to Optimize Your Wedding Lighting for the Best Photos

1. Visit Your Venue at the Right Time of Day – If you’re having an outdoor ceremony, check the lighting conditions at the time you plan to get married.
2. Ask Your Photographer for Input – A seasoned photographer can help you identify the best lighting setups at your venue.
3. Consider Renting Additional Lighting – If your venue lacks good lighting, hiring professional lighting can make a significant difference. keep in mind, this may be pretty expensive though. Finding a venue that has the best lighting already is key!
4. Plan for Sunset & Golden Hour Photos – I might be the only photographer out there that prefers 2 hours before golden hour. YES, golden hour is amazing. I LOVE shooting during this time but I feel the best time to shoot is right when the sun dips just below the tree tops and offers the most beautiful diffused lighting. I think planning for both in your timeline is ideal!
5. Balance Ambiance & Practicality – While dim lighting creates an intimate feel, ensure key moments (like speeches and first dances) have enough light for great photos.

Final Thoughts

Lighting is the secret ingredient to breathtaking wedding photos. By understanding how different types of lighting impact photography and making strategic choices, you can ensure your photos turn out beautifully. Talk to your photographer, work with your venue, and plan ahead—your wedding album will thank you!

If you have any questions about how to make the most of your venue’s lighting, feel free to reach out—I’d love to help you capture your day in the best light possible!