As a wedding photographer, my experience has told me that a good venue can make a big difference in capturing amazing images as opposed to only average photographs from a standard or very poor standard venue.
In Liverpool, Merseyside and Manchester, there are a huge variation in standards when it comes to venues. In Liverpool for example, The Palm House, Town Hall, Hope Street Hotel, Racquet Club and Crowne Plaza are venues which offer an amazing variation and opportunities when it comes to making the most out of the wedding photos. Other venues, which I dare not name, can present problems when trying to make the most out of the surroundings.
Manchester offers fantastic surroundings such as the Town Hall or Hilton for example, but when it comes to the 'Lower end' of the wedding reception, then working men's clubs may be visited... Think 'Pheonix nights'... As a photographer aiming at the average price (This covers virtually every eventuality - From castles to caravans), then anything must be expected.
When photographing the 'Good' venues, there is nothing to worry about. However, photographers should take a little time if they hear the words 'Working mens club' or 'Sports club' when asking brides about her wedding.
An important note though... Her wedding is as important as Lady Spoilt's wedding in 'Massive Rich' castle in Chelsea. You are still expected to capture the same images from her wedding as the girl with the silver spoon firmly placed in her mouth.
Should this happen, focus much attention on the church - Photograph inside the church. My experience has taught me that many brides who choose 'Lower end' reception venues often choose churches that look like nuclear power plants from the outside. Inside however, churches always look amazing, so focus on this initially.
Secondly, ask about an alternative venue for the group shots. There is always a park nearby to anywhere and a tree or bush can make a huge difference to the photographs. Suggest that the party 'Stops off' on the way to the reception for photographs. My experience has also taught me that at these weddings, DON'T get the entire wedding party to stop off... Uncle Frank does not want to stand around in a field, he would rather lean against a bar drinking... Send the 'lesser' guests off to the reception and deal with them later... Make the wedding day run smooth, consider EVERYONE!!!
If it raining... And this is the worst situation of all (And Uncle Frank comes in here!!!), photograph the immediate party in the church (That is the Bride, Groom, Ushers, Bridesmaids and parents). Go to the reception, create a space and then focus on the families and all the guests. Get a high vantage point (Stand on a table) and get everyone to look up at you. Crop the image so that the surroundings can't be seen in post production...
Go off after this and find some area where you can make the most of photographs of the bride alone and with the groom... ie by the bar, playing a fruit machine or a game of pool... anything a bit different. Believe me these shots work if done well!!!
The key is that anything can work with a bit of thought. Some venues are amazing, some appalling. Just make the most of what you have. Remember, photography is easy if you are a confident photographer... Stay cool and its easy...!!!
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