Engaged- Where to start?

*My answer might surprise you- coming from a wedding photographer!

Engaged- Where to start? Your Wedding Venue Should Be Your First Vendor Booking

Planning a wedding is an exciting journey, and it’s natural to want to book all your favorite vendors as quickly as possible—especially your photographer! After all, these are the professionals who will capture your memories and make your day unforgettable. But as important as your photographer is, there’s one vendor you should lock in first: your venue. Here’s why your wedding venue should take priority.

---

1. Your Venue Sets the Date

Without a venue, you don’t have a wedding date. Photographers, florists, caterers, and other vendors can’t confirm their availability until your date is set. Your venue will dictate that timeline and allow other pieces of the puzzle to fall into place.

---

2. Your Venue Defines Your Wedding Style

The look and feel of your venue—whether it’s a rustic barn, an elegant ballroom, or a scenic outdoor garden—shapes the tone of your entire wedding. Your venue’s aesthetic impacts everything from your decor to your color palette and even your photography style. Photographers often tailor their approach to complement your venue’s vibe, so securing the location first helps you find a photographer whose portfolio aligns with your vision.

---

3. Venues Book Fast

Wedding venues are one of the most in-demand vendors, often booked 12-18 months in advance. Popular dates, especially in peak wedding season, fill up quickly. Waiting to book your venue could limit your options, potentially leading to date changes that might affect other vendors you’ve already booked, including your photographer.

---

4. Your Venue Determines Logistics

The venue impacts the timeline of your day, including where you’ll get ready, the ceremony start time, and how much time you’ll have for photos. Photographers use these details to create their schedules, so securing the venue first ensures they can plan effectively.

---

5. Many Venues Have Vendor Requirements

Some venues provide preferred vendor lists or have restrictions on which vendors can work on-site. Booking your venue first ensures your photographer can meet any venue-specific requirements, such as insurance, permits, or equipment guidelines.

---

6. Your Venue Can Inspire Your Photographer

Photographers love scouting locations to find the best angles, lighting, and backdrops. When your venue is booked, it gives your photographer a foundation to create a tailored vision for your wedding day.

---

7. Budget Prioritization

Venues typically account for a large portion of your budget. Securing your venue first helps you understand your financial commitments early on, allowing you to allocate funds more effectively for other vendors, like your photographer.

---

8. Booking a Venue Gives You a Centralized Hub

Your venue isn’t just a location—it’s the heart of your wedding. It’s where your guests will gather, where your memories will be made, and where your photographer will create stunning images. Booking it first provides a clear anchor for all your planning decisions.

---

Final Thoughts

As a photographer, I know how tempting it is to secure the artist who will capture your big day. But your venue is the foundation of your wedding planning process. Once you have your date and location locked in, you’ll be in the perfect position to find a photographer who matches your style, availability, and vision.

Planning a wedding is about building one thoughtful step at a time. Start with your venue, and everything else—including stunning photos—will fall beautifully into place. Looking for a beautiful venue in Middle Tennessee? Check out our new venue- Five Palms!

Loved this blog about Engaged! Where to start? Here is another you might love!