Tips For Planning Your Wedding Day
Planning your wedding day is one of the most exciting—and sometimes overwhelming—parts of the entire journey. From coordinating vendors to managing timelines, every decision impacts how smoothly the day unfolds, especially when it comes to photography. Many brides believe that hiring a wedding coordinator guarantees a flawless experience. While a good coordinator can be incredibly helpful, it’s important to understand their limitations. Not all coordinators are created equal, and some may not be as hands-on or detail-oriented as you expect. That’s why it’s essential to vet your planner carefully, clarify their responsibilities, and ensure their fee aligns with the value they bring. Your wedding day is a once-in-a-lifetime event, and thoughtful planning is key to making sure your photographer has the time, space, and light to capture it beautifully.
Location, Location ... Location
One of the biggest questions I get from couples is: “When and where should we take our wedding photos?”
It’s a great question—and one that deserves serious thought. In fact, I’d argue it’s one of the most important decisions of your wedding day.
Those stunning, editorial-style images you see in my galleries—or in bridal magazines and Pinterest boards—don’t just happen in a few rushed minutes after the ceremony. They require time, intention, and most importantly… the right location.
Let’s be real: if you’re hoping for creative, artistic portraits, the golf course next to your country club venue probably won’t cut it. Beautiful photos need beautiful backdrops—and getting to those backdrops require special locations.
Here’s what it takes to plan this properly:
Traffic and logistics: In Los Angeles, a 15–45 minute drive each way is common. Add 60–90 minutes for the shoot itself, and you’re looking at a 2–3 hour block carved out of your day. Therefore, plan your wedding day accordingly.
Permit fees: Some if not all locations require paid permits, which can range from $400 to over $1,000.
Availability: After all the research and planning will that location be avail at that exact time slot on the day of the wedding. Sometimes they are not available during your preferred time or they are not available at all on the day of your wedding. Booking the venue as soon as possible is very critical.
Now imagine this: your ceremony is at 4 PM, and your reception starts at 6 PM. That gives you maybe an hour—tops—for photos. Enough for family formals and a few quick couple shots, but not much more. As I mentioned earlier, you cannot get those shots that you've been waiting for all your life if you only have a very few minutes for pictures because your reception is about to start.
First Look Saves The Day
This is where a First Look can truly save the day. None of this would matter if you are planning on having a traditional wedding where the bride cannot see the groom before the actual ceremony.
Having said that, if you and your partner see each other before the ceremony—say around noon or 1 PM, you unlock a much more relaxed and creative timeline. You’ll have time to travel to a beautiful location, take your portraits without rushing, and still make it back in time to freshen up before the ceremony.
Every wedding is different, but in my experience, couples who opt for a First Look end up with more variety, more emotion, and more time to actually enjoy their day.
Favorite Photo Locations in and Around Los Angeles
Here’s a curated list of photo locations that I prefer.
Pasadena City Hall: It's a beautiful location without any strigs attached. It's completely free and is available most of the time. Sometimes they have private events so please check, but 95% of the time it's available without any restrictions.
Address:100 Garfield Ave, Pasadena, CA 91101
Pasadena Museum of History: Relatively inexpensive, and easy to reserve but get's booked faster because the price is great and the pictures come out amazing.
Address:470 W Walnut St, Pasadena, CA 91103
Sunset Estate: Huge mansion/house in West Los Angeles which is almost Beverly Hills. Has a huge potential for great pictures, but not too many outdoor options. In my opinion this is a great value for the type of pictures you will get.
Address:11571 Sunset Blvd Los angles, CA 90049
Disney Concert Hall: This location is pretty decent considering it's free. But if you like to have some greenery or some indoor looking shots then you are better of looking elsewhere. Parking is an issue since it's in the middle of Downtown Los Angeles.
Address:111 S Grand Ave, Los Angeles, CA 90012
Noble Mansion: A hidden gem in Pasadena with a classic, elegant look. The interiors are especially photogenic with vintage decor and natural light. Outdoor space is limited but charming.
Address:675 Burleigh Drive Pasadena, CA 90039
Pasadena Princess: This estate offers a fairytale-like setting with a grand staircase and manicured gardens. Ideal for couples looking for a regal vibe without the Beverly Hills price tag.
Address:1288 S. Oakland Ave. Pasadena, CA 91106
LA County Arboretum: A lush botanical garden in Arcadia with endless greenery, waterfalls, and peacocks roaming around. Requires a permit but well worth it for nature lovers.
Address:301 N Baldwin Ave, Arcadia, CA 91007
Greystone Mansion: One of the most iconic estates in Beverly Hills. The architecture and gardens are stunning, but permits are required and availability is limited.
Address:905 Loma Vista Dr, Beverly Hills, CA 90210
Villa Del Soldoro: A luxurious private estate in Sierra Madre with a European villa aesthetic. Great for couples who want something unique and upscale.
Address:200 North Michillinda Avenue, Sierra Madre, CA 91024
Etienne Estate: A French-inspired estate tucked away in Pasadena. It’s elegant, quiet, and perfect for romantic portraits. Availability is limited, so book early.
Address:100 Los Altos Dr, Pasadena, CA 91105
| Location Name | Permit Fee | Location | Contact Info |
|---|---|---|---|
| Pasadena City Hall | Free | Pasadena | Details |
| Pasadena Museum of History | $500 / 2 hours | Pasadena | Museum Contact |
| Sunset Estate | $450 / 2 hours | Los Angeles | |
| Disney Concert Hall | Free | Downtown LA | More Info |
| Noble Mansion | $3000 / 2 hours | Pasadena | Wedding Estates |
| Pasadena Princess | $3000 / 2 hours | Pasadena | Wedding Estates |
| LA County Arboretum | $75 Upto 15 People | Arcadia | Permit Info |
| Greystone Mansion | Unknown | Beverly Hills | Official Site |
| Villa Del Soldoro | $700 / 2 hours | Sierra Madre | |
| Etienne Estate | $350/ 2 hours | Pasadena |