Best Wedding Photo Spots in Chatham-Kent

One of the best parts of getting married in Chatham-Kent is that beautiful backdrops are everywhere. You don't need a fancy garden or a big-city skyline. A brick wall downtown, a tree-lined laneway or an open field at sunset can give you photos you'll love for the rest of your life. Here are some of my favourite kinds of places for wedding portraits around Chatham-Kent, and a few tips for each.

Downtown Chatham: brick, storefronts and neon

Downtown Chatham has that classic small-city look: old brick buildings, colourful storefronts, big windows and character on every block. It's great if you want something a little more urban and stylish. After dark, the lit-up signs and street lamps are perfect for my signature backlit night portrait, when weather and timing allow.

The Thames River runs right through downtown too, so you can go from brick and storefronts to water and trees in a few minutes.

Tip: downtown is quietest on weekend mornings and early evenings. And never stand in the road for a photo. I'll always find a safe spot on the sidewalk.

Tree-lined laneways and country roads

This might be my favourite Chatham-Kent backdrop of all. Long laneways lined with old trees create a natural tunnel that frames the two of you perfectly. Country roads with nothing but fields on either side give you a sense of space you just don't get in the city. A pickup truck, a cowboy hat or a pair of boots fits right in.

Tip: many laneways are private driveways. If you have one in mind, ask the owner first. Family farms are often the easiest yes. For country roads, we'll pull well off the road and keep an eye out for traffic, especially farm equipment.

Farm fields at golden hour

Chatham-Kent is flat, and that's a good thing for photos. With no hills or tall buildings in the way, the sun stays low on the horizon for a long time in the evening. That means a long, warm golden hour, and the kind of glowy light that makes everyone look good. Cornfields, wheat, soybeans and wildflowers all give you a different look, depending on the season.

Tip: stick to field edges and paths, and get permission from the farmer. Crops are someone's living. Wear shoes you can walk in for the short stroll out, and switch back afterwards if you like.

Wallaceburg and the Sydenham River

Wallaceburg has small-town charm and a river running right through it. The Sydenham gives you water, reflections and open sky without leaving town, and the older streets nearby add some classic character. It's an easy stop if your ceremony or reception is in the north end of Chatham-Kent.

Mitchell's Bay and Lake St. Clair

If you love sunsets, Mitchell's Bay is hard to beat. It looks west over Lake St. Clair, so the sun goes down right over the water. It's one of my favourite places for engagement sessions, and if your wedding is nearby, a short trip there at golden hour is well worth it.

Tip: it can be windy by the water. A veil blowing in the breeze looks amazing, but bring a few bobby pins and maybe a light layer for the evening.

Rondeau Provincial Park

On the Lake Erie side, Rondeau Provincial Park has sandy beaches, tall trees and plenty of quiet trails. It's a lovely option for a natural, outdoorsy feel. Ontario Parks says every vehicle needs a daily vehicle permit, and it's a good idea to call the park office ahead of time to ask about photos, especially for a bigger group.

Your own venue (and its hidden corners)

Don't overlook the place you're already at. Most venues have a few spots that make great portraits: a gazebo, a bridge, a stone wall, a quiet patio or a big window with soft light. I'll scout your venue before your portraits so we can use the best light without travelling at all. That keeps you close to your guests and makes your coverage hours go further. Even a plain hallway with one big window can turn into a gorgeous portrait spot.

How to fit a photo spot into your day

• Keep it close. A spot within 10 minutes of your ceremony or reception is ideal. Anything farther eats into your party time.
• Pick one, not five. One great location beats rushing between several.
• Time it with the light. The best portraits usually happen in the hour before sunset. My post on planning your timeline around golden hour shows sunset times by month.
• Have a backup. If it rains, a covered porch, a barn door or a clear umbrella can still give you beautiful photos.
• Try it at your engagement session. The Signature and Full Day collections include an engagement session, which is a perfect chance to test a spot before the big day.

Let's find your spot

You don't have to have this all figured out. Tell me where you're getting married and what you love, whether that's city, country or water, and I'll suggest a couple of nearby spots that fit your timeline. You can see more of these places in the portfolio, check out the collections and pricing, or read how it all works. When you're ready, send me your date and let's plan something beautiful.