Essex County Winery Weddings: A Photo Guide

Picture this: rows of grapevines glowing in the evening sun, a glass of local wine in your hand, and a warm breeze coming off Lake Erie. It's no surprise that winery weddings are so popular in Essex County. They're relaxed, they're beautiful, and they photograph like a dream when you plan them right. I've photographed weddings at Essex County wineries, and I've learned a lot about making them look their best. Here's what to know if you're thinking about a winery wedding in the Lake Erie North Shore wine region.

Why winery weddings look so good

Wineries give you three things photographers love. First, texture and lines: long rows of vines lead the eye right to the two of you. Second, open sky: vineyards are planted in the sun, so there's nothing blocking the evening light. Third, a built-in mood: tasting rooms, barrels, patios and string lights look warm and inviting without much extra decor.

Add the long, warm summer evenings we get down here near the lake, and golden hour portraits in the vines can be the highlight of your whole gallery.

A few Essex County wineries that host weddings

There are plenty of wineries along the Lake Erie North Shore, and several of them host weddings. A few to look into, each with its own style:

• Mastronardi Estate Winery in Kingsville hosts weddings at its Vino Vista Event Centre.
• Cooper's Hawk Vineyards in Harrow has Vineyard Hall, with floor-to-ceiling windows looking out over the vines.
• Kingscoast Estate Winery in Kingsville is a modern venue with vineyard views and a private pond.

Every winery runs things a little differently, so ask each one directly about dates, guest numbers, what's included and where photos are allowed.

Timing your day around the vines

The vineyard changes a lot over the season, and so do your photos:

• Late spring: fresh, bright green leaves and a clean, airy look.
• Summer: full, lush vines and the longest evenings of the year. Sunset is just after 9:00 p.m. in late June and early July.
• Early fall: grapes on the vine, warmer colours and an earlier sunset, so golden hour often lands during cocktail hour.

Whatever the month, the best vineyard portraits happen in the hour before sunset. Midday sun between the rows is bright and harsh, with nowhere to hide from it. If your ceremony is early in the afternoon, we'll grab a few quick photos then and save the vineyard portraits for later. My post on planning your timeline around golden hour has sunset times by month and a sample schedule.

What to wear (and what to bring)

• Shoes: vineyard rows are grass and soil. Heels can sink. Bring flats or boots for the walk out, and swap back for close-ups if you want.
• Long dresses: a train looks stunning in the vines, but it will pick up a bit of grass. Have someone ready to help bustle it.
• A light layer: evenings near the lake can cool down fast in spring and fall.
• Bug spray: put it on before the photos, not during, so it doesn't end up shiny on your skin.

Respect the vines

A vineyard is a working farm. The grapes are someone's harvest and someone's living, so always ask the winery which rows you can walk in and where photos are allowed. Some will have favourite spots they love to show off. I'll check in with the venue before your portraits, so we stay where we're welcome and nobody has to worry.

Have a weather plan

Outdoor ceremonies in the vines are beautiful, but Essex County summers can bring a surprise thunderstorm. Ask your winery about a covered or indoor backup for the ceremony, and for portraits too. A barrel room, a covered patio or a big window can give you lovely photos in any weather. And a little rain isn't always bad. A couple of clear umbrellas photograph beautifully, and wet evenings can make for a dramatic backlit night portrait, when weather and timing allow.

Use cocktail hour wisely

At a winery, cocktail hour is often the best part of the day for guests. They're sipping local wine on a patio with a view, and they don't miss you as much as you'd think. That makes it the perfect time to slip away for a short set of portraits in the vines. Fifteen or twenty minutes is plenty. Then you're back with your people, glass in hand, before anyone wonders where you went.

Don't forget the details

Winery weddings come with great little details: wine glasses, barrels, corks, tasting room bars and local flowers. I'll grab those while you're getting ready or during cocktail hour, so they're part of your story without taking time away from you.

Coming from Chatham-Kent?

Lots of Chatham-Kent couples get married in Essex County, and the other way around. If you're getting ready in one place and celebrating at a winery an hour away, build in real travel time. That might mean an extra hour of coverage ($250) or a longer collection. Most couples with a full ceremony and reception choose the 8-hour Signature collection, which also includes an engagement session. You can see everything on the pricing page.

Let's plan your winery wedding

I'm a wedding photographer for Chatham-Kent, Windsor and Essex County couples, with 11+ years photographing weddings, 5.0 stars on Google and full insurance. Your sneak peeks and full gallery arrive the week after your wedding. Take a look at the portfolio, read how it works, then send me your date and venue. I'd love to hear about your plans.