Why Your Wedding Getting Ready Space is More Important Than You Think

When you’re planning your wedding, it’s easy to overlook where you’ll get ready that morning. Between booking the venue, dress shopping, and finalizing timelines, the getting ready space can feel like a minor detail. But from our experience, it’s anything but.

We’ve photographed countless wedding mornings — and we’ve seen it all. Cramped hotel rooms with fluorescent lighting and wild wallpaper (yikes), and on the flip side, bright, peaceful spaces that feel like a dream. The truth is, your getting ready space shapes how your morning feels and how those moments are captured in your photos.

Here’s why it makes such a difference:
✅ Natural light = soft, flattering photos
✅ Plenty of space = less chaos, more calm
✅ Aesthetic surroundings = timeless, distraction-free images
✅ On-site getting ready suites = smoother timeline and more connection

One of the best ways to make your day flow easier? Choose a venue that includes on-site getting ready spaces for both of you. When the bride and groom each have suites at the venue, everything feels more relaxed. There’s no need to stress over transportation or rush from hotel to ceremony. It also gives your vendors—especially your photographers—more freedom to capture the little in-between moments that tell your full story.

Here are four venues we’ve worked at that really got it right:

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Domaine Pterion – Mia & Julian’s Wedding Day

The bridal suite at Domaine Pterion is absolutely stunning. It has high ceilings, exposed wooden beams, and a rustic yet elegant feel. Natural light pours through the windows, creating a warm and inviting atmosphere. The space easily held Mia and her bridesmaids as they gathered to pray and bless their day. That calm, cozy vibe set the tone for a peaceful morning. The groom’s suite had the same charm, with window light and enough space for Julian and his groomsmen to relax.

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Woodstone Country Club – Lauren & Kyle’s Wedding Day

Woodstone Country Club offers a rustic yet modern getting ready space. It’s full of natural light and romantic details. This is one of our favorite country club venues for morning prep. The bridal suite is perfect—bright, elegant, and spacious. It’s a beautiful backdrop for those must-have photos before the ceremony. The groom’s suite has a laid-back, easy vibe. A pool table adds a fun touch for the guys to unwind. We loved capturing those candid moments in such a relaxed space.

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Shadowbrook at Shrewsbury – Cayla & Nicholas’s Wedding Day

Shadowbrook’s suites feel more like a luxury retreat than prep rooms. Cayla’s space had perfect lighting, great design touches, and an epic mirror for those detail shots. Having both the bride and groom get ready on-site made everything easier. We were able to document candid, natural moments with ease. The thought put into the design of these suites really stood out to us.

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Loew’s Philadelphia Hotel – Leigha & Ray’s Wedding Day

Not all hotel rooms work well for wedding mornings, but the Loews Hotel proves that some truly do. This space stands out with its chic, modern aesthetic. It’s stylish without feeling stiff. Clean lines, great natural light, and thoughtful decor make it easy to capture timeless photos. There’s plenty of space to relax with your crew and enjoy the morning. We highly recommend the Loews Hotel to set the scene for your special day.

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If you’re still choosing your venue or figuring out where to get ready, here’s our best advice: don’t underestimate your getting ready space. Take a little time to research venues that check all the right boxes. It’s not just where you’ll do your hair and makeup — it’s where the day truly begins. A beautiful wedding getting ready space makes everything feel more relaxed, joyful, and photogenic. And you’ll be so thankful when you look back at those photos.