October 13, 2023

9 Wedding Portrait Ideas You’ll Fall In Love With | Erie Weddings

Anna & Dylan are both artists (Anna does graphic design), and you can definitely tell by the thoughtful design and aesthetic showcased on their wedding day! As creatives, they wanted to do portraits in a coffee shop in downtown Erie as a testament to their personalities and relationship. They’re coffee aficionados, and that shared interest brings them closer together. For them, the coffee shop setting is a symbol of comfort and connection. Taking a moment at the coffee shop made their portraits so much more authentic and meaningful—a way to genuinely document memories from this chapter in their lives. As far as wedding portrait ideas go, this was a perfect fit for them!

Take a Moment for Private Vows

Anna and Dylan had a Catholic ceremony, so they decided to take a moment to share handwritten vows privately after the ceremony. I love this idea; it was such a special and emotional moment. I believe every couple should plan for private moments, just the two of them. The day is over in a flash, and some couples don’t get to enjoy those moments and be fully present. Your guests will be just fine if you take some time away to soak it all up.

Wedding Portrait Ideas for Every Couple

Like Anna and Dylan, embrace your inner artist to find a way to connect and create on your wedding day. One way to do that is by choosing a creative and meaningful portrait location. Ideally, you don’t want to stray too far from your venue. However, most venues are within 15 minutes of something that will appeal to you. Here are a few more ideas to get those creative juices flowing (and I’m happy to brainstorm with you when we chat, too).

9 Unique Wedding Portrait Ideas

1. Eatery or Café

Take a moment to enjoy a couple bites or grab a cup of coffee at a local spot before heading over to your reception. Not only will you get some gorgeous, intimate shots, but you’ll also get a short break together to take it all in. Anna said she wanted natural portraits taken while they sipped coffee and soaked in their wedding day.

2. Winery or Brewery

If you love the idea of sitting and sipping but want more of an outdoor view, consider a winery or brewery with an outdoor patio or garden space.

3. Bookstore

I know there are some bookworms out there! A local bookstore could be a really cool place for unique portraits between the shelves, with your noses in a book, or on the stairs. Some of them have small cafés we could utilize, too. There’s so much to work with! I’m already dreaming up poses as we speak…

4. Park or Waterway

Is there a local park or water feature near your venue? You’d be amazed by what we can do with just a few yards of pathway or landscaping. A park would be a beautiful space to exchange private vows, too.

5. Scenic Overlook or Hiking Trail

Looking for a bit more adventure? Erie has plenty of gorgeous hiking trails to consider: beaches, woodlands, lighthouses, ponds, meadows—you name it, Erie has it. Check out the 10 Best Trails in Erie by All Trails. Be sure to check out a recent Presque Isle beach ceremony for inspiration.

6. Botanical Garden or Conservatory

The Erie Zoo has 10 beautiful Botanical Gardens to browse, which could be a fun experience if you have the time and proximity. If you love the idea but can’t fit it in on your actual wedding day, book a separate portrait session before or after the big day (this goes for any location).

7. Museum (with prior approval)

From the Erie Maritime Museum to the Hagen History Center and Erie Art Museum, there are several museums to check out. Most have beautiful architecture or manicured grounds that work as a pretty backdrop if you don’t want to go through permissions and tickets.

8. Hotel or Historic Building

If you love architecture and history, an iconic building might work as an interesting portrait backdrop. For instance, the Spencer House Bed & Breakfast features an eye-catching Victorian-style mansion built in the late 1800s.

9. Cityscape

And finally, if you love the modern, urban scene, take a stroll downtown and take advantage of the crosswalks, murals, bridges, tunnels, and bustling streets.

Looking for More Wedding Portrait Ideas?

After booking, share your venue and timeline, and we can create a list of possible portrait locations. I’d love to get to know you so I can offer some options that mesh well with your style and personality. You deserve wedding portraits that authentically represent you as a couple. When you enjoy the location, it will show in your photos, and you’ll cherish those memories even more.

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