Your wedding morning sets the tone for your entire day—and your getting ready space plays a big role in how your photos turn out. Whether you're getting ready at a hotel, an Airbnb, or your childhood home, a well-chosen location can make your photos feel effortlessly beautiful and full of emotion.

woman holding bracelet on wrist as she gets ready for her wedding

What to Look for in a Getting Ready Space


Good Natural Light

  • Natural light is everything when it comes to dreamy, soft, and flattering photos. Look for a space with large windows and lots of natural light pouring in. Dimly lit hotel rooms or spaces with yellow artificial lighting can make photos look dull and less vibrant.

A Spacious Room

  • Wedding mornings can get chaotic fast—hair and makeup, bridesmaids, family, and photographers all moving around at once. Choose a space with plenty of room so that you’re not crammed into a small corner, and so I can capture those beautiful, candid getting-ready moments without clutter in the background.

A Clean, Neutral Backdrop

  • The fewer distractions in the background, the more your photos will focus on you and the emotions of the day. Spaces with neutral walls, minimal décor, and soft colors tend to photograph beautifully.

Sentimental Value

  • If possible, consider a location that holds meaning—maybe your childhood home, your grandparents' house, or the place where you got engaged. These details add an extra layer of emotion to your photos.


If your venue has a coordinator, be sure to ask about any included getting-ready locations!

bridal party sitting on a couch laughing with each other

Bonus Tip: Keep the Space Tidy

I know—it’s your wedding morning, and things will get a little messy! But keeping clutter (bags, water bottles, food containers) tucked away will help keep the focus on you in your photos. You can ask your girls to straighten up their belongings after their hair and makeup are done. This also cuts down on needing to gather everything up if you are traveling to a new location or need to grab and go after the reception.

Emma Craven Photography is for couples who love fearlessly, laugh loudly, and embrace the real moments.  

The best wedding photos aren’t staged—they’re felt. They’re the stolen glances, the happy chaos, the way your love looks when no one is watching. My editing style keeps the colors true to life, so your photos feel just as vibrant and full of joy as your wedding day itself.

If you want a wedding gallery that feels real, alive, and filled with love—I’d love to tell your story.