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  • The Best Wedding Venues Along The East Coast

    The Best Wedding Venues Along The East Coast

    As a wedding photographer, I’ve had the incredible privilege of capturing countless love stories in some of the most beautiful venues along the East Coast. Each wedding venue has its own unique charm, contributing to unforgettable moments for the couples I work with and for me as their storyteller. Today, I’d like to take you on a journey through some of my all-time favorite wedding venues, and also share a few dream destinations where I hope to photograph one day! Keep on scrolling for more!

    Sunset at a wedding at Norfolk Golf & Yacht by Sterling Life Photography.

    My Favorite Venues I’ve Had the Pleasure to Shoot

    Historic Cavalier – Virginia Beach, VA

    Along the beautiful coast of Virginia Beach, the Historic Cavalier Hotel has always captivated me. This iconic venue, with its classic architecture and luxurious interiors, offers a perfect blend of elegance and history. The grand staircase, gardens, and ocean views have provided a stunning backdrop for many of my wedding photographs. Each wedding here feels like a timeless fairy tale, complete with waves crashing in the background.

    Reception space at The Historic Cavalier Hotel in Virginia Beach.

     

    Dumbarton House – Georgetown,VA

    Georgetown carries an old-world charm that I adore, and Dumbarton House is a perfect representation of this enchantment. This historic manor offers scenic gardens, elegant interiors, and an ambiance that transports you back in time. Every photo taken here is infused with the character of early American history!

    Dumbarton House Wedding in Georgetown
    A bride and groom walk the grounds at Dumbarton House

    Pippin Hill Farm & Vineyards – Charlottesville, VA

    Pippin Hill is undeniably one of my favorites. In mountains of Charlottesville, the vineyard offers a breathtakingly beautiful landscape that changes with the seasons. The elegant barn, the rolling vineyards, and the panoramic views make every wedding here a visual treat! I could never get tired working here. Always a dream.

    Pippin Hill Wedding in the Virginia Mountains

    Early Mountain Vineyard – Madison, VA

    Early Mountain Vineyard is the epitome of Virginia’s wine country elegance. The vineyard provides a stunning setting with mountain views and green grapevines. The venue’s rustic charm combined with sophisticated amenities provides countless opportunities for beautiful and memorable photographs.

    Dover Hall – Manakin-Sabot, VA

    Dover Hall is an English inspired manor in the heart of Virginia, offering an extraordinary blend of luxury and rustic charm. This venue is a photographer’s paradise with its architectural features, gardens, and stunning interiors. The romantic, castle-like ambiance provides a fairytale setting that truly comes to life in photos. From the grand ballroom to the beautiful pond and woods, Dover Hall always feels like a step into an enchanting European estate.

    Tide’s Inn – Irvington, VA

    The Tide’s Inn has a serene, coastal elegance that’s perfect for intimate weddings. Overlooking Carters Creek, this venue provides breathtaking waterfront views that make for stunning sunset shots. The classic nautical charm, combined with the lawns and historic inn, creates a tranquil yet sophisticated backdrop!

     

    The Jefferson Hotel – Richmond, VA

    Stepping into The Jefferson Hotel feels like stepping into a luxurious past. Its grand interiors, featuring beautiful marble staircases, chandeliers, and intricate architectural details, offer endless photographic opportunities. The elegance and timeless beauty of this historic hotel make every wedding an unforgettable experience.

    reception room at The Jefferson Hotel in Richmond, Virginia. Sterling Life Photography

    Union Trust – Philadelphia, PA

    Union Trust in Philadelphia is a venue that marries modern sophistication with historic looks. The building’s towering ceilings, opulent design, and ambient lighting create an atmosphere of urban elegance. The dramatic architecture and cityscape views provide a magnificent backdrop for any wedding.

    Union Trust wedding reception in Philadelphia.

    Daniel Island Club – Charleston, SC

    Down in the charming city of Charleston, the Daniel Island Club stands is nothing but elegance. The venue’s expansive golf courses, pristine lakes, and elegant clubhouse provide so many photo opportunities. The stunning landscape, wrapped in a Southern charm, makes every wedding here picturesque. With its wrap-around porches and breathtaking sunset views over the marshland, the Daniel Island Club always brings a touch of magic to weddings.

    Wedding Venues on my Dream List

    While I’ve had the joy of shooting at remarkable venues, there are still a few on my dream list where I’d love to capture weddings someday. These destinations have caught my eye for their unique beauty, elegance, and potential for stunning imagery.

    Virginia:

    Clifton Inn

    The mix of elegance and charm with its beautiful grounds and historic interiors make it a dream location for any wedding photographer. The intimacy and classic beauty of Clifton Inn promise timeless, romantic photographs.

    Catesby Farm Estate

    This estate offers a sprawling  landscape that is perfect for capturing the natural beauty of Virginia. The expansive grounds, traditional architecture, and tranquil surroundings are ideal for creating serene and captivating wedding albums.

    Keswick Vineyards

    Another gem in Virginia’s wine country, Keswick Vineyards boasts stunning vineyards and a gorgeous backdrop of the Blue Ridge Mountains. The venue’s elegant yet relaxed setting would allow for a mix of candid and posed photographs, truly capturing the essence of the couple’s special day.

    Trump Winery

    Known for its ambiance, Trump Winery offers a rich, elegant setting surrounded by beautiful vineyards and rolling hills. This venue is perfect for couples seeking a lavish, picturesque wedding and for photographers who love capturing the height of sophistication.

    Primland Resort

    Set amid the natural beauty of the Blue Ridge Mountains, Primland Resort offers breathtaking views and amazing amenities. The landscape and sky-high scenery provide endless possibilities for stunning, panoramic wedding photos.

    South Carolina:

    Kiawah Island Golf Resort: This idyllic island resort is a paradise for wedding photography. With its beaches, golf courses, and elegant event spaces, Kiawah Island Golf Resort combines natural beauty with charm. The opportunity to capture a beach wedding with rolling waves and golden sunsets is a dream come true.

    South Carolina Society Hall

    A historic and prestigious venue, the South Carolina Society Hall is renowned for its grand architecture and timeless elegance. The stunning columns, high ceilings, and rich history of this venue offer a perfect backdrop for elegant and classic wedding photos.

    Philadelphia:

    Front and Palmer

    Known for its industrial-chic aesthetic, Front and Palmer is a modern venue with a unique blend of elegance and urban edge! The exposed brick walls, tall ceilings, and eclectic decor provide a distinctive and gorgeous setting for weddings. The venue’s unique charm stands as a testament to the artistic spirit of Philadelphia.

     

    From the rolling vineyards of Virginia to the historic streets of Philadelphia and the charming coastal settings of South Carolina, the East Coast offers an incredible array of wedding venues. Each venue tells its own story and provides a unique canvas for capturing one of the most important days in a couple’s life. My journey as a wedding photographer has been enriched by the mesmerizing beauty and diverse styles of these locations. While I treasure the experiences I’ve had at my favorite venues, I also look forward to the adventures and creative opportunities that await me at the dream venues still on my list.

    For couples seeking the perfect place to say “I do,” these locations promise not just a beautiful setting for your celebration, but a plethora of stunning moments that will be immortalized in your wedding photographs. To all the couples I’ve had the pleasure of working with, thank you for inviting me into your special moments and allowing me to capture your love in these magnificent settings. And to those whose weddings I have yet to photograph, I can’t wait to see what beautiful stories we will create together!

  • Virginia Beach Engagement – Alex & Blair

    Another blog post this week! Look at me! After an extremely busy December, I’ve finally found the down time in January to get so many beautiful images out that have been sitting on my computer for some time. This Virginia Beach engagement session is no exception and truly deserves to be shared with you all!

    I have so many amazing weddings to look forward to this year and this is one of them! Alex and Blair were so much fun to hang out with. When Blair first inquired with me, they were amidst a transition themselves. Having been on the West Coast for some time and a long distance relationship, Blair was looking to get back to his love on the East Coast. I’m happy to tell you, he did. He made it back to the East Coast and it worked out perfectly that I was able to meet up with them over Thanksgiving weekend to do this session. We first met at First Landing State Park and followed that up by some beautiful images on the beach.

    Their wedding will be this October. It can’t come soon enough! Getting to know them a bit at their engagement session was such a joy. I even got Alex’s wonderful mom to help me hold a camera here and there. Thank you, Dolores! It is always so great to see two people interact and start to understand what makes them work. They are both so upbeat and happy and were making each other laugh the entire time. There is nothing better than having a couple do their own thing with minimal direction and get down to the authenticity of who they are together.

    Alex and Blair – I cannot wait to be with you again in October, celebrating the best day of your lives!

    lynchburg va wedding photographers

    love on the east coast

    first landing state park engagementvirginia beach engagement session

    If you are recently engaged and planning a Virginia wedding contact me for more information on wedding photography and open dates for 2017 and 2018. I love meeting new couples and getting to know your story so we can create beautiful, authentic images of YOU!

    Elizabeth Seidel, Virginia wedding photographer,  located in Lynchburg, VA serving the greater Virginia area including Hampton Roads, Richmond, Charlottesville and Roanoke.