It is definitely not a secret that Los Angeles offers a wide range of unique and exotic places for weddings. From typical to unexpected, there are many unconventional ideas of places where couples can unite in marriage in Los Angeles, but some of them stand out more than others due to their one-of-a-kind atmosphere that is able to transmit an unforgettable vibe. The following are the top locations for weddings that will take place in Los Angeles. All these locations have been able to attain numerous of positive reviews on countless of reputable online sites where people are allowed to express their thoughts on services that they have used. They are definitely worth the time of day for anybody who is thinking about getting married (read below).

Santa Monica Pier

There is just something romantic about a couple exchanging vows on the beach with bare feet touching the water while waves are becoming visible. The beach in Santa Monica is one of the most picturesque places in the city where you are able to attain that feeling. For the reception, high rollers can go to a higher level and celebrate at the Santa Monica Pier, near the beach. This iconic site has 12 amusement park attractions, including the first Ferris wheel in the world to be powered by solar energy. In the present amusement parks, guests can eat typical dishes such as hot dogs and Churros. Of course, you can attain personalized meals if you prefer.

The Castle Green

Located just east of Los Angeles, Pasadena, The Castle Green is one the most recognizable and unique monuments of the area: a house of seven stories that blends Arab, Spanish and Victorian influences. It is a building that is used in many films and television series, but people use it to get married. The lush and meticulously designed gardens of this place are the ideal to take wedding photos.

Red Horse Barn

The experience of a rustic wedding can be obtained at Red Horse Barn, privately owned ranch in Huntington Beach: a place that exudes the natural beauty of Southern California. This area is in an enclosed courtyard that contains a large amount of white roses, a picturesque gazebo, and a stone fountain. The outdoor lawn can accommodate up to 400 guests, who can also access a beautifully designed interior that has comfortable sofas and bathrooms. However, the most popular feature is that the Red Horse Barn offers horseback riding for wedding guests. That definitely adds an equestrian detail to any wedding celebration.

Hollywood Forever

Getting married in a cemetery has some obvious pretty creepy connotations. Hollywood Forever Cemetery is not typical. It is the final resting place of some of the brightest stars of Hollywood. The remains of movie legends as Rudolph Valentino and Jayne Mansfield rest in the picturesque tranquility of this iconic cemetery. Hollywood Forever, a popular venue that can be rented for parties and events (including weddings), cannot meet the tastes of all couples, but certainly guarantees that wedding guests will have a night that they will never forget.

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When shooting a wedding for the first time, it is important that you understand the various techniques so that you can showcase the couple’s special day and make the photos look good. With wedding photography, there are many dos and don’ts, and you need to familiarize yourself with these things well in advance. If you want to discover these things quickly, then take the following tips into consideration when planning the photography session:

1. Get a “Must Have” List of Shots from the Couple 

Almost every couple that you photograph weddings for will have a list of specific shots that they want you to capture. Most of these shots include their kiss after they are officially married, a shot of them cutting the cake, and even images of them with their bridal/groom parties and special family members. Make sure that you talk with the engaged couple well before the wedding so that you know exactly what they want so you don’t disappoint them.

2. You May Need to Over-Expose Some Photos

Depending on the lighting that you are working with, you may need to over-expose some photos to make sure that the bride’s wedding dress actually shows up as white (not gray, and assuming her dress is actually white and not some other color). Now, it should be noted that you do not want to over-expose so that people look washed out or so that the dress looks bright, but you do need to adjust the exposure settings a bit so that everything looks natural and exactly the way it is supposed to.

3. Don’t Make it Obvious You’re Taking Pictures

While you will definitely need to get close to the bride and groom to take pictures of them, they don’t want you to invade their personal space or to make your presence openly known. This day is about them, so they should be the focus, not you. Therefore, stand at a reasonable distance from them but in a place where you can still get a good shot, and take all of the pictures in each room at that distance, if possible. Don’t make yourself look intrusive, or else you’ll be seen as annoying–by the guests, the wedding party, and even the couple.

4. Don’t Be Afraid to Catch Candids

Even though the bride and groom have already given you a list of shots that they will want you to capture, that doesn’t mean you have to rigidly stick to only those shots. If you see a cute or candid moment occurring during the wedding ceremony or reception, then by all means, shoot that photo. When the bride and groom see it, they will be pleasantly surprised and will most likely appreciate the fact that you took that shot.

5. Get a Shot of the Dress

Most brides don’t keep their wedding dresses forever. Often, they sell or give away the dress after the ceremony, and as a result, they need photos that they can remember the dress by. Therefore, it is imperative that you take one or two pictures of the dress itself before the bride puts it on, as this will help her remember it in all its beauty.

Shooting a wedding photo session doesn’t have to be difficult, as long as you have all the proper knowledge and equipment. Now that you’ve read the tips mentioned above, hopefully your first wedding photography session goes well, and the following sessions will follow along just as smoothly.

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