Destination Wedding Venues We’ve Photographed (and Loved)
Destination Wedding Venues We’ve Photographed (and Loved)
We’re Heather and Terrence of Apollo Fields—husband-and-wife photographers, suitcase-friendly, timeline-obsessed, and happiest when a venue gives us great light and a story to chase. For us, “destination” doesn’t always mean a passport stamp (though we’ll happily say yes to that, too). It means traveling to places worth the miles—venues with distinct personalities, natural flow, and atmospheres that make a wedding weekend feel like an experience, not just a day.
Here’s our curated list of destination wedding venues outside New York that we’ve photographed and loved. Consider it your insider’s guide from the people behind the cameras (and occasionally behind the leash of our greyhound).
Château de Dangu — Normandy, France
The definition of “live-in luxury.” This 19th-century French château is designed for multi-day celebrations where couples and guests take over every salon, staircase, and courtyard. Champagne in the gardens, portraits under gilded ceilings, twilight walks in the courtyards—it’s cinematic at every turn. Our tip: schedule a short photo loop between dinner courses; the light in the courtyard at dusk is pure magic.
The Flagler Museum — Palm Beach, Florida
For couples craving historic opulence, the Flagler Museum delivers. Marble halls, arched windows, and palm-lined terraces set a grand stage. Photographing here feels like stepping into the Gilded Age—dramatic, layered, and unforgettable. The tropical light pouring through the arched windows balances the formality with Florida ease.
The Stakeout — Taos, New Mexico
Perched above Taos with panoramic mesa views, The Stakeout is rustic, raw, and breathtakingly open. Ceremonies are framed by endless sky, cocktails overlook desert ridges, and dance floors glow under the stars. The desert light changes by the minute—from golden glow to twilight silhouettes—making every frame unique.
Hotel Jerome — Aspen, Colorado
Aspen sophistication meets mountain adventure. Hotel Jerome blends historic charm with modern luxury, giving couples the Rockies without losing polish. Indoors, moody editorial portraits against rich wood and historic architecture; outdoors, wide-open alpine landscapes. Add in Aspen’s energy as a destination town, and it’s a wedding weekend that feels both stylish and spirited.
Granite Ridge Estate & Barn — Norway, Maine
Secluded yet spectacular, Granite Ridge sits high in the forests of western Maine. The ceremony deck overlooks sweeping mountain ridges, while the barn glows warmly after dark. Vows with a view, cocktails on the deck, dinner under twinkle lights—it’s effortless flow all day. Portraits range from panoramic mountain vistas to intimate woodland paths.
Newport Beach House — Newport, Rhode Island
A modern coastal space with Atlantic views, Newport Beach House is crisp, airy, and endlessly photogenic. Floor-to-ceiling windows keep indoor ceremonies sun-soaked, while the private beach delivers natural, editorial portraits. Sneak out for a blue-hour walk along the shoreline—you’ll return to a cocktail party still buzzing, with images that feel cinematic and serene.
White Trail Club — Jupiter, Florida
Hidden in South Florida, White Trail Club blends botanical romance with breezy charm. Tropical gardens, clean modern architecture, and open skies make it a dynamic backdrop. By day, lush greenery frames portraits; by night, string lights transform the gardens into something intimate and glowing.
THE HIDEAWAY AT HULL BAY — ST. THOMAS, U.S. VIRGIN ISLANDS
An island gem that feels equal parts laid-back and luxe. The Hideaway at Hull Bay offers the kind of Caribbean backdrop that makes you forget the mainland exists—ceremonies framed by turquoise water, portraits under swaying palms, and receptions that drift seamlessly from golden-hour cocktails into starry-sky dancing. It’s the best of both worlds: barefoot toes in the sand with a glass of champagne in hand. Our advice? Plan a quick portrait loop during sunset—the colors here are like nowhere else.
Roger Williams Park Botanical Center — Providence, Rhode Island
Greenhouse weddings are a photographer’s dream, and the Roger Williams Park Botanical Center tops the list. With glass ceilings, tropical plants, and natural light pouring in, it’s both reliable and romantic. Daytime portraits are soft and bright; nighttime frames glow with reflections and silhouettes. Guests feel transported, and couples love that décor is almost built-in.
Candlelight Farms — New Milford, Connecticut
Equestrian charm with wide-open views, Candlelight Farms makes for a seamless day. Prep, first look, vows, cocktails, and reception—all within steps. The hilltop ceremony site is stunning at golden hour, and we often split portraits into two short sessions: one bathed in afternoon glow, another under the sparkle of farm lights.
Pen Ryn Estate — Bensalem, Pennsylvania
Riverfront elegance meets mansion polish. Pen Ryn Estate flows naturally for guests, from terrace cocktails to ballroom reveals. We balance portraits between the architectural formality of the mansion and the softer riverside views, creating a gallery that’s timeless yet personal.
Round Peak Vineyards — Mount Airy, North Carolina
Set against the Blue Ridge Mountains, Round Peak Vineyards is relaxed yet elevated. Rows of vines frame portraits while the ridges add grandeur. The property is ideal for couples who love the warmth of a vineyard wedding but want the drama of mountain views. As the sun sets, receptions here take on an atmosphere that’s equal parts celebratory and cinematic.
Destination Wedding Venue Links
Château de Dangu — Normandy, France: https://www.chateaudedangu.com/
The Flagler Museum — Palm Beach, Florida: https://www.flaglermuseum.us/
The Stakeout — Taos, New Mexico: https://thestakeout.com/
Hotel Jerome — Aspen, Colorado: https://www.aubergeresorts.com/hoteljerome/
Granite Ridge Estate & Barn — Norway, Maine: https://graniteridgeestate.com/
Newport Beach House — Newport, Rhode Island: https://longwoodevents.com/venues/newport-beach-house/
The Hideaway at Hull Bay — St. Thomas, U.S. Virgin Islands: https://www.thehideawayvi.com/
White Trail Club — Jupiter, Florida: https://whitetrailclub.com/
Roger Williams Park Botanical Center — Providence, Rhode Island: https://botanicalcenter.com/
Candlelight Farms — New Milford, Connecticut: https://candlelightfarmsinn.com/
Pen Ryn Estate — Bensalem, Pennsylvania: https://www.penrynestate.com/
Round Peak Vineyards — Mount Airy, North Carolina: https://www.roundpeak.com/
Why These Venues Stand Out
Effortless Flow — Venues that minimize transit and maximize guest comfort make for stress-free days and candid, joyful images.
Natural Light — From desert mesas to glasshouse gardens to coastal beaches, every location here offers flattering, dynamic light.
Weekend Atmosphere — Destination venues shine brightest when couples embrace them as multi-day experiences, not just one-day events.
Distinct Personality — Each property has its own story and sense of place, which comes through in your wedding album.
How We Photograph Destination Weddings
Editorial Portraits, People First — We’ll capture the polished magazine-worthy shots, but we value the unscripted energy most.
Light Mapping — We scout every corner and time portraits for when the light is best. No marathon sessions—just smart, well-timed loops.
Collaboration — We work seamlessly with planners, florists, and bands so everything flows naturally.
Greyhound-Approved — Venues with big lawns and shady corners always win us (and our pup) over.
Planning Your Destination Celebration?
Whether you’re dreaming of a French château, a desert mesa, a mountain barn, or a glasshouse by the sea—we’ve been there, photographed it, and loved it. We travel easily, work seamlessly with planners, and deliver galleries on or ahead of your one-month anniversary.
Visit us at apollofields.com or find us on Instagram @apollofields. Let’s make your wedding weekend a destination worth reliving—on the day, in your gallery, and for years to come.
