It is a good idea to visit the reception venue before your final meeting with the couple, so you can discuss with them exactly what you can do there.

See what settings there are both inside and outside. Based on what you find, you will decide how much photography will be undertaken at the Church and also whether it will be necessary to visit a park. If both church and hotel are not conducive to good photography. then a park may well be the best option.

Do not rely on the family to give you a description of the venue, when you get there you may find that it looks nothing like they described.

Try and make your visit at the same time of the day as the wedding so as to see the lighting. Ideally, what you are looking for is a solid background of garden with trees and bushes that you can work well away from. This will provide depth to the images. If the grounds are large and extensive, walk around them selecting just a few possible settings. You cannot use everything. Things to look for include large trees under which the couple can be posed so that they do not have to be photographed in direct sunlight.

On your visit look out for suitable garden furniture for sitting poses. If a large group photograph is required look for a vantage point from which you can look down on the guests. An upstairs window or balcony may be ideal.

Speak with the reception venue manager and tell him or her what you wish to do and how long you expect it to take. This can save lots of hassle later. Inquire whether they prefer to have the receiving line on the arrival of the wedding party or immediately before they go into the meal. The former gives you time to check your locations and also to set up any lighting if you are working indoors.

In anticipation of bad weather, examine interior locations. While some premises are equipped for this, the majority are not. Very often you have to work in the same room in which they are having drinks. A courteous approach to management, made when they are not too busy will usually receive good co-operation.

Check positions of electrical points and also windows for portraits by window light. For these you do not want the sun coming directly into the window at the time, so enquire about this if there is a doubt.

What time have they arranged to sit down to dinner? Is there another wedding arriving soon? All these points are important to you if you are to do the job properly.