Let’s face it — the magic of a wedding day is often encapsulated in the stunning photos that echo the joy, love, and beauty of the occasion. However, with the whirlwind of emotions and events, the day can sometimes feel like it’s over in the blink of an eye. That’s why many brides opt for dedicated bridal photoshoots — from intimate boudoir sessions to grand portraits in their wedding attire. Whether you’re a photographer seeking to expand your portfolio or a bride-to-be wanting to immortalize your bridal glow, the perfect photoshoot requires a harmonious blend of elements. A skilled and passionate photographer, a breathtaking location, and the perfect weather are all key!
To help you find the ideal backdrop for your bridal portraits, we’ve evaluated 100 cities across the U.S. based on factors such as the availability of professional photographers, makeup artists, and florists, as well as the city’s annual rainfall and sunshine days, and more. Keep reading to uncover the picture-perfect places to plan your bridal photoshoot!
Methodology
To find the best cities for a bridal photoshoot, we started with a list of the 100 most populated cities in the U.S. and ranked them from 1 to 100 based on factors that would be important to bridal photoshoots. We broke those factors down into three categories: conditions, backdrop, and details. We then assigned weights to each factor depending on how important it would be to a bridal photoshoot. Based on those weights, each city we analyzed was given a score out of 100.
| Ranking Factor | Ranking Factor Category | Weight | Source |
| Avg. Inches of Rainfall | Conditions Factor | 2.00 | Best Places |
| Days of Sunshine | Conditions Factor | 2.00 | Best Places |
| Comfort Index | Conditions Factor | 2.00 | Best Places |
| No. of Parks | Backdrop Factor | 2.00 | TPL |
| No. of Studio Rentals | Backdrop Factor | 2.00 | YellowPages |
| No. of Venues | Backdrop Factor | 2.00 | YellowPages |
| No. of Florists | Details Factor | 1.75 | YellowPages |
| No. of Photographers | Details Factor | 1.75 | BLS |
| No. of Makeup Artists | Details Factor | 1.75 | YellowPages |
| No. of Hair Stylists | Details Factor | 1.50 | YellowPages |
| No. of Bridal Alterations | Details Factor | 1.25 | YellowPages |
Key Findings
- Las Vegas, Nevada, is the best city overall for bridal pictures and secured this position by ranking at the top for the Backdrop Factors category.
- California dominated the top of the Conditions Factors category with Riverside, Los Angeles, San Diego, Bakersfield, and San Jose coming in at the top spots.
- Smaller populated cities such as Akron, Ohio; New Haven, Connecticut; and Allentown, Pennsylvania, dominated the Detail Factors category by having ample access to hair stylists, makeup artists, and photographers, to name a few.
The 15 Best U.S. Cities for a Bridal Photoshoot
The top five cities for beautiful wedding photos are:
1. Las Vegas, Nevada — 74.2 out of 100
2. Honolulu, Hawaii — 67.8 out of 100
3. Akron, Ohio — 66.6 out of 100
4. San Jose, California — 64.4 out of 100
5. New Haven, Connecticut — 63.1 out of 100
Las Vegas is the top city on our list for bridal portraits. With 294 days of sunshine out of the year, 8.7 state parks per 10,000 people, and about 33.76 studio rentals per 100,000 residents, Las Vegas is a photographer’s paradise. Can you imagine a mesmerizing sunset bridal portrait set against the backdrop of the awe-inspiring Ice Age Fossils State Park?
Honolulu, Hawaii, placed second on our list and would be a dream place to visit if you’re hoping to capture beautiful wedding pictures. Honolulu is home to 17.88 venues and 19.68 florists per 100,000 people.
Nestled at the base of the breathtaking Diamond Head State Monument, Waikiki Leia in Honolulu offers a variety of picturesque ceremony locations. Whether you choose their serene garden or their charming chapel, both provide the perfect backdrop for captivating bridal pictures!
Securing the third spot for top bridal portraits is Akron, Ohio. The city scores a comfortable 6.9 out of 10 on the climate comfort index, making it an appealing choice for photoshoots. Moreover, it boasts a wealth of professionals to help you look your best, with 7.14 photographers, 16 makeup artists, and 45.14 hair stylists per 100,000 residents.
Where Does Your City Stack Up?
Curious if your city is the perfect place for bridal pictures? Check out our table to find out the number of photographers, hair stylists, and bridal alterations per 100,000 people in your city, and much more.
Interestingly, we found smaller populated cities such as Akron, Ohio; New Haven, Connecticut; and Allentown, Pennsylvania, dominated the Detail Factors category by having ample access to hair stylists, makeup artists, and photographers, just to name a few.
For those in the Allentown area, consider checking out Jillian Paige. She’s a versatile photographer who beautifully captures a range of moments, from weddings and elopements to even intimate boudoir photoshoots.
Closing Thoughts
A bridal portrait captures a moment of profound sentiment, crystallizing it into a timeless keepsake. These cherished images not only last a lifetime but can also be passed down through generations, becoming a beloved family heirloom. If you’re on the cusp of crafting such a special moment with a proposal, browse our selection of engagement rings to find the perfect symbol for your next chapter.
