Rainy Day | The Madison Hotel Wedding Photo Spots
They say rain on your wedding day is good luck, and at the Madison Hotel in Morristown, New Jersey, it doesn’t have to change your photo plans either. Have no fear, with me as your whimsical and creative wedding photographer, I have a plan to capture your wedding photos in the perfect spots on a rainy day at the Madison Hotel. The venue offers a variety of stunning indoor and covered spaces for portraits that keep you and your favorite people dry while still looking beautiful, elegant, and enchanting.
As a wedding photographer who specialized in whimsical, fairytale style images, I’ve explored every of the Madison Hotel and can give you some helpful ideas of dreamy photo spots:
The Conservatory
Best photo spot for: Bridal portraits, Group photos, Newlywed photos
The Madison Hotel’s conservatory is the ultimate enchanting and dreamy photo spot for weddings. However, there is a notable challenge: the venue often hosts multiple events throughout the day. This can make it difficult to utilize the conservatory for pre- and post-ceremony or reception photos. If your wedding happens to be the only event scheduled, you will have a 100% chance of using this beautiful space for portraits.
To ensure you have exclusive access to the conservatory for the entire day, consider choosing a weekday or an off-season wedding date. Additionally, there may be an option to buy out the conservatory when signing your contract, so be sure to ask your sales representative at the Madison Hotel!
The Conservatory, Staircase
Best photo spot for: Bride & Groom Portraits, Groups & Newlywed photos
Easily some of the best lighting in the venue is in the Conservatory. The staircase can be used to drape the long train and veil, and also place people around the stairs for group photos too.
The Lobby Entrance, Hallway
Best photo spot for: Staged getting ready photos, Bridal portraits, Bridesmaids photos, Group photos, Newlywed photos
The renovated Madison Hotel has made a spectacular and elegant upgrade to its hallway entrance. The warm chandeliers, ornate mirrors, vintage-inspired seating, curtains, and gold touches make it the perfect place for first looks and bridal portraits. The tricky part about taking photos here is the fact that it’s the hotel entrance, and hotel guests will be coming in and out so we will have to be patient and respect that they need to pass through.
The Lobby Fireplace
Best photo spot for: Groom portraits, Group photos, Newlywed photos
If you’re into the modern dark ornate features inspired by the 1920s in your photos, another solution for a photospot for groups and portraits will be at the Fireplace in the hotel lobby.
The Lobby, Lounge Area
Best photo spot for: Staged getting ready, Bridal portraits, Bridesmaids photos, Newlywed photos
A solution for a rainy-day photo session indoors is to take photos in the lobby area, using the neutral-colored soft seating near the windows. It’s a location where there is an elegant scene to elevate your wedding photos. The caveat is when hotel guests need to pass by, we have to respect that and be patient throughout the photo process.
The Presidential Suite, Bridal Suite
Best photo spot for: Getting ready photos
This room is essential for capturing authentic getting-ready photos. The groom can either use this space for his own photos before the bride arrives or he can get ready in the bar area for staged shots where he puts on accessories with his closest friends. The bride typically uses this room primarily to put on her dress, accompanied by her maid of honor(s) and mother figure. More posed getting-ready shots—such as putting on the veil and the first look—can be taken in the lobby, which offers a more elegant backdrop. To take photos in the suite, it may be necessary to rearrange the furniture to achieve a clean look near the window.
The Carport
Best photo spot for: Newlywed photos, Group photos
The hotel entrance or Rod’s Steakhouse carports can make an excellent location for rainy-day photo locations. For obvious reasons, the hotel carport may be a tricky spot for a portrait because there are cars and hotel guests entering and exiting the building. So we will have to be patient and respect them as they pass by. The other option is heading to Rod’s Steakhouse car park for photos, as that restaurant opens at 4 PM.
Rod’s Steakhouse Bar
Best photo spot for: Groom portraits, Groomsmen photos, Newlywed photos
Transport yourself to the 1920s, surrounded by dark wood and historic art. The illuminated marble countertop at the bar provides the perfect setting to relax and enjoy cocktails while sharing drinks and conversations. This is an ideal backdrop for photos on your wedding day, whether with your groomsmen or as newlyweds. Please note that all photo sessions must be scheduled before the restaurant opens at 4:00 PM.
Rod’s Steakhouse Staircase
Best photo spot for: Bridal portraits, Groom portraits, Newlywed photos
Does your dress have a train or a long veil? The staircase at Rod’s Steakhouse is a perfect photo spot to showcase the full look. Taking photos while seated or standing will work great for the newlyweds.
Cocktail Hour Covered Walkway
Best photo spot for: Bridal portraits, Groom Portraits, Newlywed photos
A small path for a newlywed couple to stroll and take portraits under a covered outdoor patio
The Main Level Hallways
Best photo spot for: Newlywed photos
A classic photo of the newlyweds jogging the halls makes a great photo
The Elevators
Best photo spot for: Newlywed photos
A fun photo to try in the elevator while the doors are closing makes a cool photo spot.
The Garden Room
Best photo spot for: Group photos
If the space is available, we can use it for larger group photos.
Rod’s Steakhouse Train Car
Best photo spot for: Newlywed photos
You must take photos before 4 PM to capture images inside the iconic train car of Rod’s Steakhouse. This location is perfect for weddings with a vintage flair or a red color palette, or for those who appreciate a black and white aesthetic.
Planning your dream wedding at the Madison Hotel?
Here’s what to do next!
- Inquire about wedding photography pricing
- Check out more Madison Hotel photo spots
- Check out the galleries at the Madison Hotel
