Wedding

What about reception photos? or maybe take pictures inside the church, during the ceremony when the couple hold hands etc. Ask the couple to get the church decorated with pewbows, tulle and flower arrangements, doesn't have to be humongous, but enough to make it prettier. I'm going to decorate church and hall for weddings in July. The churches are pretty small and so just some flowers and pewbows with organza is enough for decoration.

Even if there are no parks nearby, are there any places with any pretty scenery? Sometimes you may find that people nearby are even kind enough to allow the use of their yards. Where will the reception by held? Could you take the group photos there, or would it not be an improvement? If all else fails, you could pick the least worst background and use PhotoShop to remove things you wished weren't there.

Along the lines of what others have said, look at the outside of the church. You could get inventive. If the church has a playground, you could discuss using that with the couple. They may or may not like the idea for some of the shots, not all. A tree could provide a good back drop or a flower bed. Be careful, though, outside. You'll need to watch for power lines and telephone poles or street signs. Those kinds of things just kill a mood and take valuable time to photoshop out. The backdrop idea is one that you need to keep in front of you, though. If it rains, you'll be stuck inside no matter what you plan. Again, you could get inventive. Use the pews, baptismal, or other areas that are unusual. Of course, all this rests on the couples willingness to step outside the "box." One other thought is to see if the couple will allow for some of the shots to be taken some days in advance. You could then use any area where you feel might make for some great shots. Some people are sticklers about the bride and groom seeing one another in wedding attire before the ceremony. If this is the case, shoot them in groups, i.e. bridesmaids together, groomsmen together, etc. You can shoot them at times convenient to you. I'm sure they'll still want some shots on the day of the wedding, though, but you'll have some great shots to sell them. Don't be afraid to get inventive. Really let your creative side run wild, then just sell it to the couple. Let them know how much it will enhance their remembrance and make their day "unique." Most importantly, have fun with it.

I would look at the outside area around the church to see if there are any great looking trees or any greenery with flowers that would be a good background. If it happens to rain, maybe you can get the bride to tell you her colors she using and get some large sized fabric in those colors and drape them up and have them pose in front of it. Maybe she will be having decorations in the church and you can use them in some way to help any drabby looking areas to become a great photo spot.

for the next month when you have time drive around you area and use your photographers eye to size up possible places, it doesn't have to be Huge but new and different, and then grab the bride and groom to be and show them you thought and ideas. There are several beautiful parks gardens and such in our area all you have to do is look get permission to use and get customers and good luck. please post a few of your ideas

Are there any houses near to the church with pretty gardens. If you explained the situation to the house owners they may well let you use their garden, especially if you offer them some money for doing it.