THE VANDERBILT • STATEN ISLAND
Getting Married at The Vanderbilt? You're in the Right Place.
The Vanderbilt is one of Staten Island's premier wedding venues, known for its elegant ballroom, waterfront views, and timeless architecture. Over the years we've photographed celebrations throughout the property and have learned exactly where the best light, portraits, and candid moments happen. Whether you're planning an intimate wedding or a large celebration, our goal is to create photographs that feel natural, emotional, and unmistakably yours.
WHAT MAKES THE VANDERBILT SPECIAL
The Vanderbilt Through Our Lens
The Grand Staircase
One of The Vanderbilt's signature portrait locations, offering timeless elegance and dramatic architecture for unforgettable wedding photographs.
Waterfront Portraits
Just outside the venue, the waterfront provides beautiful natural light and breathtaking sunset portraits without ever leaving the property.
Elegant Reception Spaces
From the ballroom to every carefully designed detail, The Vanderbilt creates a sophisticated setting that photographs beautifully from every angle.
Unforgettable Celebrations
From emotional first dances to packed dance floors, every wedding at The Vanderbilt becomes a celebration your family will never forget.
A Vanderbilt Wedding Day Through Our Eyes
Every Vanderbilt wedding has its own rhythm, but knowing the venue allows us to anticipate the moments, locations, and light that make the day special.
From the quiet moments while you're getting ready to your ceremony, family portraits, waterfront photographs, and the energy of the reception, we're constantly looking for the balance between beautiful portraits and genuine moments.
Our goal is to give you photographs that capture not only how your Vanderbilt wedding looked, but how it actually felt.
GETTING READY The details, anticipation, family moments, and portraits before the ceremony begins.
THE CEREMONY The entrances, reactions, vows, first kiss, and all of the moments happening around you.
PORTRAITS BY THE WATER Time together for relaxed portraits using the Vanderbilt grounds, waterfront, and Verrazzano Bridge.
THE CELEBRATION Introductions, first dances, speeches, family, and everything that happens once the dance floor opens.
Tips From a Photographer Who Knows The Vanderbilt
Having photographed weddings throughout The Vanderbilt, we’ve learned that a little planning can make a big difference in both the flow of the day and the photographs you receive. These are a few things we recommend to couples getting married here.
Plan Time for Waterfront Portraits
The waterfront is one of The Vanderbilt’s biggest advantages. We always recommend building a little dedicated portrait time into the schedule so you can take advantage of the water, the Verrazzano Bridge, and the changing light without feeling rushed.
Don’t Overlook the Grand Staircase
The staircase gives you a completely different look from the waterfront and is perfect for elegant, timeless portraits. Even 10–15 minutes here can give you a beautiful set of photographs that feels very different from the rest of the day.
Leave Room for a Quick Sunset Escape
When the timing and weather cooperate, stepping outside for just a few minutes later in the day can be worth it. The softer evening light can create some of the most romantic photographs of the wedding.
Give Yourself Breathing Room in the Timeline
One of the best things you can do is avoid scheduling every part of the day too tightly. A little extra time gives us room for family portraits, unexpected moments, and creative photographs without making your wedding feel like a photo shoot.
Vanderbilt Wedding Photography FAQ
Have you photographed weddings at The Vanderbilt before?
Yes. We’ve photographed weddings throughout The Vanderbilt and are familiar with the venue’s indoor and outdoor portrait locations, waterfront, reception spaces, and the flow of a wedding day here.
Where are the best places for wedding photos at The Vanderbilt?
Some of our favorites include the Grand Staircase, the waterfront overlooking the Verrazzano Bridge, the outdoor grounds, and several elegant locations throughout the interior of the venue.
Can we take waterfront wedding photos without leaving the venue?
Yes. One of the great advantages of The Vanderbilt is having beautiful waterfront portrait opportunities right on the property, allowing us to create a completely different look without taking significant time away from your wedding.
How much time should we allow for wedding portraits?
Every wedding timeline is different, but we recommend building dedicated portrait time into your schedule. We’ll work with you before the wedding to create a photography timeline that allows us to capture everything without making the day feel rushed.
Do you photograph both candid moments and posed portraits?
Absolutely. Our approach combines natural, candid storytelling with beautifully directed portraits. We want you to have the important family photographs and signature portraits while also capturing the moments you never knew were happening.
Do you offer engagement sessions before a Vanderbilt wedding?
Yes. Engagement sessions are a great opportunity to become comfortable in front of the camera and work with us before the wedding day.
How far in advance should we book our Vanderbilt wedding photographer?
Popular wedding dates can book well in advance. Once you have your Vanderbilt date confirmed, we recommend checking our availability as early as possible.
PLANNING YOUR VANDERBILT WEDDING?
Your Vanderbilt wedding deserves to be photographed with care, creativity, and an understanding of everything the venue has to offer.
As a husband-and-wife photography team, we capture the elegant portraits, genuine emotions, meaningful details, and unforgettable celebrations that tell the complete story of your wedding day.
We would love to learn more about your plans and help you create photography that feels natural, timeless, and unmistakably yours.