New York (city and state) has tons of versatile wedding venues. Among those, are some truly perfect golf courses and country clubs. For Sara and Michael, they chose Pelham bay and Split Rock Golf Course for their summer wedding. Golf course weddings have a lot to offer. There is plenty of space among the outdoor/lawn area for guests to mingle, delicious food, and a golf cart to escort you around the grounds!

THE FIRST LOOK

Sara and Michael arrived at Pelham Bay and Split Rock Golf Course fully ready, so after toasting with some champagne, it was time for the first look.

The weather for their wedding day was just shy of the temperature of the sun, so it was important to find a nice, shady spot for the first look. I always like to scope out all my couples’ wedding venues in advance, this was I know where to take photos on the day of! There is a pretty big, beautiful tree just beyond the back patio of Pelham Bay, perfect for the first few portraits.

WEDDING DAY PORTRAIT SESSION

Once the first look is complete, we like to spend about 30 minutes with just the two of you for portraits. Having your couple’s portraits done before the ceremony is a great way to make sure you can be present at your cocktail hour. There is NO wrong way to construct your wedding day timeline, though. (We created a few sample timelines to help all of our couples, too. CLICK HERE if you want to check them out!)

WHERE TO TAKE PHOTOS AT PELHAM BAY SPLIT ROCK GOLF COURSE

Sara and Michael’s golf course wedding was off to a great start with the first look already done. A little tip for where to take photos on your wedding day (golf course or not) — don’t be afraid of the sun. It’s easy to find shady little spots for photos, sure. But light and shadow are great elements to make your photos dynamic. We will never shy away from taking our couples into all kinds of lighting situations. Of course, if you’re squinting, we’ll move you.

See what I mean? Step into the sun and you’ve got fun little rainbows/light streaks in your images.

ABOUT PELHAM BAY AND SPLIT ROCK GOLF COURSE WEDDINGS

Situated in the largest park in NY are Pelham Bay and Split Rock Golf Courses. On the grounds are a wide array of elegant venues. Among them includes the art deco Great Room, the pavilion, the gazebo, and more. Additionally, the clubhouse is newly renovated. This venue also features lush greens, majestic forestry, a trickling creek, and gently rolling hills. They also have a “one wedding at a time” policy. You are guaranteed to get the staff’s full attention and devotion!

PELHAM BAY AND SPLIT ROCK GOLF COURSE WEDDING CEREMONY

The ceremony took place out by the Gazebo. This particular spot is surrounded by lots of seasonal florals, and at the right time, the sunlight is pretty magical. Officiating the ceremony was Michael’s brother in law. He opened with some great jokes, and it was clear how much love he had for the happy couple.

One of my favorite moments of the ceremony happens in the very beginning: the handoff. I love seeing all the hugs and affection that happens after walking down the aisle.

Michael tossed the empty ring box back to his family post-ceremony.

PLANNING YOUR RECEPTION AT PELHAM BAY AND SPLIT ROCK

When you choose to have a Pelham Bay and Split Rock Golf Course wedding, you have a few options for how you can set up the reception. Just out the back doors is a beautiful tiled dance floor. Weather permitting, that section is great for cocktail hour/guests to mingle or it can be your reception space. For Sara and Michael, the back patio was for cocktail hour and dessert. The reception took place in the pavilion. The Pavilion is a glass-enclosed tent and can accommodate up to 220 guests.

Gorgeous cake by Conti’s Pastry Shoppe.

Since the sun had started to set during cocktail hour, it was time for a few more portraits. We never want you to miss your cocktail hour, so we will *always* ask if you want more portraits; it’s never mandatory.

The reception began the way most receptions do; newlywed entrance and first dance. Almost immediately after the first dance, all the guests joined them. Once the dancing started it didn’t really stop, except for during the speeches. This was definitely one of the more high-energy receptions I’ve photographed. I loved every minute!

Sara dancing with her dad.

Michael dancing with his mom.

Sara dancing with her mom.

Michael’s mom received plenty of high fives after her speech.

A better look at the pavilion at Pelham Bay and Split Rock Golf Course. While the wedding reception is going on, I love to photograph it from afar. The glow of the party against the night sky is just *chef’s kiss*.