The Ultimate Guide to Wedding Photography at The Olana (2026 Edition)
If you are looking for a slice of French Baroque architecture without flying all your guests to Paris, The Olana in Hickory Creek is arguably the most impressive venue in the entire Dallas-Fort Worth metroplex.
As a Dallas wedding photographer, I’ve shot at hundreds of venues, but The Olana stands out because of its sheer scale. It sits on 40 acres, features its own indoor swimming pool, and has a bridal suite that is larger than most apartments.
However, because the venue is so massive, it can be overwhelming to plan your timeline. Where is the light best? How do you make sure you get that staircase shot?
I’ve put together this guide to help you get the most cinematic, candid, and timeless photos at this incredible estate.
[INSERT PHOTO HERE: Wide shot of The Olana exterior or the back lawn]
1. The Lighting Strategy: Mastering the Mansion
The Olana is famous for its natural light, but the sun moves quickly across the estate.
The Ceremony: Most couples choose the back lawn for the ceremony. In the late afternoon, the sun dips behind the mansion, providing even, open shade for your guests and flattering light for you.
The Gold Room: For indoor portraits, the "Gold Room" (often used for cocktail hour or reception) has massive floor-to-ceiling windows. This is perfect for high-contrast, dramatic portraits right after you put on your dress or tux.
2. Top 3 Photo Spots You Can't Miss
You could spend five hours shooting here and not see everything, but these are the three "must-haves" I prioritize for every couple:
The Grand Staircase It’s iconic for a reason. We usually shoot this from a high angle to capture the sweep of your train, or from the bottom looking up to capture the grandeur of the architecture. [INSERT PHOTO HERE: Couple on the staircase or wide architectural shot]
The Tea Room Located near the front entrance, this room features intricate molding and softer, moodier light. It is often quieter than the rest of the venue, making it perfect for a private "First Look" away from the chaos of setup.
The Back Terrace at Sunset About 20 minutes before sunset, we will sneak you out to the back terrace. The stone architecture glows orange in the setting sun, giving your video and photos that cinematic "European summer" vibe. [INSERT PHOTO HERE: Golden hour couple portrait outside]
3. Drone Policies at The Olana
One of the most common questions I get is, "Can we use a drone?"
Because The Olana sits on such a large private estate, it is one of the few luxury venues where drone footage is truly spectacular. It allows us to capture the scale of the mansion and the surrounding lake.
Note: Always verify with your venue coordinator as policies can change, but generally, we are able to fly during the portrait session to get those epic establishing shots for your wedding film.
Summary: Why We Love Shooting Here
The Olana pairs perfectly with my style of photography—cinematic, bold, and candid. The grandeur of the estate allows for "vogue-style" posed shots, but the best moments are always the unscripted ones: a laugh on the back lawn, a tear during the ceremony, or a quiet moment in the bridal suite.