Jasna Polana
Princeton, NJ
As a wedding videographer with 10 years behind the camera, I've filmed on-site at Jasna Polana enough to know exactly how this Princeton estate's light holds up, how the grounds move through an afternoon, and how a day here actually flows. Set on rolling countryside just outside Princeton, Jasna Polana pairs a grand clubhouse with wide-open grounds — golden-hour light across the lawns, a stately interior for the reception, and plenty of room to let a wedding day breathe. It's a venue built for a film that leans into exactly that scale and light. My favorite part of filming here is always the exploring — the gardens have so many nooks and crannies to wander into between portraits, and I never get tired of framing a shot around the iconic gates or the grand staircase.
A Real Celebration
Karol and Victoria's Jasna Polana Wedding
Karol & Victoria
A Few More Moments
More Moments at Jasna Polana
Karol and Victoria celebrate beside Jasna Polana's reflecting pool
Follow Karol and Victoria through Jasna Polana's garden courtyard
Hillary and Will's full wedding film at Jasna Polana
Where to Shoot
Best Locations at Jasna Polana
My favorite part of this venue is always the wandering — Jasna Polana has so many nooks and crannies tucked into the gardens that I'm still finding new corners to shoot.
The iconic gates and the grand staircase are two spots I come back to every time: the staircase is the first thing guests notice walking in, so it's my go-to for first-look and family photos, especially once someone adds hurricane candles and florals along the railing — it turns genuinely whimsical on camera.
Indoors, I love working around the marble fireplaces, especially if your florist dresses the mantle to match the day, and the cocktail hour room has this European elegance that photographs beautifully near the piano.
For getting ready, the Prince Albert bridal suite is one of the best rooms I've filmed in, period — and if Mrs. Johnson's suite is available, its green walls and natural light make for some really unique portraits.
Outside, the ceremony garden's amphitheater-style tiers, gazebo, and ornate gates make their own whimsical backdrop, especially in blooming season or fall foliage — elevated florals on the gazebo photograph beautifully during the ceremony and then get a second life at the reception.
Between the reflection pond, the manicured gardens, and the sun-drenched terraces, there's rarely a bad angle here.
One detail I always point out to couples: the sun sets directly behind the garden ceremony space, so those last-light portraits come out looking almost unreal.
Curious what a full day here actually looks like? Read Karol and Victoria's full Jasna Polana wedding story →