Anthony’s Ocean View - Wedding Photography Dream Venue

This quiet golden hour moment is one I’ll never forget.

I absolutely loved capturing this wedding day at Anthony’s Ocean View. It was coastal, luxurious, and breathtakingly beautiful. There are very few places in Connecticut where you can walk barefoot in warm sand, feel the ocean breeze drift through the ceremony space, and look out at a horizon so wide it feels like the whole sky is opening up for you. Anthony’s Ocean View is one of them.

Tucked right into New Haven, it’s the kind of venue that surprises people. You’re driving through a classic Connecticut shoreline neighborhood—and suddenly, you turn into what feels like a little coastal getaway of its own. Palm trees, soft sand, open water, and that glowing New England light… it’s the closest thing to a destination wedding you can get without boarding a plane.

A Coastal Escape in the Heart of Connecticut

One of the most beautiful things about Anthony’s Ocean View is how it transforms the energy of a wedding day. There’s something about the ocean that automatically slows people down. Guests linger. Couples breathe a little deeper. The whole day feels relaxed and warm.

It’s the kind of place where:

• the sun hits the water in long, shimmering streaks

• the breeze lifts a veil just enough to add movement to a photo

• the sound of waves naturally becomes part of the ceremony

• the sky shifts from soft afternoon blues to the prettiest golden hour

Even on busy days, the property feels surprisingly peaceful. It has that rare ability to make you feel like you’re somewhere far away—even though you’re just minutes from downtown New Haven.

Scenery That Photographs Beautifully, No Matter the Weather

Anthony’s Ocean View has one of the most picturesque ceremony backdrops in the state. The palm-lined aisle, the ocean behind you, the clean lines of the venue—all of it creates a look that is both coastal and timeless.

What makes it especially wonderful for photography:

1. The Beachfront

The beach is steps from the ceremony space, which means you can slip away for portraits without rushing. The sand, the water, the soft sky—it all creates an effortless sense of calm in photos.

2. The Palm Trees

They add a touch of something special… just enough to make your images feel different from a typical New England beach wedding.

3. Golden Hour

The way the sun drops across the water is beautiful. Warm light, soft shadows, and the kind of glow that makes skin tones look incredible.

4. The Waterfront Rocks + Dock

A little texture, a little drama, a big beautiful view—it’s the perfect blend.

Even the indoor reception space photographs well. Windows, clean tones, and simple details give images a classic, airy feel.

A Venue That’s Easy to Feel At Home In

For couples, Anthony’s Ocean View takes a lot of stress out of the day. Everything is in one spot—getting ready, ceremony, portraits, reception. Guests flow from space to space naturally. Meals are close, bathrooms are close, sunset is right outside the door.

And because the scenery is already so naturally beautiful, nothing needs to be overdone. Simple florals, clean color palettes, and soft textures pair perfectly with the ocean backdrop.

Why I Love Photographing Weddings Here

As a photographer, I’m always looking for two things:
good light and authentic moments.

Anthony’s has both in abundance.

There’s something incredibly grounding about photographing a wedding next to the ocean. People loosen up. They laugh a little more easily. They take their shoes off. They dance like no one’s watching. The setting encourages that kind of ease.

And visually, it’s a dream—natural tones, open space, gentle movement, and that unmistakable shoreline atmosphere.

A Destination Feel, Right Here in New Haven

That’s the magic of Anthony’s Ocean View: it gives couples the experience of a destination wedding without ever leaving Connecticut. The scenery, the setting, the warmth of the light—it all works together to create a day that feels both beautifully simple and incredibly special.

If you’re dreaming of a coastal wedding that’s elegant, relaxed, and full of natural beauty, Anthony’s Ocean View is such a wonderful place to say “I do.”