I'll guide you through the day
with a calm, easygoing approach
so you spend less time posing
and more time celebrating
—with photos you'll treasure forever.
164 Massapoag Ave, Sharon, MA 02067, USA
Saphire Estates
We've shot Approximately
95
weddings at
Saphire Estates
Sunsets at
Down the street at the lake - perfect!
Saphire Estates
Outdoor Photography Rating:
9 out of 10
TONS of amazing photo opportunities and variety including sunset over a lake, but no real rain backup areas.
Indoor Photography Rating:
8 out of 10
Low ceilings and kinda tight so no real unique photo opportunities except the cocktail buildings bar and fireplace.
A photography perspective on this venue
Located in Sharon, Massachusetts, Saphire Estate is a premier wedding venue offering an exceptional experience from start to finish. Its ultra-contemporary, modern design blends seamlessly with the manor and estate setting, creating a timeless, classic feel. Both the owners and staff are incredibly experienced, and the weddings here are exceptionally well run—you are truly in good hands.
One thing that has always impressed me is how meticulously the property is maintained and updated. I used to try to give couples sample albums, but the venue would update the lighting, furniture, carpeting, or another detail so often that my samples were constantly becoming outdated. They are simply that committed to keeping the property looking its best.
It really is a remarkable wedding venue. And, actually, I have a personal connection to it: I got married here myself. It wasn't anywhere near what it is today, but even then, it was a beautiful place to get married. You really can't go wrong with Saphire Estate.
Ceremony
They have a dedicated courtyard for ceremonies, but also two interior options as well. I honestly can't say enough good things about Saphire Estate. It's a venue built specifically for weddings—that's what they do, and they do it exceptionally well. You really can't go wrong here.
What if it rains?
Saphire Estate does rely heavily on its beautiful outdoor gardens, so if you happen to get one of those truly miserable, all-day downpours where nobody can comfortably step outside, you'll notice that and you'll feel it a little. That said, in all my years photographing weddings here, I can only think of a handful where the weather was that relentless. Most of the time, we find a window.
And this is something I always tell my couples: we are getting outside at some point before sunset. It might be during cocktail hour, it might be while everyone is sitting down to dinner, or it might even be after the dance floor opens. We may have to be flexible and grab our opportunity when it presents itself, but I'm watching the weather and I'm going to make it happen. Even if the day starts out looking hopeless, New England weather can change quickly, and we only need a small break to get outside and create those beautiful garden and sunset portraits you're hoping for.
Spring, Summer, Fall and Winter
You really can't go wrong with Saphire Estate at any time of year. These particular images intentionally show the property during its off-seasons because I want couples to see just how dramatically—and beautifully—the property changes throughout the year.
Winter is probably the biggest transformation. Even with four-foot snowbanks, Saphire Estate can take on this incredible winter-wonderland feel. The combination of the estate, snow-covered grounds, and classic New England setting can almost make you feel like you've driven up to Vermont or northern New Hampshire for the weekend.
The ceremony images also show just how different the property can look throughout the year. In summer, everything is lush and green, while the same spaces take on an entirely different character when the trees are bare or the first leaves of spring are just beginning to appear.
Fall, though, is something special here. The foliage can be spectacular, and Saphire really leans into the season with mums and additional plantings that make the autumn atmosphere even more pronounced. They know fall is peak wedding season in New England, and they absolutely play to its strengths.
But honestly, the other seasons work beautifully too. The lake at sunset is going to look great regardless of whether you're there in spring, summer, fall, or winter. Unless there is snow on the ground, you could almost stand in front of that lake and have no idea what month it is. The meadows and wooded areas also maintain that whimsical, almost storybook forest feeling even when the trees are bare. That's a huge advantage from a photography standpoint—you have genuinely good options here year-round, which you simply can't say about every wedding venue.
The Dance Floor!
The dance floor at Saphire Estate in Sharon, MA is surprisingly large, and I've photographed almost 100 weddings here. I've never seen it feel too cramped, and I've also never seen it look awkwardly oversized. It's just right. There's enough room for everyone who wants to get up and dance without the space feeling disconnected from the rest of the room.
The layout works especially well because the dance floor flows naturally from the bar area into the guest tables. It feels like one cohesive space rather than a room with a dance floor stuck in the middle of it. The hardwood flooring adds a timeless look, while the architecture of the building itself brings in that classic estate character that makes the whole room feel special.
One thing to keep in mind: the ceilings are relatively low. If your guests are planning on lifting people onto chairs during the celebration, just be a little careful. I've seen heads come within inches of the ceiling, although I've never actually seen it become a problem. Overall, though, the dance floor is exceptionally well proportioned and gives your guests all the room they need to get up, dance, and celebrate without sacrificing the feel of the room.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. What makes Saphire Estate in Sharon, MA a great place to get married?
They get it. They know weddings and do them better than anyohe. Enough said, they're top of the game.
2. Where are the best places for wedding photos at Saphire Estate in Sharon, MA?
By the fountain is my favorite spot. They have a plot of land with a bridge to nowhere that they push, but I always decline because it just doesn't make sense. The ceremony area and fountain are the jewels of the property. They have a really cool pathway through the woods to give a natural and authentic vibe as well as the beach overlooking the lake at the end of the road. You get SO much - like WAY more than most venues as far as wedding photos go.
3. What's the best time of day for portraits at Saphire Estate in Sharon, MA?
Family and wedding party pictures would typically occur either immedaitely following "First Look" or direclty after the ceremony during cocktail hour unless you built in a gap between a church ceremony and arriving on property.
Regardless, at some point just before or near sunset I'll take just the two of you outside again for those soft-light intimate shots. It should only take like 10 minutes but these are the shots you hire me for. These are the jaw-dropping, tier enducing, OMG shots.
4. Is a first look a good idea at Saphire Estate in Sharon, MA?
Absolutely! The first look gives you a chance to truly see each other. Express your thoughts. BE together for a moment - away from everyone else. Now you get to enjoy your own cocktail hour. Now it's not such a whirlwind. You're not as rushed, so less anxiety. Totally worth considering.
For the traditional "I want to see her coming down the aisle", let me give some perspective. First, when she gets there you need to just shut up and get married. You can't stop and talk. At a first look you can. Second, that heart-fluttering HOLY CRAP feeling when all your guests stand and you realize this is real, this is happening! That feeling doesn't go away just because you already saw each other. It actually may be enhanced.
5. What happens if it rains on your wedding day at Saphire Estate in Sharon, MA?
In all my years, I've only had maybe a handful of weddings that were 100% completely washed out. It's so rare it's not worth discussing. Yeah, maybe the ceremony gets moved indoors. Maybe the family and wedding party pics are on the dance floor but there will almost certainly be an opportunity between drops to run outside for a few pics of the two of you.
This is a "you'd prefer outside obviously" kind of place. Indoor is ok, but it's really all about the gardens and landscaping.
6. How much time should we set aside for wedding photos?
I typically like an hour, but I'm SUPER efficient. It really comes down to how large your group is. How many in the wedding party? How big is your family? Are there divorces with step family? Are there grandparents? Do you want to include aunts, uncles, cousins? The smaller the group the easier it is obviously.
The Villa very strict on their timeline and it's often not up to me. They run a tight ship and will direct things.
7. Can we stay on schedule without feeling rushed?
This is my super power. You could be WAY behind schedule, then it comes time for the family and wedding party pics and poof, you're back on schedule. I can be amazingly efficient to power through all those combinations so you can lower the anxiety and not lose any of your wedding.
But, as I said before, the event staff guides the flow of timing and they will shut it down and pull you away if we take too long. They're not very flexible with that part.
8. What's your favorite photo location at Saphire Estate in Sharon, MA?
The lake. It has a perfect sunset right over the lake and it's simply stunning. I'll be across the street zooming in with a flash in the middle of the road stopping traffic to get the best shot and screw it, right?! It's worth it.
9. Have you photographed weddings at Saphire Estate in Sharon, MA?
More than I can count.
10. What should couples know before getting married at Saphire Estate in Sharon, MA?
They're perfect. Their only flaw is sticking too strictly to timelines and not being flexible. They try to always make it work and in most cases it does, but if the sky is exploding in color and you're supposed to cutting a cake or dancing with dad, then you're not getting outside for that picture.
11. How many guests does Saphire Estate in Sharon, MA work best for?
It's tight. I personally wouldn't go over 125. The more guests, the smaller the dance floor and the tighter everyone feels.
12. Is Saphire Estate in Sharon, MA good for indoor and outdoor weddings?
The point here is the landscaping. Indoors is nice, but you're there for the gardens.
13. Where do you usually take family photos?
By the fountain. It's convenient, easy, beautiful and efficient.
14. Is sunset really worth stepping away from the reception?
OMG yes. The sun setting over the lake is the reason most people choose this venue. They know it, so often will build that into the timeline knowing exactly when sunset is. It's funny, they put an emphsis on it at Saphire but tend to not care at their other properties.
15. What makes photographing weddings at Saphire Estate in Sharon, MA unique?
It's easy. Anywhere you turn is a great shot. I don't have to think. From the couples perspective it's convenient. HUGE bridal suite easily accessible all night, delicious food, it's just kinda perfect honestly.