There is very little time to learn a location. There are 3 ways I now the location and options for beautiful photographs.
Spend your off days going to your locations.
Your experience with the venues and locations.
Show up early and walk the grounds .
It is important to try to look at a location during different times of the year, different weather and times of the day.. Aperture Photography have shot all the must have most locations in the Hudson Valley at almost every condition.The views can be so different from season to season. And most of the time there is never a problem It is always easy at the Mohonk Mountain house it is simply beautiful. I posted one of the coldest harshest days and as you can see with skill you can make beauty and art.
The extra work and time makes me sure I have the equipment and mindset to give my bride and groom the best.even on days that may not be perfect. My bag of tricks will be full. What some would say are bad weather day's are more beautiful than the perfect sunny days.