Shot by Charles Parris at The North Deck in 2013

If you’re looking for a wedding venue in Trinidad with mountain views, greenery, and a clear view toward the North Coast, North Deck is one of those places that deserves to be seen in person.


I know that because I’ve been photographing there for more than a decade.

My first time at North Deck was in 2013. I wasn’t even there as the primary photographer. I was actually a guest at Gary and Talitha’s wedding when I was asked to assist Lyle Daniel of Scrole Vision with photographing the wedding. That was a pretty big moment for me. Lyle was one of the people I looked up to in the wedding industry. He was based in the United States but originally from Trinidad and Tobago, and getting the opportunity to work alongside him was an honour.


One of the photographs I took that day was later selected by Lyle to be used as the primary photograph on his website and as the album cover for Gary and Talitha. That felt good.


Thirteen years later, I found myself back at North Deck for an engagement session with Shurdel and Shay. This time, I was looking at the venue very differently.


When Shurdel and Shay were deciding where to do their engagement photos, I recommended North Deck for a pretty simple reason. Shurdel loves views. Shay loves greenery. North Deck gave us both, and they loved it.

Shurdel & Shay's Engagement Session at The North Deck, 2026

There were two photographs from their session in particular that reminded me why I enjoy shooting there. The first was during their proposal sequence. Shay was proposing to Shurdel, with that warm golden sunlight coming through. In the background, the sun was peeking out from behind one of the mountains.


On one side, you had the valley. On the other, you could see the ocean. It was one of those situations where the location, the light and the moment all came together at once.


The second was a drone photograph. From above, the deck occupies one side of the frame while the valley and greenery open up on the other. Shurdel and Shay are right in the centre.


That's the kind of image I like getting from a location. You can immediately tell where they are. It doesn't feel like we could have taken the photograph just anywhere.

What Is North Deck Like for a Wedding?

North Deck has enough variety to work for an entire wedding day. You can have the ceremony, portraits and reception all at the same venue. North Deck's upper level can accommodate up to 250 guests cocktail-style or 150 seated, while the lower deck can comfortably seat around 90 guests.

Raw, unedited photos of The North Deck.

The lower deck is covered and has the setup for catering, while the main deck gives you the open-air experience and the views. For a wedding with a rustic, natural feel, it makes sense.


If you're looking for something heavily polished and ballroom-like, this probably isn't the direction you'd naturally gravitate toward. But if you like wood, greenery, mountain air, open space and ocean views, North Deck has a lot going for it.


The one thing that couples need to think about is the weather.


The North Deck has covered space, so you aren't completely exposed. But the main deck is still an outdoor space, and if you're planning an outdoor-first wedding, the weather needs to be part of the conversation.


I'd also pay attention to the drive. The road up to North Deck gets steep. If you're heading there, make sure your vehicle is in good working order. This matters even more during the rainy season.


For larger weddings, parking also needs to be planned. North Deck currently lists 15 guest parking spaces on site. For events with more than 50 guests, parking can be arranged at Trinity College Moka for a fee, with shuttle transportation required between the parking area and venue. The venue recommends approximately three 12-seater shuttles for 100 guests.


That's something I'd want couples to know before they send out invitations. The view is worth the drive. But your guests still have to make the drive.


A Note for Photographers:


If you're photographing a wedding at North Deck, bring your flashes. I'm still a natural-light photographer at heart. That's something that hasn't changed since I first photographed here in 2013. But once the sun goes down, having a few strobes gives you options. Especially if the couple wants to keep the reception dimly lit and let the string lights and ambient lighting create the atmosphere.

Speaking of which, if I could change one thing at North Deck, I'd probably add more string lights and decorative lighting. The venue already has that rustic feel. I'd lean into it. Once the sun goes down and those lights start coming on, there is an opportunity to make the space feel even more magical without losing what makes it North Deck.


It's interesting returning to a venue after 13 years. The venue itself hasn't changed dramatically since I first photographed there. It still has that rustic character that stood out to me back then.


But I have changed.

My photography has changed.

My understanding of light has changed.

And yet, one thing has stayed pretty consistent.

I still love natural light.

I still enjoy watching how it falls across a subject and finding the photograph inside of it.

And I still look at North Deck and immediately think about the views.


But I also think about that first wedding. About being asked to assist Lyle. About working alongside someone whose photography I respected. About one of my photographs becoming part of that wedding's story in a way I didn't expect. And now, years later, I'm still making photographs there.


That's pretty cool.


So, Should You Consider North Deck for Your Wedding?

If you're looking for a wedding venue in Trinidad with mountain views, greenery, an open-air setting and a view of the North Coast, The North Deck is worth putting on your list.


Just go into it knowing what you're getting:

  • It's rustic.
  • It's outdoors.
  • The drive is steep.
  • Weather needs to be considered.
  • Parking needs to be planned for larger weddings.


But if you love natural surroundings, sunset light and a venue that gives your wedding photographs a real sense of place?


Go for it.


I've been photographing at North Deck since 2013, and I'd happily go back again.

 

FAQ

 

Is The North Deck a good wedding venue in Trinidad?

The North Deck is a strong option for couples who like a rustic, open-air setting with mountain, valley and ocean views. It works well for weddings that want a natural backdrop and plenty of outdoor space for portraits. Weather and guest transportation should be considered when planning your day.

How many guests can North Deck accommodate?

The North Deck can accommodate up to 250 guests for a cocktail-style event and up to 150 guests seated. The lower deck can comfortably accommodate approximately 90 seated guests.

Can you have both the ceremony and reception at The North Deck?

Yes. The North Deck has enough variety to accommodate the ceremony, wedding portraits and reception in one location. The main deck provides the open-air setting and views, while the covered lower deck offers additional space for catering and events.

Is The North Deck good for engagement photos?

Yes. The North Deck works particularly well for engagement photography because of its combination of greenery, mountain views, valley views and the coastline in the distance. The main deck is especially beautiful around golden hour.

What is the best time for photos at The North Deck?

For portraits, I recommend planning for approximately 4:00 PM to 6:00 PM, particularly between May and September. The exact timing will depend on the date and weather, but late afternoon gives you the opportunity to work with warm natural light before sunset.

Does The North Deck have parking?

The North Deck has approximately 15 parking spaces for guests. For larger events with more than 50 guests, additional parking can be arranged at Trinity College, Moka, with shuttle transportation to and from North Deck. Couples should plan this in advance, particularly for larger weddings.

Where is North Deck located?

North Deck is located along Fond Pois Doux Road, just before Paramin when travelling from the North Coast Road toward Maracas. The venue sits in the hills, with views across the surrounding mountains, valley and coastline.

Is The North Deck suitable for weddings during the rainy season?

It can be, but weather should be an important consideration. The venue has covered areas, including the lower deck, but the main deck is open to the elements. The steep drive to the venue is another consideration during periods of heavy rain, so make sure vehicles travelling to the venue are in good working order.

What makes North Deck good for wedding photography?

The combination of natural light, greenery, mountain views, valley views and the ocean gives photographers a lot to work with. The main deck is particularly strong around golden hour, while the railings and open views provide opportunities for natural, candid portraits.