Beautiful Wedding Ceremony Photos

This is the day you’ve been dreaming about for a long while. And we’re sure you want your wedding ceremony photos be amazing. If that’s true, we have 4 tips to help you make that happen.

This is the day you switch from Ms. to Mrs., simply because you found your match. Guests are seated and music begins to play. Your bridesmaids proceed to their spots, standing by your side as you marry your best friend. Walking down the aisle, your eyes lock onto your groom at the end of the aisle. That’s what it’s all about.

How to Get Great Wedding Ceremony Photos

Our goal as affordable wedding photographers is to create incredible pictures of your wedding day. Through most of the day, we guide you on lighting, backgrounds, and poses for the best images.

The ceremony is the part we have the least control over. We capture it as it happens without giving any direction. So in order to get the best photos, planning is crucial. Here are 4 tips to getting the most beautiful wedding ceremony photos:

1. The Right Officiant

A good officiant sets the ceremony tone. Connect with them to ensure your ceremony reflects exactly what you want. He/She will likely interview each of you in order to customize the ceremony specifically for the two of you. They’ll likely share funny or personal touches that lead to great images fill with emotion.

2. Perfect Lighting

Great images depend on light, particularly the right type of light. Soft light comes from the lower sun, like early morning or late afternoon. Harsh light, typically the 2-3 hours before and after the noon hour, creates unflattering shadows resulting in what we call “raccoon eyes” if not used properly. A later ceremony is often the better choice – however that’s not always the case. Good lighting also is dependent on the direction of the light relative to your ceremony space. If you are unsure, our team is happy to help you identify the best ceremony time based on your venue.

Choose ceremony time based on whether you’ll have a first look or not. If yes, start your ceremony 60-90 mins before sunset. If not, start 90-120 mins before sunset for that romantic golden hour light for your just-married photos.

3. Request an Unplugged Ceremony

Ask guests to put away their phones and tables and engage in a more personal experience. Phones can be distracting and ruin your photos. And when Aunt Susie spontaneously steps in the aisle to get her very own photo of the first kiss, there’s a good chance she will be standing in front of your photographer and videographer. Inform guests with a sign as they enter the ceremony space or an announcement by your officiant. If you want to offer a compromise, invite them to take a quick photo before starting then asking them to putting the devices away.

4. Face the Guests

An incredibly easy change you can consider is turning towards the guests during the ceremony. Normally, couples face the altar. Have a conversation with your officiant about facing the guests instead. This might mean they walk a short way down the aisle to address you, and that’s perfectly fine.

Feeling a bit nervous about facing everyone is completely normal. If that’s the case, simply ask the officiant to guide you in shifting from facing the guests to facing each other. This adjustment also results in wonderful wedding ceremony photos capturing your faces, not just the backs of your heads.

Summary for the Best Ceremony Photos

In the end, improving your ceremony doesn’t need major changes. One adjustment can make your dream wedding come true. Always remember, it’s about the love you share.

For more wedding planning tips, we have plenty to offer!