7 Insights on Achieving the Best Ceremony Photos

In this blog, we’ll unravel the secrets to capturing your wedding ceremony’s most precious moments. If you’d prefer to listen to me talk about these tips, click play on the podcast below and subscribe to our show on Spotify for future episodes.

From the aisle to the first kiss, every click of the camera tells a story. So, let’s dive in and make your wedding day unforgettable.

1. Walk slowly down the aisle

As your photographer, I’m trying to capture you and your escort (whoever is giving you away) having an intimate moment before walking down, your expression when you spot your partner at the altar, a photo of you smiling (remember to smile!), and then a good, wide photo of you and your escort from behind with all of the guests looking in joy at you. PLUS, we’re trying to capture the groom seeing you for the first time from your view point. This is a lot going on in a short amount of time so remember to take your time and try not to let your nerves take over this sweet sweet moment.

2. Have your Maid of Honor fix your dress and veil once you’re facing your partner

Once you’re at the altar, your officiant may say a few words before you turn to one another but, once you do, have your maid of honor pass of the bouquets she’s holding (she may be holding yours too) and ask her to fix the train of your dress and your veil to ensure your photographer has a good shot of your profile. We don’t want your veil to cover your face in your photos or for your guests! You are the star of this show after all.

3. A slow first kiss

You know what I’m talking about! Make it count. We want to make sure we grab a good shot of this moment and we literally only have the time during that kiss to achieve it. We don’t need a makeout sesh, just something a little longer than a quick peck! ;)

Our next tip goes alongside this one…

4. Ask your officiant to step out of the way for the kiss

This is something that you can practice the night before. Since you’re gonna be taking it nice and slow during your kiss, your officiant will have plenty of time to take a few steps out of the way so that we can capture this moment with only the two of you in the frame.

5. An unplugged ceremony

This is not a necessity. I know Uncle Bob really wants to get his own photos and I’m honestly not going to be upset if he does. But I would consider having an unplugged ceremony mostly because your guests will really be able to immerse themselves and take it all in. This will obviously also eliminate photos of arms and phones poking out into the aisle. Nobody wants that. The only restriction that I personally have for photographer guests is that they stay out of my way and that they don’t use a flash.

6. Find out if your venue has any photography restrictions

I usually only run into this issue when it’s a church, like a Presbyterian or Catholic church. They typically have more strict rules around photography during a ceremony but you never know and you’ll want your photographer aware of that in advance so that they can prepare. You may even want to know this before you decide for sure on your venue. If your venue told you that you couldn’t have photos of your ceremony taken, would it be a dealbreaker? Always make sure ahead of time!

And last but not least…

7. Position yourselves in the center of the altar

One of my biggest pet peeves is when all of my ceremony photos are off-center because the bride and groom are just a smidge too far to the left or right. Make sure you mark your spot at the altar for where to stand. If you don’t do this and you are off-center, every photo will be off balance. This is kind of a biggy if you want those beautiful, breathtaking wide shots of your ceremony. Just mark your spot with tape (or spray paint if you’ll be standing on grass) the night before at the rehearsal. Have your planner or coordinator help you make sure it’s good and centered.

As you prepare for your special day, remember that every moment is an opportunity for a timeless memory. From walking down the aisle to the first kiss, all these are chapters of your love story that deserve to be preserved with utmost care.

We hope these insights have provided you with valuable guidance on how to ensure your ceremony photos capture not just images, but the emotions and essence of the day. From the initial spark of excitement as you lock eyes with your partner, to the heartfelt connection shared during the first kiss, each fleeting second holds a world of emotion.

So, as you plan your wedding, consider these tips as little treasures to enhance your photo album. And while an unplugged ceremony might not be for everyone, the focus remains on crafting a space where your love shines brighter than the screens on your guests’ iPhones.

If you’re still looking for a Chattanooga wedding photographer, click the button below to fill out a quick questionnaire. I’ll reach out within 24 hours!