27 Expert Wedding Photography Ideas

As the age-old saying (er, silly slang) goes, “Pics or it didn’t happen.” On your wedding day, you should be focused on having one of the best days of your lives, but with that, comes the pressure to make sure that every precious moment is documented for eternity—not to mention, social media, if that’s part of your plan. With so many wedding photography ideas out there, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed about what to tell your photographer, what to look for in selecting everything from a photographic venue to your wardrobe, and even how to figure out what styles of photography you like.

To help couples feel more prepared and confident, we’ve compiled a list of our favorite wedding photography ideas and advice from trusted pros in the industry. 

Pre Wedding Photography Ideas

Devising your photography plan comes with several questions all couples need to answer, starting with a big one: to first look or not to first look? There are several pros and cons to consider. Pros: You can take most of your photos prior to the wedding (meaning more time with your guests at the reception), and have a special, intimate moment with your partner captured by your photographer. Cons: Some couples want to see each other for the first time at the end of the aisle, in front of their family and friends (plus, first look photos can sometimes feel awkward or cheesy…) If you forego a first look however, keep in mind that you’ll need to budget time to take wedding portraits during the cocktail hour and/or reception. 

Here are some must-know pre wedding photography ideas that can help you think through your overall plan, vision and schedule leading up to your big day:

Portrait Wedding Photography Ideas

These are the photos you’ll end up having framed for decades, so you want to feel and look as natural as possible—but that’s not always easy. It’s totally understandable to be a little camera-shy or not exactly sure about how to pose. Look at photos from other weddings, and think through how you want yours to look. Are you a fan of more candid, natural shots? Or do you prefer having more formal portraits taken? A combination? Talk through your wedding photography ideas for posing with your photographer to ensure you have everything you want on your special day—and be sure to hire one who is comfortable giving you direction, if you think you’ll need it.

Outdoor Wedding Photography Ideas

Natural light, golden hour…you’ve likely heard of these key elements in relation to taking any photo, but mapping out how to optimize them for your outdoor wedding photography ideas is incredibly important. Depending on the timing of your wedding, and whether or not you decide to have a first look, you can talk through your shot list and timeline with your photographer to take advantage of the best sunlight hours—and angles. From there, you can decide which outdoor wedding photography ideas are best for taking the portraits, candids, and other photos you and your partner want.

Other Wedding Photography Ideas

There are so many great wedding photography ideas out there, and sometimes, it’s all about the special details. Consider the “little things” you care about most—maybe it’s an artful shot of your day-of accessories, or capturing your sibling’s face when you walk down the aisle—and come up with a plan while chatting with your photographer. The big and small elements work together to create the perfect day, and there are so many angles, poses, and more to capture every possible moment:

There isn’t a “right” way to plan out and take photos on your wedding day. But by thinking through your favorite wedding photography ideas, you can better understand what you need and want. It’s all about staying true to yourself, your partner, and the love you share. 

So, on the count of three…say, “Cheese!”