As you put together the plan for your wedding ceremony, you will likely partner with different vendors to make sure your vision comes together. From planning or day-of-coordination to the flowers, there are plenty of details that need to fall into place. While you will partner closely with your photographer and videographer, we’ve rounded up some tips that you can keep in mind for the best possible outcome.
When it comes to your ceremony, there are a few things that you can do to help make sure that your magical moments are documented in the best way. Here’s how to get frame-worthy wedding ceremony pictures.
5 Tips for the Best Wedding Ceremony Photographs
While your wedding photographer will do everything in their power to get the best shots, these 5 simple tips will help set everyone up for success!
1. Have some type of symmetry or framework surrounding the couple.
As you plan the setup of your ceremony location, think about how your photos will look. If you’re able to have something that creates symmetry and can be positioned behind you then it will help photos feel more focused and intentional.
Oftentimes ceremonies take place in large rooms or outdoor spaces which can often mean that the couple gets easily lost in the photos. If you’re getting married inside, consider stage decorations, a flower arch, flower wall, or structural details like pillars or stairs. Saying “I Do” outdoors? Opt for trees or planters, an arch, or a gazebo. You could even add details like a carpet underneath your feet.
Whether you’re inside or outside, you can also set up décor in front of the couple: like an aisle lined with rose petals or decorations on the end of each row.
2. Have all members of the wedding party walk slowly and smile.
Whether it’s a Best Man or Flower Girl, make sure your wedding party walks slowly as they walk down the aisle. Since they are the first people to help kick off the ceremony, this pace will be important. Have them take their time to help set the pace, and then make sure they smile!
(Practice it this way in the wedding rehearsal, too!)
3. Make sure the bride holds the bouquet near her belly button as she walks down the aisle.
This is one of the most important ways for how to get frame-worthy wedding ceremony pictures. As the bride walks down the aisle, it’s common for her to begin to get nervous. In doing so, she will likely hold her breath and naturally bring her shoulders up towards her ears (without even realizing it!) By doing this, the bouquet raises up towards her and will cover up her bridal gown.
Keep those shoulders down and aim to hold the bouquet at the belly button. Exhale and smile!
4. Get the officiant to take a few steps away from you during the first kiss.
This is one of the most overlooked ways for how to get frame-worthy ceremony photos. As soon as your officiant pronounces you as married, have them step to the side. This will ensure that they aren’t appearing behind your first kiss in the photographs. (Make sure to discuss this request with your officiant beforehand—don’t assume they are going to do this!)
5. Once you walk down the aisle as part of the recessional, stop in the middle and have one last kiss. This is the part of the ceremony where the joy will be at an all-time high. You’ll probably be moving quickly down the aisle because of your excitement as the crowd cheers around you. Take a beat here. Before you get to the end of the aisle and plan to exit the sanctuary, stop about ¾ of the way down. Use this time for one last kiss. Hold the pose, revel in the moment, and allow the photographer to get the shot!
Customizable Wedding Photography Packages
We hope you enjoyed learning how to get frame-worthy wedding pictures! If you’re still in search of the right wedding photographer and videographer to help bring your vision to life, we’re here to support you with one of our packages.
We will help you every step of the way, from finalizing the shot list to ensuring that you’re comfortable on the big day.
One of our most popular offerings is the photo and video combo. Depending on how much coverage you need, you can secure 6 or 8 hours of coverage. With the 6 Hour Combo, you would receive:
1 Certified Photographer for 6 Hours
1 Certified Videographer for 6 Hours
300 High-Res Edited Photos
3 Min. Edited HD Highlight Video
60 Sec. Teaser Video
Audio of Vows & Speeches
Digital Download & Delivery
Private Online Gallery & Print Store
All RAW Photos
No Watermarks
Copyright Release
Learn about all of our packages here and then browse our photo albums.
[Photoshoot and video in the spotlight: Megan + Colby in Houston, Texas.]
Choose Joy,
The Joy Team