Photographing the Wedding Ceremony & Vows
I love photographing small, intimate ceremonies as much as larger ones. In this wedding at the Fitzrovia Chapel, almost every guest can be seen quite clearly as the bride approaches the altar.
Ceremony & Vows – The Key Part of the Day
The ceremony, vows, and signing are the parts of the day that everything has led up to. Your photographer must get things right. They have to ensure they are in the right place at the right time to capture the key moments and present the couple with a stunning set of photographs that tells the story of their wedding day. However, certain pitfalls can be avoided by planning and understanding how a wedding works.
The way this image looks shows just how fast-moving the ceremony is for the photographer. I hadn’t finished composing the shot when the bride did this. So I quickly fired off a couple of frames to catch her joy as the registrar declared them husband and wife.
How You Can Best Prepare for Your Wedding Ceremony Photography
I will start with perhaps the most important tip I can give you if photography of your wedding ceremony is essential to you…
**My Very Important Wedding Day Tip**
Discuss Your Photography with your Venue Contact and Registrar/Wedding Officiant.
I have been in the embarrassing and unnecessary position of arriving at a religious venue in London only to have the presiding official tell me that ‘No photography is allowed’ during the ceremony. This news was a nasty shock to the couple and me, too. A rule of this severity has occurred only once, but on many occasions I have been limited by less severe restrictions.
Due to fire restrictions, the Bristol Register Office doesn’t allow more than four guests inside the smallest room, including the photographer. But I asked nicely, and they relaxed this, meaning I could capture Joanne and John’s most important part of the day.
Some Rules on Photography at Wedding Ceremonies to Watch Out For
These are the most common rules you may encounter when booking your wedding venue.
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Your photographer can only shoot from one spot at the side/back/balcony, etc.
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This is more common in religious settings, such as churches, than in civil marriage venues. If this is mooted, I will ask if I can change positions discreetly during a hymn or reading. They are usually OK with this, but if not, try to be aware of where the photographer is standing and shift your position slightly if possible so I can see both of you. I once shot a wedding at the Tower of London and was prohibited from photographing in the chapel. I had to shoot down the aisle from outside the doors!
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No flash photography allowed throughout the ceremony.
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This is quite a common rule (again, more so in churches), but it is perfectly understandable. Some wedding officials claim that it distracts the couple, but I have never had a newlywed couple complain about this. More typically, it’s because the presiding official is easily distracted by flash photography and prefers the photographer not to use it.
Most modern cameras used by professional photographers can capture detail in very dim venues. However, this rule may somewhat interfere with their photographic style, and the photos could be grainier due to the camera’s high ISO settings. But there is software that can deal with this.
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No photography during the official schedule signing.
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This rule is uncommon because the register moved online in May 2021. The next chapter covers signing the schedule and includes much more information on the changes. I expect most areas to be okay with having the schedule photographed, but it is up to the officiating person on the day.
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No guest photography during the ceremony.
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This isn’t much of a problem if a professional takes the ‘official’ photos. It can be a good idea, as over-enthusiastic guests often distract your registrar and you, the couple, and they can get in the way of your photographer. If the venue doesn’t implement this rule, I know some couples who have asked their guests not to take any photos at this time.
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No photography at all – at any time!
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Thankfully, it is extremely rare, and if photography is important to you, I would seriously reconsider your wedding venue choice. I have never encountered this in a civil marriage, and thankfully, only once in a church.
The following photos demonstrate the above points and illustrate how photography can differ slightly.
Many churches ban the use of artificial light, including flash. This shouldn’t be too much of a problem; my camera coped with this admirably.
Guests will invariably take photos of the ceremony when allowed. I embrace this and include it in some pictures to add a fun element. After all, it is part of your day!
I purposefully included the videographer here as he was a close friend of Danielle and Mitchell. His evident happiness complements the couple’s…
The photos are far more dynamic when I’m allowed to move freely. At the ceremony, couples only have eyes for each other, so your photographer will capture a more striking set of images.
Another example is when I can capture various photographs, such as this close-up of the exchange of rings. Civil marriages are generally less restrictive than religious ones.
I always ensure I introduce myself to the presiding wedding official on arrival at the venue. A little friendliness goes a long way, and I ask exactly what the rules are and reassure them that I will not be intrusive. Sometimes, I do ‘haggle’ and generally find they are pretty flexible and will bend their rules a little. My advice is to be upfront with your officiant about how important the photography is to you. Ask them what rules they have about photography. If they do seem unnecessarily strict, find out why and try to negotiate. Assure them that your photographer will be discreet and observe the sanctity of the occasion. Also, tell your photographer that you expect this.
As this photograph taken at Southwark clearly shows, most registrars are comfortable with me moving around the room during the ceremony.
Shots like this portrait of the couple being ‘in the moment’ are priceless and more likely when your registrar is comfortable with the photographer being there.
Always Read the Small Print
You usually receive a ‘Wedding Pack’ on booking with full terms and anything you should know. This will invariably include a section on ‘Wedding Photography’. However, I’ve found that this is generally to protect the venue and is often a worst-case scenario. If anything concerns you, do ask your venue contact/registrar. Sometimes, you’ll find that some of the terms officially presented to you aren’t upheld on the day. Or they will often relax a rule if you point out how vital wedding photography is to you. It’s always worth asking.
Black and white works in many situations and provides a more timeless feel without the distraction of colour.
As the Bride Enters the Church or Venue
There is usually a short time before the ceremony when the bridal party arrives and gathers outside the door in readiness for the bride’s grand entrance. This is more usual at a church than at a register office, but I love to take advantage of it and get some good shots of it.
The bridesmaid and couple organise themselves outside the London wedding venue room just before the ceremony.
Bridesmaids and family members often enter the ceremony first, making for another lovely sequence of images.
Nothing quite matches the architecture of an old church. The bride and her father bring plenty of colour to this photo as they enter the nave for her wedding ceremony.
A large doorway at the Ned Hotel adds interest to this portrait as the bride enters the ceremony with her father.
The Bride or Couple’s Walk Down the Aisle
Then there’s her walk down the aisle. Sometimes, her bridesmaids and/or page boy will enter before her. If this is the case, I take a sequence of them entering one by one. Finally, the bride enters and walks down the aisle, often with her father, but more and more, the couple choose to walk into the room together.
I have to choose how to approach this when I see the set-up on the day. Sometimes I start near the door, take a couple from the back and hurry to the front.
In a register office, or if there’s little space, I back down the aisle (or start at the front) to get the sequence from the groom’s POV and the reaction when he sees her for the first time.
The aisle of the Rossetti Room in Chelsea Old Town is short, but I’m still able to take a nice sequence of the bride walking down it. The diminutive size also means the photographer can capture a good overview of everything happening at that time.
The Bride and Groom See Each Other for the First Time
This shot is priceless, but it’s challenging to get right. Lots of variables must fall into place at precisely the right time. For example, the photographer needs to be quick enough to move into the right place in front of the couple. There must be no one else in the way, obscuring the shot. Finally, their facial expressions should be flattering. These things can’t be rehearsed but happen if they’re meant to.
Groom Louis’s first glance at his bride Bernie at this Pembroke Lodge wedding in Richmond. His look says it all!
The Ceremony
As mentioned above, I prefer to move freely, though discreetly. In churches, your photographer should never pass between the couple and the vicar or priest, even if there’s room to do so. I walk around the church’s perimeter to get to the other side. Church weddings sometimes last over an hour, so there’s plenty of time to get these shots in.
Civil weddings are time-limited, so I have to photograph quickly for a good selection of shots. They can sometimes be over in fifteen minutes, and couples frequently comment on how quickly the ceremony has passed.
But whether civil or religious, I like to take shots from as many angles and viewpoints as possible. Here is a section of photos demonstrating this:
This is a standard shot from in front of the couple at a church wedding. It gives an excellent overview of the ceremony, including the congregation and magnificent Gothic architecture.
I move around to the back for this impressive view. A good wide-angle lens (as well as a good photographer!) captures the full height of the church, giving a sense of scale.
Moving in a little closer, I captured some of the vows. More detail is apparent in the couple’s clothes and the brickwork.
The last photos can’t show what this one does: I have still photographed the couple from the side, as well as the fantastic arches and stained-glass windows. Melissa and Thomas booked their wedding there because they loved the architecture, and they said I captured it well.
Wedding Emotions and Reactions
No one can predict how they will feel or react on their special day. The most stoic groom can (and frequently does) break down in tears when faced with his beautiful bride and the magnitude of the occasion. Couples also often get the giggles. I love that, as it makes for such fun photos.
It will be your photographer’s job to capture all of this – whether there are tears or laughter!
Melissa and Adam certainly saw the funny side of their Old Marylebone Town Hall wedding. They laughed through much of the ceremony.
How delighted does Debbie look during her wedding in Chelsea Old Town Hall? This is a photo she and Richard will cherish for a lifetime.
Same room but different couple: Ross wasn’t afraid to wear his heart on his sleeve just after being pronounced husband to his new wife.
A look of pure love: Lindsay held Greg’s face as they exchanged vows. Shortly after, he cried—he told me his serious look here was to try to prevent that. Something tells me Lindsay knew what he was thinking!
Another loving look as Lindsay is cherishing every moment.
After their vows, they jointly read a poem. Richard struggled with this and broke down a few times, giving me a lovely emotive photo sequence. There wasn’t a dry eye in the room – including mine!
When both bride and groom cry simultaneously, the tears often turn to laughter. This doesn’t frequently happen, but it is amusing when it does!
Take Your Time with the First Kiss
Whether it’s walking down the aisle or the first kiss, please don’t rush. The first kiss at the end of the wedding ceremony is the shot the photographer is most likely to miss. Often, it is so fleeting that by the time the photographer has focused in, it’s over – although he should be able to anticipate when the wedding kiss will happen. Your first kiss as husband and wife will look great as a full page in the album. I’ve done a double-page, 7-image sequence of the first kiss before now, and it looked great! So do take your time.
Perhaps my favourite first kiss shot was taken at the Southwark Register Office: This pair needed no encouragement to prolong their kiss. Couples are seldom confident enough to invest such passion, but Danielle and Mitchell were so caught up in the moment.
Paloma and Laszlo had no qualms about making the most of the first kiss at their King’s College Chapel wedding in London. This went on for a while, which is unusual at a religious wedding but is great for the photographer.
This was the smallest of wedding ceremonies, but no less special as they kissed for the first time as a married couple.
Here, I shot low and got the beautiful architecture of London’s Fitzrovia Chapel behind the kissing couple.
The moments after the first kiss are just as powerful: At this wedding, Paul holds his new bride after they’ve finished. This catches their happiness and love. I love photographing mature weddings.
Signing the Schedule and no Presentation of the Certificate
I touched on this above and cover it in-depth in the next chapter. So, I won’t say much more here.
But briefly, things have been updated to streamline registration by moving online. There is no certificate for the couple to take away on the day, as it is posted after the event.
In the days when the marriage certificate was presented at the ceremony, Westminster gave its own presentation speech, ending with a joke to get the couple laughing.
Gay Wedding Ceremonies
Fortunately, gay weddings have been legal for the past few years, but sadly, only for civil marriages. The church is yet to catch up. For more on Gay & Lesbian Wedding Photography, I have a whole page; please click the link for more info.
This gay wedding at Islington Town Hall was in the Mayor’s Parlour. The light was perfect, and I didn’t use my flash at all.
Photographing Children at Wedding Ceremonies
I frequently shoot weddings where the couple are keen for their child or children to play a part in the day. It’s very popular for the little person to present the rings or walk down the aisle with the bride as part of the bridal procession. Sometimes they give a reading. Whatever the case, I love photographing this aspect, as it adds a unique element to the finished photograph collection. I’ve added a selection of my favourite kids’ shots here:
This cute pair enhanced the wedding at Porchester Hall. I love how one is enjoying the moment while the other is unsure.
At a same-sex wedding in London, this little girl presents the rings and looks to the registrar for reassurance.
The couple’s son shyly presented them with the rings in this Pencoed House wedding near Cardiff.
Oops! This little one dropped the rings. I love capturing slight mishaps – it’s all part of the day!
The Congregation and Guest Photography
I always try to photograph as many guests as possible. The more aspects of the day I can capture for the couple to look back on and remember, the better. There is often scope for this while everyone waits for the bride to enter, and sometimes during the signing if I’m not allowed to photograph it.
I have no problem with guests taking their photos, so long as they don’t get in the way of key moments. It’s only natural for people to want their own shots of the day, and I often find myself shooting them while taking photos. I love to capture people taking selfies, too. It’s incredible how few notice me doing this.
The signing time can be the perfect time to snap a few photos of the guests.
There’s quite a lot going on in this photo. A joke shared between these two is a moment unto itself. The sleeping boy is cute as the other guests interact in the background. This was shot whilst awaiting the bride’s arrival.
This is quite a fun one. I photographed this guest taking a photo of the room, then again as she noticed me and turned away laughing.
A family friend gives a reading in the Old Barn at Pencoed House near Cardiff.
This was taken at a wedding at Chiswick Town Hall. The bride and groom are so when the registrar declares them husband and wife.
“Moves Like a Ninja, Shoots Like a Sniper!”
A newlywed couple once wrote these words in a review for me. They perfectly sum up how your photographer should be, especially during the ceremony (well, almost!). Your photographer should be the soul of discretion, able to position themselves so they are not a distraction and move position when there is less chance they will be noticed. During a hymn or reading, it is ideal. They should not snap away randomly, as DSLR camera clicks can be distracting. They should take time to consider the composition and press the shutter sparingly.
Rebecca and Kolbe’s wedding was a very smart black-tie event. They married on a stage in Porchester Hall, which worked well because I could bounce the flash back onto them from the lower ceiling there.
Longer Ceremonies = More Diverse Photos
The longer the ceremony, the better. I need time to move stealthily around and take images from different viewpoints. This includes pictures of the vows, exchanging of rings, congregation and various unexpected occurrences that may happen, such as this expression of love and happiness:
This type of portrait can’t be staged: Their look of love says it all. They have each just put out a candle, and the smoke drifting adds to the overall effect.
Wedding Ceremony FAQs
Q. WHAT IS A CIVIL MARRIAGE CEREMONY?
A. A civil marriage ceremony is a wedding with no religious context. They are held in register offices or venues approved by the local authority. Although readings and music are allowed, there must be no religious content during your civil marriage.
Q. CAN WE MARRY OUTSIDE THE AREA WHERE WE LIVE?
A. Absolutely. However, you’ll need to give notice of your intent to marry at your local Register Office at least 28 days before the date. Once you have done this, you can marry in any registered office or approved wedding venue in the British Isles. Rules for religious weddings are very different – you’ll need a family connection to the church or have lived in the area for 6 months or more.
Q. WILL MY PHOTOGRAPHER BE RESTRICTED BY RULES AND REGULATIONS AT OUR WEDDING CEREMONY?
A. This varies depending on the local authority/venue/individual conducting your ceremony. Check with them to see if photography is important to you. Some rules include no flash, no moving around and, rarely, no photography at all. Most register offices are flexible and helpful, though.
Q. CAN WE WRITE OUR VOWS?
A. There are certain words you must say to make your marriage legal. However, most authorities are happy for you to provide input on the words the registrar reads. This can depend on the ceremony package you choose, and a basic package may not allow for this.
Chapter 5: Signing the Marriage Schedule – The Register is No More – Next>>>>
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I’m not sure of their source of delight here, but it was halfway through Helen and Martin’s ceremony and captures their personalities well.
