Top four tips to getting the best photos of your wedding ceremony
Do an unplugged ceremony
Okay, so this is an obvious one for a photographer! I know your aunts and college friends all want some photos of the ceremony to remember this moment… And I promise I’ll get some sneak peeks up really soon for them to see!
Having photographed hundreds of weddings, rest assured I’m used to stray people getting their photos in the aisle, etc, so I can get around them when necessary. But it really is a nice time to have everyone be present, and so when you look out into the crowd, you see your loved ones’ faces and not their screens.
There are several ways I’ve seen people go about doing an unplugged ceremony - I’ll break them down for you.
A simple sign placed at a spot that all the guests will see (like at the back of the ceremony area where people come in)
A note in the program
Officiant announcement when all the guests have arrived and are seated
Have the officiant announce that they get to take one photo of the couple (when you both arrive at the altar), and then put their phones away for the rest of the ceremony.
Here’s one I’ve heard of, but haven’t witnessed in person (but I love it!) - the officiant announces the unplugged ceremony once all the guests are seated, but before the wedding party processional. Then they ask all the guests to take a selfie and then send it to the couple with an encouraging message or well wishes, etc.
Get close to each other
Pretty self explanatory! During the vows, get close, hold hands, whatever feels comfortable.
Look at each other
Kind of along the same lines as “get close to each other” - when you’re reciting your vows and exchanging rings, look at each other, not your officiant. Be in the moment with your person - this is it!
Make sure your officiant tells everyone to sit down
This advice is especially true if you are having a friend or family member who is officiating for the first time. During the wedding processional, when the couple starts coming down the aisle, usually all of the guests stand. Once the officiant gives a brief introduction, they usually tell the guests to take their seats. At least once a year I’m at a wedding where the officiant forgets, and then, believe it or not, all of the guests remain standing for the entire ceremony! Make sure “please take your seats” is in the officiant’s script! I guarantee your guests will appreciate it.
Looking for some more wedding tips? Check out these other blog posts!