Church wedding photos can be quite a different experience for a wedding photographer. At one stage all weddings would take place at a church and the only alternative was a local registry office. Both would then be followed by the reception meal at a local venue.
These days, in my experience of church wedding photography, is that most couples (for whatever reason) tend to get married and host their reception and evening reception all at the same venue. Occasionally, I attend church weddings and asked to produce church wedding photos.
Although in decline, most churches can offer great opportunity for taking church wedding photos. The biggest difference that I find when attending a church wedding is around the formality of the service as opposed to that of a civil ceremony.
One advantage for the photographer is that events tend to always happen in the same order and present a set sequence for taking church wedding photos in addition to the usual candid photos expected. Very briefly, I’ve set out below some examples of the order in which things happen at a church wedding.
Groom, Bestman and Ushers arriving.
Some examples are shown here.
Although there is more formality, there is still the opportunity to capture the fun candid photos.
Bridesmaids arriving
Details in the church
During the ceremony
This is where in a church wedding the vicar or who ever is officiating can be very strict and not allow any wedding photography to be taken at all. This may be due to so
me past experiences of a photographer being too disruptive. From my experience, there is the occasional photo to take which shows the splendour of the stained glass window that you see in most churches. This is an example.
Bride and Groom after the service
Confetti is normally strictly asked to be away from the church.
and…away to the reception.
