Have you been wondering where to stand as a photographer during the wedding ceremony?

If you’re reading this, chances are you’re getting ready to photograph a wedding ceremony and you’re wondering where to stand to get the best shots without getting in the way. Well, first off, know you’re not alone. Everyone has shot their first few weddings before, and wondered where to stand and what shots to get.

Second, we’re going to walk you through how to navigate photographing your wedding ceremony and what shots you should be capturing. Let’s take a scroll!

First and foremost, communication is key in all aspects of your clients experience.

Before the wedding day, have a chat with the couple and the wedding planner to discuss the ceremony proceedings. Some great questions to ask are:

1. Does the venue have any rules revolving photography during the ceremony?
2. How close are you comfortable to me getting during your ceremony?
3. Are there any traditions or special events that will be taking place during the ceremony that you would like me to know about?

P.S. if you want to work on your client communication, grab our free 9-page wedding questionnaire to send to your couples!

Once you’ve got an idea of the proceedings, it’s a good idea to arrive early at the venue.

This will give you a chance to scout the location and find the best positions to capture the moments. Look for spots where you can get a clear view of the ceremony, without obstructing the view of the guests. If possible, try to position yourself where you can get a good view of the couple’s faces during the ceremony. This is also a great time to location scout and think about what poses / shots you want to get during couples photos!

Another important factor to consider when photographing a wedding ceremony is lighting.

If the ceremony is taking place outdoors, try to position yourself where the light is hitting the couple’s faces evenly. If the ceremony is taking place indoors, look for spots where the lighting is good, such as near a window or under a spotlight.

You might need to incorporate some artificial lighting or harsh light techniques – but ultimately, the ceremony is when you’ll have the least control over light!

If you’re wanting to learn more about Harsh Light or Artificial light – dive into our fan favorite courses, or grab our free flash masterclass!

The most important thing when photographing a wedding ceremony is to be as least intrusive as possible.

Avoid walking around or making too much noise, as this can be distracting to the couple and the guests. If you need to move to get a better shot, do so quietly and quickly. You can shop some of our favorite gear here!

Here are some tips on where to stand during the ceremony without being intrusive:

1. Stay near the edges: One of the best ways to avoid being intrusive during the ceremony is to stay near the edges of the room or space where the ceremony is taking place. By doing this, you’ll be able to capture all the important moments while staying out of the way of the couple, the officiant, and the guests.
2. Avoid blocking the view: Make sure that you’re not blocking the view of the couple or the guests during the ceremony. If you’re standing in front of someone, make sure that they can still see what’s going on. This will help you stay out of the way and avoid being intrusive.
3. Move around quietly: If you need to move around to get a better angle or to capture a specific shot, make sure that you do it quietly and quickly. Try not to draw attention to yourself or disrupt the ceremony in any way.
4. Use a telephoto lens: A telephoto lens can help you capture great shots from a distance, without being intrusive or disruptive. This is especially useful during the ceremony, as you can stay far away from the couple and the guests while still capturing all the important moments. I personally love my 70-200mm and highly recommend at least renting when you’re shooting a wedding!
5. Be respectful: Remember that the wedding ceremony is a very important and emotional moment for the couple and their families. Make sure that you’re respectful of their wishes and their space. Don’t take any shots that might be inappropriate or disrespectful.

Here is my typical workflow of what to photograph and where to stand during the wedding ceremony..

1. Standing at the front of the aisle, crouched down to get the partner walking down the aisle while also being able to turn around and get the reaction of the other partner. If you have a second shooter, one of you can stand in the back of the aisle and one in the front. This way each of you can focus on one partner!
2. Once the couple is at the front, I like to move to the back for a wide shot of the entire ceremony! I can also use my 70-200mm lens to get some closer up shots.
3. After that, I like to move exclusively within the aisle (staying as low as possible) or on the outsides of the seating. This way, I don’t stand in the way of any family or guests.
4. Once they’re putting on rings, I’ll move further up the aisle to get details photos. Always remember to crouch down lower! Then I back up down the aisle to get the recessional photos.

Finally, don’t be afraid to get creative with your shots.

Try different angles and perspectives to capture unique and interesting images. Just remember to always be respectful of the couple and their wishes, and their friends and family who are there to be present in the moment.

When it comes to where to stand as a photographer during the wedding ceremony is going to depend on a variety of factors- such as the ceremony proceedings, lighting, and the couple’s preferences. Every wedding is different, so have your standard workflow but always be willing to adjust as needed! At the end of the day, we’re there to make sure our couples have a great wedding, not just great photos.

Can’t wait for you to crush your next wedding! If you want to keep learning – come check out our true to color Lightroom presets, dive into the podcast, or grab one of our favorite freebies!

Vendors:
Venue: Cascata Golf Club
Planning: I Do Details
Florals: City Blossoms
Dress: Divine Atelier