Photography: Joy Zamora, Kristen Marie Parker
Few moments are as emotionally intense as the wedding ceremony. It’s when everything peaks: nerves, love, joy, anticipation. All eyes are on you. Your words, your gestures, even the way you look at each other are being witnessed by every guest and quietly captured by the cameras. And yet, it’s in these very moments that the most powerful images are created—the ones you’ll cherish for a lifetime.
Exclusively for THE WED, top wedding photographers share seven essential tips to help you let go of the pressure, stay present, and look your absolute best in your ceremony photos.
Photography: Colin Dancel, Iris Studio
Choose a Photographer
Whose Presence Feels Natural
Remember one golden rule: your photographer should feel more like a quiet friend than a spotlight operator. During consultations, pay close attention to how at ease you feel in their company, because that comfort matters. The more relaxed you are around your photographer, the easier it becomes to let go of self-conscious thoughts and simply be in the moment—even during something as monumental (and nerve-wracking) as your ceremony.
Casey Smith, known for her emotional wedding imagery, sums this up perfectly: "One of the biggest factors in feeling relaxed is having a photographer who blends seamlessly into the atmosphere. When couples feel genuinely comfortable with their photographer, like they’re a trusted guest rather than someone documenting every move, it’s easier to stay present and forget the camera is even there."
With a portfolio filled with heartfelt, nostalgic weddings, Catherine Goce also emphasizes the importance of having a professional whose presence feels unobtrusive and natural. "That way, you can be fully immersed in the moment and trust that the images will be storytelling and feel very authentic," she says.
Photography: M2VISUALSTUDIO, Retrato de un Instante
Set Clear Expectations for an
Unobtrusive Approach
Make sure to have an open, honest conversation with your photographer about how they plan to capture your ceremony. Casey Smith explains, "Many professionals use long lenses and a documentary-style approach to remain at a respectful distance, allowing key moments to unfold naturally without interrupting or drawing attention."
Don't forget that at the heart of this process is also trust. Megan Robinson, whose work beautifully reflects authentic human connection, shares, "A good photographer will know how to move quietly and intuitively so you’re never made to feel like you're on display. The less you worry about where the camera is (or who's watching from the chairs), the more natural and effortless your photos will feel."
Photography: Catherine Goce, Iris Studio
Create a Phone-Free
Ceremony Atmosphere
Undoubtedly, the ceremony is the heart and highlight of the wedding day—the moment when the couple is truly themselves, opening their hearts to each other and everyone gathered to support them. But let’s be honest: for guests, it’s all too tempting to reach for their phones, trying to capture those beautifully raw, romantic scenes unfolding before them. This well-meaning impulse, however, can create pressure for the couple.
Catherine Goce wisely advises, "Gently remind your guests to be present and not be on their phones during the ceremony. Having phones pointed at you the entire time can be distracting and a bit of an eyesore in photos. Removing that distraction will allow you and your guests to get more emotionally-driven photos."
Photography: Catherine Goce, Megan Robinson
Position Your
Officiant Thoughtfully
You might not even realize it, but the positioning of your officiant or celebrant plays a huge role in how your ceremony photos turn out. Placing them slightly off-center or where natural light falls best allows your photographer to capture candid, intimate moments without needing to hover directly in front of you.
Nadine Pramhas, a wedding photographer with a sharp eye for meaningful details, shares, "A gentle reminder to your officiant or celebrant to step aside during the first kiss or the ring exchange can make all the difference. It keeps the composition clean, the focus entirely on you and the moment visually timeless."
The talented team at M2VISUALSTUDIO, who have captured over 200 weddings, add, "Make sure there’s enough space between you, your guests, and the officiant or celebrant. This gives photographers room to move discreetly and work while maintaining a respectful distance."
Another important tip from M2VISUALSTUDIO is to face your guests rather than turn your back to them, as this helps create a deeper connection with your loved ones. They explain, "When you face your guests, you can feel at ease with your friends and relatives, and the photographers and videographers remain more unnoticed."
Photography: M2VISUALSTUDIO, Maximova Wed
Walk Slowly & Breathe Deeply
It might sound simple, but pacing yourself through the ceremony, especially as you walk down the aisle, can ease tension and create graceful, picture-perfect moments. Nadine Pramhas emphasizes, "Whether you’re walking down the aisle or exchanging vows, allow yourself to slow down. Unrushed movements not only help you stay present, they create space for beautifully composed, refined imagery."
Photography: Casey Smith, Roldán Milán
Embrace the
Imperfectly Beautiful
The stray strand of hair caught in the breeze as you say your "I do," the sudden tears glistening in your partner’s eyes, the hesitant yet deeply loving gestures—these all imperfectly-perfect-moments might feel awkward to you then, but they make for the most incredible ceremony images: alive, raw, and full of emotion.
Nadine Pramhas captures it beautifully: "The first glance. A quiet tear. A burst of laughter. The caught-in-between moments are where the magic lives. When you let go of performing and allow yourself to simply feel, that’s when we capture the most cinematic, heartfelt images."
Megan Robinson echoes the sentiment, "This is your time to truly soak it all in—the words, the view, the person standing in front of you. When you focus on the meaning of the moment, not the performance of it, the result is always more relaxed, emotive images."
Photography: Nadine Pramhas, Maria Frolova
Keep the Focus on Each Other,
Not the Lens
When your eyes and hearts are locked on each other, the camera fades into the background, time seems to stop, and it feels as if no one else exists but the two of you.
"During the ceremony, fully focus on your partner and the moment you’re sharing," reminds Casey Smith. "When you’re emotionally grounded in the vows and connection, the photos become more authentic—and you’ll be far less aware of the camera’s presence."
Catherine Goce agrees, "If you are truly in the moment, the emotions you feel, and the love you have for each other will translate on camera beautifully."
Photography: Kseniya Avgustovskaya, Jessica Witkamp
