Church Wedding Photography

Church weddings combine timeless tradition with deeply personal moments, creating both wonderful opportunities and unique challenges for photographers. This comprehensive guide will help you navigate the intricacies of photographing weddings in religious settings while respecting sacred spaces and still capturing those unforgettable moments.

General Approach

Be Invisible: Your job is to document, not distract. Wear dark, formal clothing and comfortable shoes that don’t make noise. Move slowly and deliberately. (Be a proper documentary wedding photographer!)

Anticipate Moments: Know the order of service and be ready for key moments:

• The processional
• Exchange of vows
• Ring ceremony
• First kiss
• Unity ceremonies
• Recessional

Use Silent Mode: Most modern cameras have silent shutter options. Use them throughout the ceremony to minimize disruption.

Lighting Techniques

Working with Natural Light:

• Position yourself to use available window light
• Watch for beautiful shafts of light coming through stained glass
• Use light reflecting off light-colored walls or floors

When Flash is Prohibited:

Let’s face it, most of these places weren’t built with photography in mind. Often the church predates photography completely. Take your fastest lenses, know how to hold that camera still and use good technique.

If you follow my work, you’ll know I’m a huge fan of natural light wedding photography anyway.

• Increase ISO (most professional cameras handle ISO 3200-6400 well)
• Use lenses with wide apertures (f/1.4 to f/2.8)
• Stabilize your camera with a monopod if possible
• Embrace a slightly grainy aesthetic – it can add mood
• Consider converting challenging lighting situations to black and white

Church Wedding Photography Restrictions and Rules

Know the Rules: Every church has different policies regarding photography. Some restrict flash photography, limit photographer movement, or designate specific areas where you must remain.

Meet with Church Officials: Schedule a meeting with the officiant or church coordinator at least a month before the wedding. Discuss:

• Photography restrictions during the ceremony
• Areas where you can and cannot stand
• Flash photography policies
• Any other special considerations

Visit the Venue: If possible, visit the church at the same time of day as the wedding will take place. This allows you to:

Visualize composition opportunities

Assess the lighting conditions

Identify potential shooting locations

Plan your equipment needs

Forgiveness / Permisson

Several years ago a very popular photographer spread the idea that it was better to ask forgiveness than permission when it came to the church rules.

This may have worked for him, but for all the photographers that follow, if you take this approach you only make life harder for everyone. It gives the church a negative view of photographers in general

Some ceremonies I have been told to stand outside the church due to their dislike of photographers. I think if we can all be less intrusive and follow the rules set out, then we don’t reach this place.

The back of the church

Often a wedding photographer will be relegated to the back of the church. And, although it makes composition really simple, you can’t get any guest reactions or much of anything else really. (Especially if the Vicar then gets the couple to face forward throughout the ceremony.)

I particularly feel for those couples who have booked two photographers who then find that they have the worst seats in the house. Don’t be surprised if you find them taking turns going outside to eat a sandwich. There really is very little to photograph from this position.

Which brings us to the “back of the church” lens.

I find myself buying one every five years or so. It then sits in the back of my car for five years, because I rarely come across this situation (thank god). I then sell the back-of-the-church-lens because, why own one?

And then I get a wedding that requires a back of the church lens and the cycle continues.

Why am I telling you this? Don’t be me. Rent a lens.

Formal Portraits and Group Management

I do have a separate article about surviving the group photos – but here’s a brief overview.

Have a Shot List: Work with the couple beforehand to create a comprehensive list of formal portraits needed.

Designate Helpers: Ask the couple to identify one person from each side of the family who knows everyone and can help organize groups.

Efficient Ordering: Start with the largest groups and work down to smaller ones, letting people leave when they’re done.

Using Church Features

Architectural Elements: Incorporate:

• Grand entrances and doorways
• Ornate altars
• Stained glass windows
• Dramatic staircases
• Beautiful pews and woodwork

Lighting Opportunities:

• Position the couple near windows for dramatic side lighting
• Use balconies or choir lofts for unique angles
• Consider silhouette opportunities with bright windows

Creative Approaches

Reflections: Look for reflective surfaces like polished floors, baptismal fonts, or decorative mirrors.

Height Variations: Use steps, altars, and balconies to create visual interest and varied perspectives.

Post-Ceremony: Capturing the Joy

The Recessional: This is often one of the most joyful moments with natural smiles:

• Position yourself at the back of the church
• Capture the couple’s exit with guests in the background
• Consider confetti, bubbles, or other celebration elements

Outside the Church: Weather permitting, the steps or entrance of the church often provide excellent backdrops for:

Bride and groom portraits with the church architecture

Full wedding party shots

Extended family photos

Conclusion

Photographing church weddings requires respect for tradition, technical skill, and the ability to anticipate fleeting moments. With proper planning, appropriate equipment, and a mindful approach, you can capture stunning images that honor both the sacredness of the occasion and the couple’s unique love story.

Remember that your role is to document one of the most significant days in a couple’s life within a sacred space. When you balance technical excellence with reverence for the setting, you create images that will be treasured for generations to come.