Top Tips for a Picture-Perfect Wedding Ceremony

Planning your wedding ceremony is an exciting journey filled with meaningful moments to cherish forever. From exchanging vows to sharing your first kiss as a married couple, every detail contributes to creating a day that reflects your love and commitment. To help you make the most of these unforgettable moments, here are some essential tips to ensure your ceremony unfolds beautifully and captures the essence of your special day.

1. Write Your Vows

If you're preparing to share your vows during your wedding ceremony, it's time to start working on them. While typing them out on your computer or phone, or jotting them down on simple notebook paper, is perfectly fine, there's a way to elevate your ceremony photos: invest in vow books. These are relatively inexpensive and can add a polished, cohesive touch to your wedding photos.

2. Keep Pockets Empty

Avoid bulging pockets by storing items like phones, car keys, and wallets in a small bag. Your photographer can help store these items if needed.

3. Have An Unplugged Ceremony

Don’t just have a sign. Have your officiant make an announcement before the ceremony begins, reminding guests to put away their devices.

4. Remember To Smile & Don’t Look Down

Share the Moment: Walking down the aisle is not just about reaching the altar; it's about sharing your happiness with everyone present. Your smile and confident demeanor will enhance this shared experience. Plus, it’ll great on photos.

5. Keep Your Bouquet Low

Keep your bouquet low, around your belly button or slightly above your hips. This position allows your upper body to remain open and relaxed, enhancing your posture and ensuring your dress is fully visible. Holding the bouquet too high can obscure the bodice of your dress and create a more tense appearance in photos. A lower bouquet not only looks more natural and elegant but also ensures that your face, smile, and the details of your dress are unobstructed, creating a more polished and graceful look.

6. Face & Look At Each Other

Yes, I've had clients spend about 70% of the ceremony looking at the officiant.

During your wedding ceremony, remember to face and look at each other as much as possible. This simple yet powerful gesture can deepen the emotional connection between you and your partner and enhance the intimacy of the moment. Gazing into each other's eyes helps you stay present and focused on the significance of the vows you are exchanging. It also creates beautiful, candid photographs that capture the love and commitment in your expressions. By facing each other, you share the special moments and emotions, making your ceremony feel more personal and heartfelt to both you and your guests.

7. Ask Your Officiant to Step Aside

Key tip for the officiant: Start walking away even before you start saying “By the power vested in me by the state of [State]”.

For those perfect ceremony photos, ask your officiant to step aside slightly during key moments, such as the exchange of vows and the first kiss. This small adjustment ensures that your photographer has an unobstructed view of the two of you, capturing your emotions and interactions without distraction. It also places the focus squarely on you and your partner, making these intimate moments even more special in your wedding album. Most officiants are accustomed to this request and will be happy to accommodate, helping to create beautiful, timeless photographs.

8. Practice Your First Kiss

Your first kiss as a married couple is a moment to cherish and remember forever. To make sure it looks and feels perfect, take some time to practice it before the big day. Start by discussing with your partner how you'd like the kiss to look – a gentle peck, a lingering embrace, or something in between. Practicing helps you both feel more comfortable and ensures you won’t be nervous or awkward in the moment.

Consider the angle and duration of the kiss to ensure it photographs well. Hold the kiss for 3 seconds to give your photographer ample time to capture the moment from different angles. Practicing also allows you to coordinate any additional movements, like holding hands or a gentle dip, adding a touch of romance to the moment. By rehearsing, you’ll feel more confident and at ease, ensuring your first kiss as a married couple is both picture-perfect and deeply meaningful.

9. Practice the Dip & Kiss (While Exiting the Aisle)

Adding a dip and kiss as you exit the aisle can be a fun and memorable way to conclude your ceremony. To ensure it looks graceful and feels natural, take some time to practice beforehand. Start by coordinating with your partner on how deep the dip will be and how you'll support each other. It's important to find a balance where both of you feel comfortable and secure.

During practice, pay attention to your footing and hand placement to avoid any mishaps. The person doing the dipping should bend their knees slightly and keep a firm yet gentle grip on their partner, while the one being dipped should lean back confidently, trusting their partner to support them. Hold the pose for a few seconds to allow your photographer to capture the moment from different angles. Practicing the dip and kiss ensures it looks effortless and romantic, creating a stunning and joyous end to your aisle walk.