Photography Tips for Couples on their wedding day: How to Get the Best Wedding Photos
Your wedding day is a once-in-a-lifetime event, and your photos will be one of the most cherished keepsakes from the day. While hiring the right photographer is essential, there are a few things you can do to ensure you get the most beautiful, authentic, and emotional images. Here’s how to make the most out of your wedding photography experience.
Finding the Right Destination Wedding Photographer
If you're planning a destination wedding in Italy, Spain, France, or any other incredible country in Europe, choosing the right photographer is one of the most crucial decisions you’ll make. Here’s what to consider:
Experience in Destination Weddings – A photographer specializing in destination weddings understands the unique challenges that go along with it, such as lighting in different climates, local customs, and travel logistics.
Portfolio of International Work – Whether you’re getting married in Lake Como, Mallorca, Santorini, the French Riviera, or any other iconic location in Europe - Look for a photographer with a portfolio showcasing weddings in some of these popular wedding destinations.
Understanding of Local Venues – If possible, hire a photographer familiar with your venue or the area to ensure they know the best spots for portraits.
Communication and Availability – Since you may not be able to meet your photographer in person before the wedding, ensure they are responsive and open to virtual consultations.
Travel and Accommodation Requirements – Be clear on travel fees and accommodation needs so that everything is planned smoothly in advance.
Once you’ve found the perfect photographer to capture your day, here are some tips to make the most out of your wedding photography experience:
Be Fully Present in the Moment
The best wedding photos come from couples who are truly present and enjoying their day. Trust your photographer to capture the magic—whether it’s an intimate ceremony in Positano, an outdoor reception in Provence, or a romantic first look in a Barcelona courtyard. When couples focus on each other rather than the camera, the result is natural and heartfelt images.
Rethink the Shot List
While a shot list can be helpful for specific requests (such as a must-have family portrait or a particular heirloom detail), overly detailed lists can be limiting. A great photographer thrives on capturing organic moments and telling the story of your day authentically. The more freedom they have to work in the moment, the better your final gallery will be.
Prioritize Your Ceremony Florals
Your ceremony backdrop will feature prominently in your wedding photos. Investing more in florals for the altar, floral arches, or aisle decorations will make a significant difference in how stunning your images look. Florals at a Lake Como villa, a cliffside Santorini ceremony, or a rustic Tuscany estate will elevate your entire aesthetic. In contrast, table centerpieces, while beautiful, won’t have the same visual impact in your wedding gallery as the photos taken during the your ceremony. Your beautiful ceremony setup can also be used as a backdrop during your sunset couples portraits, adding a stunning visual element to your photos.
Consider Venue Architecture and Lighting
Choosing a venue with architectural elements that reflect the region will make your wedding photos truly breathtaking.
In Italy, look for venues with Renaissance frescoes, Tuscan stone walls, or Amalfi Coast terraces overlooking the sea.
In France, consider a château with grand staircases, a Provencal estate with lavender fields, or a Parisian rooftop terrace.
In Spain, a hacienda with Moorish arches, an Andalusian courtyard, or a modern Gaudí-inspired Barcelona venue will make your photos instantly recognizable and timeless.
Additionally, consider how much natural light your indoor spaces have. Venues with large windows, open courtyards, or outdoor dining areas will naturally enhance your wedding photography.
Create Space Around You at the Ceremony
One small but crucial detail often overlooked is the positioning of the couple and the officiant during the ceremony. If you stand too close to the officiant, it can limit the angles and compositions your photographer can achieve. Leaving just a bit of space ensures there’s room for beautifully framed full-body shots and dynamic images that feel intimate and artistic.
Plan for the Best Lighting
Golden hour (the hour before sunset) is the most flattering natural light for portraits. If possible, schedule your couple's portraits around this time for the most dreamy, romantic lighting. This works especially well for weddings in Mallorca, the Amalfi Coast, the French Riviera, and other coastal destinations. Similarly, try to avoid harsh midday sun, which can create strong shadows and make it harder to capture soft, elegant images.
Minimize Clutter in Getting-Ready Spaces
The morning of your wedding can be chaotic, but keeping your getting-ready area tidy will make a huge difference in your preparation photos. Consider having a designated space for bags, water bottles, and other personal items so they don’t distract from your images.
Embrace Movement and Interaction
Some of the most magical photos come from movement and genuine interaction. Walk hand in hand, whisper something sweet to your partner, twirl in your dress—these natural actions create more visually dynamic and emotive photos.
Have a Solid Plan for Family Photos
Family portraits are important, but they can also be time-consuming if not planned well. Provide your photographer with a concise list of key family combinations in advance, and designate a person (such as a bridesmaid or planner) to help gather family members quickly. This ensures that the process is efficient and that you can spend more time enjoying your celebration.
Consider an Unplugged Ceremony
Guests holding up phones and cameras can be distracting and take away from the beauty of the moment. An unplugged ceremony allows everyone to be fully present, and it ensures your photographer has a clear view of the most meaningful moments without obstacles.
Trust Your Photographer to Enhance Your Experience
A good photographer will provide guidance when and where needed while ensuring that the photography aspect of your day enhances your overall experience. Rather than being intrusive, they will work seamlessly to capture candid moments, allowing you to fully enjoy every moment while capturing stunning imagery.
Avoid Delays: Be Ready for Photos on Time
One of the biggest factors that can cause stress and delay your ceremony is not being ready for photos on time. To ensure a smooth experience, share your photography timeline with your makeup artist so that all hair and makeup are finished on schedule. Many couples don’t realize that photographers typically start taking 'getting ready' photos only after the bride’s makeup is done, during the final touch-ups. Being prepared ensures the day runs smoothly, eliminating last-minute pressure and allowing everyone to stay relaxed and present.
By following these simple but impactful tips, you’ll set yourself up for a wedding album filled with stunning, authentic, and emotional moments that you’ll cherish forever
If you’re planning a destination wedding in Europe and looking for a photographer to capture your day, I’d love to hear from you! Feel free to reach out here.
