As a documentary wedding photographer, my favorite thing to capture for my couples is candid wedding photos. Both the moments that you know are happening, and even those that you aren’t aware of.
It’s important to document these moments because they’re what make your day truly unique, and they’re what will bring you right back to your wedding day as you flip through your album years later. They’re the moments filled with the most emotion and heart, and you deserve to have a gallery full of those images!
So in this post, I’m sharing my best tips for getting amazing candid wedding photos. I’ll help you understand how to structure your day to allow for all of those candid moments to unfold naturally, while you get to relax and enjoy yourselves.
My Best Tips for Getting Candid Wedding Photos
How you structure your wedding day is the biggest factor in getting amazing candid photos. When you intentionally design your timeline with plenty of room and flexibility, you’ll not only have a more relaxed and enjoyable experience, but you’ll also create space for all those beautiful unscripted moments to unfold naturally. [I also shared more about planning your timeline in this post.]
Remember, your wedding day is meant to be experienced and savored, not rushed through! So here are some tips for structuring your day to allow for great candid photos:
How to Plan Your Timeline for Better Candid Wedding Photos
Schedule Your Photographer for Getting-Ready Photos
For a wedding photo gallery that truly tells your story, getting-ready moments are some of my favorites. I always recommend capturing this time because there’s so much of your story here!
It’s a visual beginning for your photos, but more than that, it’s filled with lots of anticipation and connection between you and the people you’re getting ready with. Whether the atmosphere is quiet and relaxed or a high-energy party, there is so much emotion to photograph.
Incorporate Activities for Candid Wedding Photos Early in the Day
Incorporating an activity can be a really fun way to get some great candid moments early on in the day, before your ceremony and reception. For example, first looks don’t have to be still or posed; they can be dynamic and authentic! You could do something together, such as playing or listening to music, taking in the views around the property, or having you both walk toward each other instead of just one partner walking toward the other.
And then when it comes to photos with your wedding party, you could do something alternative to the typical posed portraits, too! You could plan a game or a toast, or something to gather around organically. Even though it’s from a styled shoot, I love these wedding party photos where everyone is playing croquet together.
Even the moments before your wedding officially begins have lots of opportunities for fun, candid moments.
Attend Cocktail Hour for Natural Candid Wedding Photos
Some of the best candid moments happen after you’re married, and the ceremony is complete, because you’ll feel such a sense of relief and will be so much more relaxed! For this reason, I always encourage my couples to attend cocktail hour, so you have a chance to enjoy your time with each other and your friends and family.
When you’re relaxing and celebrating with your guests, we’ll have lots of fun moments to capture! This is one reason to consider having a first look, so you’re not spending all of cocktail hour taking photos.
Take a Break During Your Reception
Another opportunity for some really relaxed and candid photos is if you opt to take a short break from your reception to have a private moment together. This could be taking a sunset stroll, having a private drink together, or just sneaking out of the party for a moment with just the two of you.
This creates space for a beautiful, intimate connection between you both, and the images from this moment will be filled with so much emotion.
Consider Interactive Reception Events
When you create interactive moments, such as with your dessert or on the dance floor, this gets your guests up and engaged, leading to lots of opportunities for great candid shots. I love brainstorming with my couples, so as your photographer, I’m always happy to help come up with some fun and unique ideas like this!
New England Wedding Photographer
Ultimately, my goal for you on your wedding day is to allow you to live in the moment.
Your wedding day goes by so fast, and you should get to enjoy every second! If you’re thinking about schedules and the timeline, you won’t be able to make the connections and memories that are unfolding all around you. I always tell my couples to trust that your day will unfold, and I’ll be capturing it all so you can be fully present.
If this resonates with you, and you’re still searching for your photographer for your New England wedding, I would love to meet you! Simply reach out to me through my contact form, and I’ll be in touch to hear all about your vision for your day.
