Church Wedding Ceremony: Some Things to Consider
Getting Married in a Church? Here’s everything you need to know.
A church wedding is a timeless and beautiful choice, but there’s more to it than you might expect — especially when it comes to photography. Here’s a guide to help ensure you get the photos you want and make the most of this special part of your day.
Why Ceremony Photos Matter
As a wedding photographer, one of the best parts of the day is capturing the raw emotions of you and your families during the ceremony. From teary-eyed vows to subtle glances exchanged between the couple, these moments often the most heartfelt part of your wedding story.
But here’s the reality: not every church or officiant allows photographers to capture these moments and couples often aren’t aware of the rules until it’s too late.
The Challenges of Church Wedding Photography
Church weddings often come with specific guidelines set by vicars, priests, or officiants. These rules can range from restricting where the photographer can stand to outright banning photography during the ceremony.
I’ve experienced it all: hiding at the back out of sight, avoiding any camera noises or movement during vows, staying behind a line because only the ‘church photography’ is allowed at the front — and of course risking being thrown out for disobeying the rules.
While I always respect these guidelines, couples are often unaware of them when booking the venue. This can lead to disappointment when they discover that the most emotional part of their wedding day might not be captured as they were expecting.
Questions to Ask Before Booking Your Church
To avoid surprises here’s a few ideas about what you should ask when planning your church wedding:
Are photographers allowed to take pictures during the ceremony?
If yes, where can they stand?
Are there specific moments when photography is permitted, or not (e.g., exchange of rings, first kiss)
Is flash allowed?
Are camera noises a problem?
It’s a good idea to do this by email, just so you have all the answers to hand in writing to double-check, especially if you’d like a venue with minimal restrictions to photography in the church. Of course, I usually ask before the ceremony anyway, but it helps a lot to know beforehand.
Why Some Churches Have Strict Rules
Photography during ceremonies has been a sensitive topic for years. Before digital cameras, photographers often had to use loud clunky film cameras and bright flashes in dimly lit churches. This, as you can imagine, created a lot of distractions during the most poignant moments.
Even with today’s silent, low-light-capable cameras, some officiants are wary of photographers moving around and drawing attention away from the ceremony. Unfortunately, this means that couples sometimes miss out on having their memories preserved because of these lingering concerns.
Trust Matters
Trust is crucial when hiring your wedding photographer — both for you and the officiant. A good photographer understands the importance of discretion and respects the sanctity of the ceremony.
Unprofessional behaviour, like ignoring the rules or being overly intrusive, can sour relationships with officiants. This not only impacts your wedding day but could lead to stricter rules for future couples at that particular church.
Solutions for Restricted Photography
If your church has strict rules, here are a few options to ensure you still get meaningful images:
Hire a second photographer. A second shooter can capture unique angles, especially if the main photographer is confined to the back of the church.
Discuss Compromises. Some officiants allow limited photography during key moments (e.g. ring exchange) and while not ideal, it is better than nothing.
Plan for post-ceremony portraits. If photos aren’t allowed during the ceremony, schedule time afterwards for portraits inside the church to preserve the setting and atmosphere.
The Magic of Church Weddings
Church weddings are incredibly emotional. The grandeur of the venue, the exchange of vows, and the presence of your loved ones create moments of unmatched beauty and emotion. As your photographer, I take great care to ensure that I work within the rules while still delivering images that let you relive every tear, laugh, and smile. That being said, the fewer restrictions, the better — for your peace of mind as well as mine.
Final Thoughts About Church Ceremonies
Before booking your church wedding, take the time to understand the photography rules and communicate with your photographer. These small steps can make a huge difference in preserving the memories of your big day.
And once the ceremony ends, it’s time for another of my favourite parts of the day: the confetti exit. Don’t worry, I have some tips for that, too.
Of course, if you’re not convinced at all by the idea of a church wedding there’s no reasons the ceremony has to be in a church at all - it’s your wedding!
