Alternative Shropshire Wedding Photographer


Your wedding day is one of the most important moments of your life, and you want it to be as memorable and perfect as possible, both in the moment and in the photos you’ll treasure forever. As you plan your ceremony, there are a few key elements that can help make it picture-perfect. These five tips will help you capture the raw emotions, beautiful details, and intimate moments that make your wedding day uniquely yours.

Indoor greenhouse wedding at Pavilion Gardens Buxton wedding venue
Wedding ceremony taking place in rustic cave-like setting with autumn-colored decor and soft natural lighting at Lyde Court, Hereford
People sit in church pews during a wedding ceremony with warm lighting and festive decorations, walcott hall wedding
A joyful wedding ceremony with confetti falling in a rustic brick venue features a vibrant pink and red bouquet at Wilde Lodge, Knighton

Look at Each Other—Not Just the Officiant


It’s easy to get caught up in the formalities of the ceremony, especially when your officiant is guiding you through the vows, but the magic happens when you and your partner lock eyes. One of the most emotional moments during a wedding ceremony is when the couple looks into each other’s eyes with love, excitement, and sometimes a few happy tears.

So, while you may be tempted to focus entirely on your officiant, take moments to truly see each other. The candid looks will not only create a stronger emotional connection during the ceremony but will also make for some of the most heartfelt photos. That will truly show your feelings and emotions.

A joyful moment during an outdoor wedding ceremony exchange as guests watch in the background in North Wales
A joyful wedding ceremony takes place in a rustic venue with exposed wooden beams and white walls at Stanford Wedding Farm

Hold Hands—It’s More Than Just a Symbol


There’s something incredibly powerful about physical touch during your wedding ceremony. Holding hands throughout—whether during your vows or as you stand side by side—adds warmth and intimacy to the entire experience.

It’s not just for the romance either! Holding hands gives your photographer a great way to capture the physical connection between you and your partner, showing your relationship. Plus, it’s a subtle way to calm each other’s nerves and stay connected in the midst of a big moment.

A wedding ceremony takes place in a rustic wooden chapel with exposed beams and warm lighting at Quaint Country Wedding
A romantic wedding ceremony inside a historic church with Gothic arched windows and wooden pews lining the aisle, Walcott Hall Church
A rustic outdoor wedding ceremony takes place under a wooden pavilion decorated with dried flowers and soft lighting at Lyde Court, Hereford

Let Your Photographer in on the Ceremony Plan


To capture every beautiful moment of your ceremony, ensure your photographer has a clear understanding of the timeline and layout. One often overlooked detail is letting your officiant know that the photographer will be stationed at the altar, capturing those emotional close-ups.

Many officiants aren’t used to having the photographer right at the front, but for the best reaction shots—like the way you gaze at each other during the vows, or your guests’ emotional responses—your photographer needs to be in the action. Be sure to brief your officiant so they aren’t surprised and so they allow the photographer space to move without disrupting the ceremony’s flow.

A loving couple shares a candid moment in black and white at their elegant wedding ceremony at Pontesbury Church
Black and white photo of a crowd gathered at an outdoor event with people walking along a gravel path.
Black and white photo of an adult helping a small child with a wooden push walker toy on a brick walkway.
Black and white photo of a stylish couple walking down a charming street with classic brick buildings behind them walking through Shrewsbury

Skip the Table—It’s All About the Aisle


Many venues or registrars tend to insist on placing a large table at the centre of the altar for the signing of the marriage documents. While the practical side of things may be important, a bulky table can disrupt the aesthetic and block the photographer's ability to capture unobstructed shots of the two of you exchanging vows.

To achieve a cleaner, more intimate feel, consider getting rid of the table or moving it off to the side. This way, the focus remains on you and your partner, ensuring that the photos emphasise your emotional connection and the beauty of the ceremony itself. Talk to your venue or registrar ahead of time to make this adjustment, and you’ll be glad you did when the photos come back free from distractions.

Interior of a Tudor-style banquet hall with exposed wooden beams, white walls and chairs arranged for a ceremony.
Rustic stone cellar decorated with dried pink flowers in white vases and vintage furniture creating a romantic atmosphere at Lyde Court
Rustic wedding venue interior with white brick walls, wooden chairs, and red floral decorations on a fireplace mantel at Wilde Lodge

Be Fully Present—Focus on Each Other


Amidst all the planning, it’s easy to get distracted by the details or worry about what comes next in the schedule. But the most important part of your wedding ceremony is the two of you. Being fully present means shutting out all those little distractions and letting yourself truly experience the moment.

When you’re fully engaged with each other, your emotions shine through, and that genuine connection is what will make your photos stand out. So take deep breaths, smile at each other, and let your love be the focal point of the day. When you focus on the here and now, the photographs will naturally capture the authentic, joy-filled moments you’ll want to remember forever.

A joyful moment shared between newlyweds during their wedding ceremony in a warm, wooden-paneled chapel.
A couple exchanges vows during a rustic indoor wedding ceremony with warm lighting and exposed brick walls in the background.
Black and white photo of a wedding ceremony moment showing a couple standing together in an intimate setting.
A heartwarming moment during a church wedding ceremony as two people share a joyful exchange.

Shropshire Candid Wedding Photographer


Your wedding ceremony is the culmination of months, if not years, of planning, but ultimately, it’s a personal, intimate moment shared between you as a couple. By prioritising connection, being intentional with the setup, and making sure your photographer is positioned to capture the best angles, you’ll ensure that your ceremony is not only picture-perfect but a true reflection of the love you share.

A joyful newlywed couple raises their arms in celebration at their wedding ceremony at Berwick House, Shrewsbury