Yep. You've got your hair looking all nice and your face is a picture - time to get married!

Here are a few notes from me as to what photographers have to consider about photographing your ceremony:

 

Church Weddings

I have to meet the Priest or Vicar before your ceremony to ask them what they are and are not happy with me to do during your ceremony. Here are the usual provisos, although this can vary enormously from church to church, vicar to vicar so it is always worth making sure that you ask beforehand what is allowed. They can very easily refuse any photography at all (although this is rare, it does happen).

 

1. No flash photography

This is pretty much a given for any wedding, civil or religious whilst the ceremony is taking place, so we are usually dealing with fairly low light photography.

 

2. Only photograph from the rear of the church 

I get this occasionally. Sometimes, I am allowed no further than about halfway up the centre aisle. It pretty much depends on both the vicar and the layout of the church itself. Either way, I do what the vicar tells me, as is polite, and I won't do anything that would ever interfere with your guests enjoyment and experience of your wedding. Needless to say this involves a fair amount of tip-toeing and a soupcon of crouching. You can laugh at me if you spot me, but I suspect you'll be too busy getting married.

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Fortunately I am more often allowed up front, as tucked away as I can be so as not to be too obvious. Being able to shoot silently with modern mirrorless cameras is also very handy!

 

Civil Ceremonies

Registrars normally will allow photography from the front of the ceremony room (i.e. behind them and to the left or right) during the ceremony but in all cases, I ensure a quick chat with them beforehand so as to work out where I am allowed to be.

 

No flash photography - again this is usually a given during the ceremony so it's always worth thinking sbout how your ceremony area is lit.

 

What Does' 'Unplugged' Mean?

This is when guests are requested not to use cameras or 'phones and devices to photograph the wedding - at least the ceremony part. Sounds mean I know, but that's what you've got me for! And it does ensure that the focus is on your ceremony, not the teeny digital screen your family and friends would otherwise be squinting at during the most important part of your day.

 

Whether it's a few words spoken to the congregation by your priest, vicar, registrar or celebrant, or some careful words on your invitations, it is worth considering asking people to put down the tech for a wee while and enjoy the day!