WEDDING PLANNING: A Guide to Documentary Wedding Photography

Updated: 25th February 2025

What is Documentary wedding photography and why is it important?

In this handy guide, I’ll help you how to understand documentary wedding photography and the power of those ‘candid’ photos.

As a wedding photographer, I’m drawn to the moments that matter. The stories you’ll tell, and retell; the people you love, the faces you’ll miss. The flash of a smile, the squeeze of a hand. Warm, nostalgic wedding photos- caught with purpose, and taken to be loved.

I capture weddings in a relaxed, creative, and modern documentary style, allowing your day to unfold naturally while preserving every genuine moment. For me, photography is all about storytelling—capturing the raw emotions, fleeting glances, and joyful interactions that make your wedding uniquely yours. It’s those in-between moments, the laughter, the happy tears, and the unfiltered reactions of your guests, that truly bring your story to life.

Read on to find out more about documentary wedding photography…

what is documentary wedding photography?

Documentary wedding photography is all about capturing the authentic, unscripted moments that make your day uniquely yours. Rather than staged poses or forced smiles, this style focuses on the natural emotions, interactions, and atmosphere of your wedding. From the quiet nerves before the ceremony to the joyous celebrations on the dance floor, a documentary approach allows your love story to unfold organically. Every tear, laugh, and heartfelt embrace is preserved just as it happened, giving you a gallery of images that feel real, raw, and full of life.

why should i have my wedding photographed in a documentary style?

Choosing documentary wedding photography means you can truly be present in the moment, without worrying about constantly posing for the camera. Your photographer blends seamlessly into the background, capturing all the little details and fleeting expressions that might otherwise be forgotten. This storytelling approach creates a collection of timeless images that not only reflect how your wedding day looked but also how it felt—a beautiful, emotional journey you can relive for years to come.

Some key reasons to have your wedding photographed in a documentary style are:
Authenticity: This style preserves the real emotions and candid interactions, creating a truthful narrative of your wedding day.

Relaxed Experience: Without the need for constant posing, you can fully immerse yourself in the celebration, often forgetting the presence of the camera.

Storytelling: The collection of candid images weaves together the story of your day, capturing moments you may have missed amidst the excitement

How to embrace documentary wedding photography

Be Present – The best candid moments happen when you’re fully immersed in the joy of your wedding day. Try not to worry about the camera or how you look—simply focus on the experience. Whether it’s a heartfelt exchange during the ceremony, an inside joke with your best friend, or an emotional hug from a family member, your natural reactions will create the most beautiful, genuine photographs. The more you relax and embrace each moment, the more authentic and meaningful your photos will be.

Trust Your Photographer – My goal is to capture your wedding day as it truly unfolds, without staging or interruption. I work in the background, observing and anticipating moments so that you don’t have to think about the camera. Whether it’s the tearful reaction of a loved one, a fleeting glance between you and your partner, or the wild dance floor energy, I ensure that every emotion and detail is documented seamlessly. By trusting my process, you can fully enjoy your day while I capture the magic as it happens.

Incorporate Movement – Natural interactions make for the best candid photos, so don’t be afraid to move, laugh, and engage with your guests. Walk hand-in-hand, twirl in your dress, share a toast, or get lost in the music on the dance floor—these dynamic, unposed moments tell the true story of your day. If you’re feeling camera-shy, simple movements like holding hands or leaning into each other during portraits can help you relax while creating stunning, natural imagery. Your wedding is about celebration, and movement adds energy, personality, and emotion to your photos, making them feel alive.

do you give direction to us on our wedding day?

Yes, I do! While my approach is rooted in documentary photography, I also love to blend in a touch of editorial style to create beautifully composed, magazine-worthy images.

This means that alongside capturing natural, in-the-moment emotions, I’ll also guide you into relaxed, effortless portraits that feel elevated yet authentic. I’ll step in and guide you through those group shots making them feel elevated, but we won’t spend too long on them. My goal is for you to enjoy your day in a mostly unscripted and authentic way.

Think of it as the best of both worlds—candid storytelling combined with a creative eye for light, composition, and all the little details that make your wedding unique. Whether it’s a stunning, cinematic shot of the two of you in your venue’s golden-hour light or a carefully framed detail of your bouquet and dress, I ensure your wedding gallery is both timeless and filled with personality.