HINTS & TIPS
How to have the perfect wedding (and photos, of course)
PART ONE of my guide to getting the photos of your dreams on your wedding day
Here’s how to make your day flow so your story on film is natural, cinematic, and emotional.
For many people deciding to have a wedding film, this may be the first time they’ve hired a videographer, or even been filmed. I always film in an informal documentary style, and I’m experienced at getting flattering angles, so basically you can get on with your day, and I’ll take care of the filming…
This post is really to flag up some areas you might not have thought about in the wedding planning as they’re specific to wedding videos.
Thinking about these points not only helps the day go more smoothly but it can actually help it look more beautiful as well. What matters for video is movement, audio, and story flow.
As there’s often a lot happening in multiple locations, you may need to make some compromises, or be clear on what the shooting priorities are in advance, so you get films that you love and cherish, and want to watch over and over again, and that your friends and family love too.
7 tips or questions about your wedding venue…
These tips and questions all focus on your venue (or venues) and how the venue can impact the quality of your videos.
01.
Tell your venue…
Always let your venue know you’ll be having professional photography, and check if they have any restrictions.
Historic houses and churches often limit flash photography to protect artwork and interiors. Some may also restrict where we can stand during the ceremony. I’ll always ask the questions in advance, but it helps if you’re aware too — no surprises means more relaxed photos.
02.
Check out the rooms in advance…
Before you book, look carefully at the spaces where you’ll be getting ready. Large windows with soft natural light are perfect — they make skin tones flattering and give your photos a timeless look. Also think about space: is the room big enough for you, your bridal party, and me moving around without tripping over bags and dresses?
A tidy, uncluttered background usually makes for stronger images. But maybe that’s not your style — maybe you want raw photos that show your wedding as it really was, mess and all. It’s your choice! If you prefer the clean look, let me know, as I may need to move things around.
03.
What’s your wet weather plan?
British weather is unpredictable, but that doesn’t mean your photos have to suffer. If you’re dreaming of outdoor shots, think about pretty umbrellas (yes, you can buy beautiful wedding ones) and even wellies. They can become a fun feature of your day. They say there’s no bad weather, only the wrong clothes — so as long as you and your guests are comfortable, your photos will look joyful whatever the forecast.
That said, I strongly recommend choosing a venue with a great indoor alternative. A light, airy room with character — large windows, elegant features, high ceilings — means we can still create beautiful group photos and portraits if the weather turns. That way, rain becomes just a small detail in your story, not something that overshadows it.
British weather is notoriously unreliable….so bear this in mind when you pick your venue.
05.
What are the logistics of the day?
If you’re using multiple venues, allow enough travel time so nothing feels rushed. If both partners are getting ready in different places and you want coverage of both, we may need to prioritise — or bring in a second photographer. Clear timings also make sure I can be in position for key family moments, like a parent’s first look or the walk down the aisle.
If you’re also having video or a content creator, it’s worth discussing in advance how much time each of us will need for couple portraits or creative shots. We all want you to get what you want from the day — and having realistic timings means no one feels rushed, and you don’t feel pulled in different directions.
04.
What’s the parking like?
Please ask your venue what arrangements they have for parking for photographers, as well as for your guests.
If there isn’t a lot of parking you might want to consider a wedding bus or suggesting shared cars or taxis for guests.
Easy access helps keep your day on schedule — which means more time for relaxed photos and less rushing. If I’m hunting for parking far from the venue, it can eat into shooting time, so a spot nearby really helps.
07.
Time restrictions (registry offices, churches, venues)
Some venues, especially registry offices and popular churches, run back-to-back weddings. That can mean very limited time for formal photos — sometimes just a few minutes before the next couple arrives.
Churches may also lock up soon after the ceremony. Popular hotels sometimes host two weddings in a day, or they may only have one main space for both the ceremony and reception, so staff need to reset the room or gardens quickly. If detailed photos of your flowers or décor are important to you, let me know so we can prioritise those before everything changes.
Castles and historic houses that are open to the public often limit portrait time to before or after visiting hours, or keep certain areas off-limits.
If your time in a space is short, we can plan to move group photos elsewhere — so you don’t feel rushed and still get the images you want.
06.
Rehearsals and pre-wedding shoots
Rehearsals and engagement shoots are a great way to relax in front of the camera. We can practise walking pace, confetti throws, or simply get a feel for timings. An engagement shoot gives you bonus portraits, but most importantly, it helps you feel natural and confident when the wedding day comes.
Ready for more tips?
If you have any questions or want advice, please feel free to contact me. I’d rather someone asked me lots of questions than not enough, and was disappointed because something got missed out on the day itself.
Part 2 covers some questions and tips you might want to consider when planning the timeline of your wedding day…
