Top Tips for Capturing Romantic Wedding Moments

Anyone who’s tied the knot will tell you how fast the day goes. From getting ready to saying your "I Do's" to your first dance… it’s a whirlwind that passes by in the blink of an eye. That’s why you need a photographer who captures every romance-filled moment.      

Follow along to find out how to ensure your photographer captures the essence of your relationship and your love for one another. This way, even though your day flies by, you can relive every minute over and over again! 

Find A Photographer Who Suits Your Style  

Choosing the right photographer for your wedding is one of the most important decisions. Photographers have different styles, so you must find one that matches your aesthetic and vision. This will capture the day's romance in a way that suits your personality best. 

Take a look at photographers' portfolios and find a few that you love. Then, chat with them to see if you click (pun intended). You’ll only feel truly relaxed if you’re comfortable with them, so make sure both you and your partner have a good rapport and are at ease. This will help you relax in front of the camera and act naturally, allowing you to revel in your love for one another while your photographer snaps away. 

Do A Pre-Wedding Shoot  

A pre-wedding or engagement shoot is a great way to get used to being in front of the camera and working with your photographer. You can’t practice romance, but you can relax into it, allowing your photographer to capture you and your partner as you truly are. 

If you’re nervous about being photographed, this is a great time to calm down. You can also try out different poses so you don’t look stiff on your special day. 

Create a Shot List 

Your wedding will be full of spontaneous moments that your photographer will capture, but if you want specific romance-filled shots, creating a shot list beforehand is an excellent idea. 

 With a list of key moments you want them to capture, they’ll know exactly what to look for and how to direct you during the day. 

Some fabulous ideas for photographs that ooze romance are: 

• The first look 

• Your vows 

• Your first kiss as a married couple 

• Your walk down the aisle after tying the knot 

• Your first dance 

• A quiet moment together before or after the ceremony 

• Candid glances and touches 

• Emotional reactions during speeches and toasts 

• Sunset portraits  

• Your send-off 

How To Capture The Romance 

Now that we’ve covered the practical pointers, let’s look at how you can make sure your most romantic moments are beautifully preserved.

Be Present and Enjoy the Moment 

The best photos come from genuine emotions and moments, and there will be plenty of those on your wedding day. Whenever possible, forget the camera and focus on each other. A good photographer will be as unobtrusive as possible, so try to pretend they’re not there and simply soak up the moment together. 

Trust that the raw, unscripted moments, like a deep breath before walking down the aisle or the way you squeeze each other’s hands, will be some of the ones you cherish most. If you allow yourself to fully experience the day, your photos will naturally reflect the magic of your love. 

It’s also important not to rush through your photo sessions. It can be tempting to hurry back to your guests and the celebration, but that time will come. Slow down, stay present, and savour each shot. Those quiet, intimate pauses give you a chance to breathe and allow your photographer the space to capture the beauty and emotion of your story truly. In the end, those few extra moments can make all the difference. 

Plan a First Look (If It Feels Right for You)  

This isn’t for everyone, but many couples love doing a first look as it lets them spend some (almost) alone time with their soon-to-be spouse before they walk down the aisle.  

Seeing each other privately before the ceremony is a real regrouping moment, and it allows for raw, emotional reactions that make for unforgettable photos. This also gives you a quiet moment together before the whirlwind begins. Plus, it can help to ease any pre-ceremony jitters, allowing you to feel more relaxed and present during your vows. It’s also a great opportunity to capture genuine, heartfelt expressions without the pressure of an audience. 

Don’t Be Afraid to Show Emotion 

Getting married is an emotional occasion; tears, laughter, and deep gazes are all part of it. These emotions make your wedding photos come alive and share the realness of your love for one another.  

If you’re comfortable doing so, don’t hold back how you feel, even if it means having plenty of tissues on hand. Emotional moments, especially if they’re unexpected or unscripted, make the most memorable and romantic shots. 

Share Your Love in Your Vows 

Sharing your vows is one of the most romantic moments of any wedding, and they make for magical candid photo opportunities, too. When you exchange vows, it’s just you and your partner, and you’ll be looking them in the eyes and professing your love. 

Expressive emotions—tears, smiles, laughter—will make these moments cinematic in your photos, and you’ll treasure them forever. 

Create the Perfect Kiss 

What’s more romantic than a kiss that makes you swoon? A kiss between you and your new spouse! This moment will be romantic no matter what happens, so lean into it. Enjoy your kiss, forget about everyone watching, and take the time to seal the deal! 

If you have a flair for the dramatic, you can do a classic Hollywood film-style kiss ‘n dip, but practice it a few times beforehand to ensure you and your partner don’t end up in a heap on the floor. 

Choose a Meaningful Location for Your Portraits 

Your wedding portraits should reflect your love for one another and your personalities. Whether it’s a quiet garden, a beach at sunset, or a beautiful building, choosing a location with meaning will make your photos even more special. If you’re especially sentimental, you can recreate how you met on your wedding day. This will add a touch of nostalgia to your photographs and be a wonderful reminder of where it all began.  

If you can’t quite decide where to take your wedding portraits, take another look at the portfolio your photographer created and use it as inspiration. By reviewing their past work, you can see if they’ve shot in unique locations and taken creative shots you may not have considered. This can help you find the perfect backdrop to showcase your romance. 

Enjoy The Magic of the Golden Hour 

The golden hour is the most romantic time of the day. This hour before sunset creates a dreamy golden glow, perfect for making your wedding photographs even more breathtaking. Plan ahead and spend some time with your photographer during this hour, and choose a few locations around your venue that add to the ambience.  

If your wedding is in the morning or the golden hour won’t work for you, you can recreate the magical glow with string, fairy lights, or candles in a darker room. This will give you the same ambience without worrying about the time.  

Steal Little Moments 

Your wedding is about you as a couple, but often, the excitement, spending time with your guests, cutting your cake, and dancing take over, and your day feels like a group event. To make sure your photographer captures the love between you and your spouse, make sure you also focus on each other with little gestures of love.  

Squeezing hands, exchanging secret glances, or whispering sweet words will keep that feeling of it being your day throughout. These tiny, unplanned moments also make for some of the most romantic and heartfelt images. 

It’s also good to remember that some of the best romantic shots come from movement rather than stiff posing. Laughing, whispering inside jokes, or embracing in a way that feels natural to you are all little moments that create authentic, love-filled photos that truly reflect your relationship. 

Sneak Off For a Private Moment Together

On the topic of stealing little moments, sneaking off for a few minutes of private time together is also a great photo opportunity.  

Quietly tell your photographer you’re going to step out for a minute, and let them follow at a discreet distance. This lets you soak up the day together and share an intimate embrace while your photographer captures these quiet, deeply personal moments without distractions. 

Dance Like No One’s Watching 

Your first dance is a huge moment, and it’s also a very romantic one. During your dance, forget about the crowd and focus on your chosen song, its meaning, and your partner. Let emotions guide your movements, whether it’s a slow, intimate sway or a joyful, playful twirl. This gives your photographer plenty of opportunity to capture you sharing intimate moments, whether up close or from afar. 

It’s also a great opportunity to get some shots of your wedding party basking in your love when they join you on the dance floor.  

Trust Your Photographer to Capture Your Love Story 

If you followed our earlier advice about carefully choosing your photographer, you should be able to relax and enjoy every second of your special day. 

The best photos happen when you’re completely in the moment, celebrating your love for each other, and your photographer will know how to capture this. So, forget who's watching and focus on the romance and why you’re celebrating your love for each other!