During the Ceremony
The Church Wedding
Most church weddings follow a predictable pattern. That is the religious service, the legal marriage and then register signing. However, the content and length of the service is decided between the couple and the vicar. The vicar will also decide whether or not to allow photography in the church. Some will allow photography during the service and are quite happy for the photographer to position themselves more or less where they wish, so long as they are discrete and don’t use flash. Some do not allow any photography whatsoever. All will allow photography as the bridal party enters the church and after the registers have been signed.
I always tell brides to ignore me as soon as they enter the church (my wife has been doing it for years). This allows me to adopt a more photojournalistic approach:
I liked the way the doorway was casting a shadow and was hoping that the bride didn’t rush too quickly.
Once in the church and the vicar has given me the OK where I position myself is down to the layout of the church. Often I have to stay in one position, maybe in the choir stalls on the bride’s right so that I can get a clear view of her face – bride’s tend to be better looking than the groom!
Here I’m anticipating the exhange of the rings. Hopefully nobody will move at the last second. Sometimes the vicar may lean into shot…
And of course I’m ready for the first kiss. I do say to couples before-hand to try to take their time with this, to give me a chance. But of course in the excitement of the moment they never remember – so camera to eye and finger at the ready.
Often the vicar will only allow photography from the back of the church. In this case I use a long lens to try to get in close.
A close look at the groom’s feet reveals his thoughts at this moment.
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