Your wedding photos will be some of the most treasured memories of your big day, so it’s important to get them right! As a wedding photographer, I’ve seen what works beautifully—and what can lead to unnecessary stress or missed moments. To help you get the best photos possible, here are five common wedding photography mistakes and how to avoid them...........


Not allowing enough time for photos


One of the biggest mistakes couples make is underestimating how long wedding photos take. If your timeline is too tight, you may feel rushed, stressed, and unable to fully enjoy the moment.


How to avoid this:

• Work with your photographer to create a realistic timeline that includes plenty of time for getting-ready shots, couple portraits, group photos, and those beautiful candid moments - It always takes longer than originally planned.

• Consider a first look with your partner before your ceremony if you want more time for couple portraits and your timeline is really tight.

• Plan at least 30 minutes for couple portraits and 30 minutes for group shots.

• Be adaptive and open to changes in schedule in case things don't run to time.


Wedding couple walking through rows of cheering family and friends who are throwing confetti over the newlyweds

Overloading the Group Shot List


While family and group portraits are important, trying to fit in too many combinations can take up huge amounts of precious time and make the process overwhelming for yourselves.


How to avoid this:

• Keep your formal group shot list to a maximum of 8–10 essential combinations. This can still take up to 30 mins. Any more than 8 -10 shots can increase the group shot time dramatically which is precious time that you could be spending celebrating with your closest family and friends.

• Assign a trusted friend or family member to help gather people for photos. The bossier the better!

• Let your photographer know if there are any sensitive family situations (e.g., divorced parents) to avoid awkward moments and ask your photographer to make multiple copies of the group shot list for your helpers.

• A quick photo with a specific group of family and friends can be done during the evening reception instead of taking up valuable time straight after your ceremony - just garb your photographer on the evening and I'm sure they will help you out.


A bride and her bridesmaids in autumnal colours, stood as a group and having fun and laughter between themselves

IGNORING THE LIGHTING


Lighting plays a huge role in how your wedding photos turn out. Harsh midday sun, dark ceremony spaces, or poorly lit / mixed lighting reception venues can impact your final images.


How to avoid this:

• Plan on two shorter couple's portrait sessions during your wedding day especially if the lighting isn't perfect during the afternoon. A ten minute golden hour session (the hour before sunset) is the best for the most flattering natural light.

• If your ceremony is outdoors, consider having it in a shaded area or later in the day to avoid squinting and harsh shadows. Your venue will have been asked this question in the past so they should be able to help you out if you're worried.

• Ask your venue about lighting for the reception and how bright it will likely be. If you wanted bright, airy looking photos but your venue only has limited lighting with no natural light, your photos will reflect that.

newly weds stood on a bridge in a city at golden hour, embracing each other and kissing

Skipping the Pre-Wedding meeting


Your photographer should understand your vision, key moments, and family dynamics before the wedding day. Skipping this step can lead to miscommunication and missed shots.


How to avoid this:

• Have a chat with your photographer before the wedding to discuss must-have shots, family dynamics, and your exact wedding schedule.

• If you are able to, have a face to face meeting with your photographer - this is understandably hard during peak wedding season, therefore, book your meeting well in advance if possible.

• Discuss with your photographer a list of important group photos, but trust your photographer to capture natural moments too. 99% of guests will be on your natural, candid photos at some point of the day.

A dad, upset at seeing his daughter in her wedding dress for the first time.

Being Too Focused on the Camera


It’s natural to want the perfect shots, but if you’re too focused on posing or looking at the camera all the time, you might miss out on genuine, emotional moments.


How to avoid this:

• Relax and trust your photographer! The best wedding photos are the unposed, candid moments of laughter, tears, love and drunk antics. Ask any of my previous couples which photo is their favourite and I can guarantee that they like an unposed, natural photograph, full of emotion the best.

• Focus on each other, not the camera. Interact naturally, forget that I'm there and let me capture the magic as it unfolds.

• Enjoy your day first and foremost! The more you embrace the moment, the better your photos will be.

A newly wed couple walking hand in hand in a forest clearing sharing laughter

Final Thoughts


Avoiding these common wedding photography mistakes will help to ensure that your photos are everything you’ve dreamed of. Natural, beautiful, and full of emotion.

I have a few secret tips up my sleeve to get lovely photos on your wedding day but you will have to book me to find out what they are!

If you’re planning your wedding, get in touch to find out more about my wedding photography and how I can make your day that little bit less awkward for you.


Chris xx


A newly wed couple having their first kiss at a rustic wedding venue in Cheshire