Wedding Portraits have been around for thousands of years. In fact, the first recorded matrimonial images date all the way back to the 1840s! But your wedding portraits don’t need to look dated. They can reflect your personalities as well as all the other details you’ve created for the occasion with just a few simple twists! Whether you’re all about tradition, you’re looking to shake things up, or you just want your images to feel personal, read on for my favorite alternatives for traditional wedding portraits. 

1. Alternatives to the “First Look”

Even though the “first look” photo used to be one that occurred during the ceremony, it’s one that’s evolved into a romantic moment between bride and groom, away from the eyes of all invited. And even though it’s a newer tradition, it’s an image that makes it onto almost every shot list for wedding portraits. Why? This now-normal photo op allows your wedding photographer to get more images and wedding portraits without the stress of capturing the whole wedding party and all the family iterations in the same time window. It also gives you more time (and more images) of the initial first reactions without worrying about moving on with the ceremony. Plus it simply gives you a moment away from all the buzz of your guests. 

And while fitting in a “first look” before the ceremony might be some couple’s idea of breaking tradition, you might still looking for an alternative to what’s made its way into the norm for wedding portraits.

Here are my ideas for sweet alternatives to the “first look”:

• If you don’t want to stray too far from tradition, a “first touch” could give the same time and intimacy without spoiling the tradition of that first down-the-aisle moment. Stand on opposite sides of a wall or doorway, stand back-to-back, stay blindfolded, or even reach/talk through some of your gorgeous decor.
  
• Want to maximize time for wedding portraits without revealing your gown to the groom too soon? Try a “first look” with your bridal party! You’ll get those photos out of the way early, and you’ll capture the genuine reactions of your closest family and friends. (Waiting until the ceremony all but guarantees your photographers will be focused on the groom in those moments.) If your tribe has been with you every moment of the getting-ready process, opt for a “first look” with your parents, grandparents or siblings, instead.
  
• If you’re eager to share a genuine “first look,” but you don’t want your images to look like every other, if possible, try to include your pets. Trust me, they’re reactions will be just as priceless as yours! Plus it’s the perfect way to incorporate your four-legged friends that doesn’t interfere with the actual ceremony. Snap some pet-friendly wedding portraits before the hubbub, in a quiet and controlled environment. 

2. Alternatives to Family Wedding Portraits

Family wedding portraits don’t need to be stressful. And they don’t need to look stressed, either! Don’t get me wrong. These images are an important part of the day! Let’s face it, times when the whole family is together are few and far between. But that doesn’t mean these wedding portraits can’t break the mold a bit.

To capture all of the generations together without a gallery of images that feel like a generation or two ahead of yours, try these alternatives:

• Keep it candid! If stiff, posed photos aren’t your thing, try planning an activity like arranging bouquets, releasing balloons or toasting the bride and groom for your family wedding portraits. Having something to focus on besides the stand-and-cheese will result in joy-filled images that better reflect your family dynamics year round.
  
• Pose with props! Whether it’s sunglasses, signs with hand-written well wishes, flowers or hats, having some tangible items to break the ice can often bridge the gap between photo booth-style images and traditional wedding portraits. You keep the tried and true stand-and-smile, but add a bit of fun that keeps things light and joyful.
  
• Take them separately! I know this sounds like one more thing you’ll need to figure out, but more and more couples are choosing to take their family wedding portraits outside the big day. And it doesn’t have to add stress to your plate! Incorporating family photos into a pre-existing event like the rehearsal dinner or morning-after breakfast can be a great way to give those wedding portraits the different, more relaxed look and feel you’re looking for.

3. Alternatives to Bridal Portraits

We’ve already talked about the importance of bridal portraits. But what about the importance of making them feel uniquely you? I know it can be tricky. Venues aren’t exactly designed with these portraits in mind, so it’s tough to find the perfect backdrop. Plus, odds are you’re not one for wearing gowns in full glam on a daily basis, so sometimes it’s hard to make these wedding portraits feel and look natural. I hear you! I want you to feel comfortable and like yourself as you capture these treasured images. If you’re planning a test run before the big day, I highly recommend taking your bridal wedding portraits then—stress free!

That said, let’s look at some alternatives to the traditional bridal portrait:

• Don’t be afraid to bring some drama! I mean why not? You’re already dressed up like a model! If you’re worried about damaging your dress, you don’t need to walk through a field to get some stunning dramatic shots. Why not bring your photographer to an art gallery? Or maybe a ballroom or library? Does your location have a historic old building? That could be just the place to make sure these images are included, but not lost in the wedding gallery.
  
• If you’re planning bridal portraits on the wedding day, try to stay away from locations that are being used for other photos. There are usually some picturesque places for the bridal party pictures, plus the obvious ceremony site and suites for getting ready. But what’s YOUR favorite spot on the grounds? Bridal portraits should show you off from the inside out, so find a place on-site that speaks to you. Find somewhere you genuinely want to spend time. Even if it’s a big doorway, an open window, a cozy corner or quiet hallway! The more natural you feel, the less awkward (and more unique) these portraits will be.
  
• Making your bridal portraits feel intentional can help steer you away from traditional posed shots. Instead of holding your bouquet, hold a significant item like a family heirloom. Or try a single flower, or treasured gift from your future spouse. Looking for something more modern and fun? Ditch the bouquet for your favorite sports equipment, beverage or snack.

No matter the vibe you’re going for, your wedding portraits should reflect your love story. Let your personality shine! Do you have your own ideas for alternatives to tradition? Let’s chat! I’d love to bring your vision to life.

To me, family wedding portraits are a must at every wedding. Yes, bridal portraits and pictures of the happy couple are definitely important, but oftentimes, a wedding serves as a family reunion!  That makes family wedding portraits important keepsakes, documenting those rare occasions when everyone is all together—and dressed up! Trust me, you’ll cherish every photo from the big day, but nine times out of 10, these are the most shared (and most printed out!) images, loved and kept by every family member. 

But with multiple people in an image, and multiple generations to boot, family wedding portraits need a little bit of planning to pull off, and pull off well. So without further ado, here are my top tips for stress-free family wedding portraits (even with kids!)

1. Communicate in advance

If portraits are something you’re definitely looking for, and you know there’s a lot of family to capture, talk with your wedding photographer well in advance. They’re likely building out a schedule of the day, and knowing this is something that needs to be prioritized (and could take a while!) will help make sure everything runs smoothly. While you’re chatting, be sure to mention any challenges like sticky family relationships, multiple children, older family members, etc. I’ve been photographing weddings more than 10 years now, and I can tell you there’s no such thing as too much information! Especially when it comes to being prepared. 

It’s also helpful to have a shot list written out and ready to go. That way your family can work with your photographer to keep things moving efficiently! If there are groupings of people you know you want photographed (or some you know you don’t!), communicate those pairings before the big day. Need some help thinking it through? Here are some ideas to get the ball rolling!

• Bride with mom
• Groom with mom
• Bride with dad
• Groom with dad
• Bride with mom and dad
• Groom with mom and dad
• Bride and groom with bride’s parents
• Bride and groom with groom’s parents
• Bride and groom with bride’s parents and siblings
• Bride and groom with groom’s parents and siblings
• Bride and groom with bride’s parents, siblings, and siblings families
• Bride and groom with groom’s parents, singlings, and siblings families
• Bride and groom with bride’s parents, siblings, siblings families, and maternal grandparents
• Bride and groom with groom’s parents, siblings, siblings families, and maternal grandparents
• Bride and groom with bride’s parents, siblings, siblings families, and paternal grandparents
• Bride and groom with groom’s parents, siblings, siblings families, and paternal grandparents
• Bride and Groom with paternal grandparents
• Bride and Groom with maternal grandparents
• Bride and groom with bride’s immediate and extended family
• Bride and groom with groom’s immediate and extended family

2. Have a Designated Time Just For Family Wedding Portraits

Family wedding portraits take time, and you want to make sure they’re done well. So my best advice? Don’t try to squeeze them in somewhere on an already eventful day! Talk it over with your wedding crew, decide on a timeframe, and make sure that schedule is clearly communicated with everyone who is expected for photos. Believe me, nothing breaks the momentum of a wedding schedule like needing to track people down! I recommend checking family wedding portraits off the shot list early, before you start to lose the youngest and oldest generations. Whatever fits best into your day, here are some tried and true times to think about:

• Before the ceremony
  This one only works if you’re doing a “first look,” or if you simply don’t mind seeing each other before that trip down the aisle. Those moments in between getting ready and all the festivities is generally the quietest occasion, and fitting your portraits in before the business can be just the ticket for stress-free images. (Plus no one has teared up and smudged their makeup yet!)
  
• During cocktail hour
  While your friends are all enjoying the atmosphere (and talking about your gorgeous ceremony!), slip your family into a separate location for some family wedding portraits. This is a great alternative for couples who skip the first look, or just want to wait until the knot’s been tied to move onto any photo formalities. 
  
• At the rehearsal dinner
  Feeling stressed trying to fit more into your day-of schedule? Who says you need to take family wedding portraits on your wedding day? Whether you take them at the rehearsal dinner the night before or at brunch the next morning, whenever your family is in town, your wedding photographer can make it work. You’ve got enough going on during your wedding day. Why not add another day of fun to the occasion?

3. Delegate Tasks

Last but not least, make sure you delegate tasks, and communicate expectations clearly! Coordinating family members can be challenging, but putting someone in charge of gathering people, someone in charge of entertaining kids, someone in charge of communication, etc. can go a long way in making sure your family wedding portraits run smoothly. You might even need a buffer person to navigate family dynamics! Planning makes everything easier, even when it comes to wedding portraits. So here are some things you can take off your plate (and give to someone else!):

• The people coordinator. This person will track everyone down and make sure they’re in the right place at the designated time.
  
• The prop collector. This person will make sure you have all the bouquets, sunglasses, sparklers, etc. needed for your perfect family wedding portraits.
  
• The entertainer. This person will be in charge of entertaining any children present for photos, armed with snacks and activities to keep tummies full, outfits clean, and faces smiling. If the entertainer also needs to take photos, have a backup handy to step in and take over when needed. Grandparents are usually great for this!
  
• The touch-up giver. This person will come prepared with hairspray, lip color, etc. to touch up any hair and makeup imperfections, and be in charge of checking each person before they step in front of the lens.
  
• The communicator. This person will loop everyone in on the schedule and plan beforehand, then keep everyone up-to-date on any changes, expectations, etc.

Need some more inspiration? I’ve got you covered! Check out my five steps to stunning bridal portraits, or my five tips for a successful family photo session here.