Wedding Photography Styles: How to Choose the Right One for Your Big Day

Your wedding photos will be one of the few tangible things you have long after the day is over—so choosing the right photography style is just as important as choosing the photographer. Every photographer has a unique approach, and understanding the different wedding photography styles can help you find the perfect fit for your vision.

Below, we break down the most popular wedding photography styles and include a checklist to help you decide what matters most to you.

1. Traditional / Classic Wedding Photography

Traditional Classic Photography

• This style focuses on posed, timeless images and formal portraits.

• Carefully posed family and wedding party photos

• Classic compositions

• Easy

Best for couples who:

• Want timeless, traditional images

• Value formal family portraits

  Prefer structure and guidance

2. Photojournalistic / Documentary Photography

Photojournalist documentary photography

• This style captures real moments as they naturally unfold.

• Candid, emotional moments

• Minimal posing

• Storytelling approach

Best for couples who:

• Want authentic, unscripted images

• Prefer natural emotions over posed shots

• Want their wedding day told like a story

3. Fine Art Wedding Photography

Fine art wedding photography

• Fine art photography is creative, intentional, and often editorial in feel.

• Soft lighting and artistic compositions

• Thoughtful posing

• Images that feel like magazine spreads

Best for couples who:

• Love an editorial, elegant aesthetic

• Appreciate creativity and artistic direction

• Want frame-worthy images

4. Editorial / Fashion-Inspired Photography

Editorial or fashion-inspired photography

• This style is bold, dramatic, and inspired by fashion magazines.

• Strong poses

• Dramatic lighting

• High-impact images

  
  

  Best for couples who:

• Love fashion and style

• Want dramatic, statement images

• Enjoy being directed and posed

5. Lifestyle Wedding Photography

Lifestyle wedding photography

• Lifestyle photography blends candid moments with light direction.

• Natural interactions

• Soft posing prompts

• Relaxed and emotional images

Best for couples who:

• Want natural-looking photos

• Feel camera-shy

• Want a mix of posed and candid moments

6. Dark & Moody Photography

This style uses shadows and contrast to create depth and emotion.

Dark & moody photography

• Deep tones and rich colors

• Dramatic lighting

• Romantic, cinematic feel

Best for couples who:

• Love dramatic imagery

• Are drawn to rich, emotional tones

• Prefer mood over brightness

7. Light & Airy Photography

Light and airy photography

• This style emphasizes brightness, softness, and pastel tones.

• Bright whites and soft colors

• Dreamy, romantic feel

• Natural light

Best for couples who:

• Love bright, clean images

• Are planning an outdoor or daytime wedding

• Prefer soft and romantic tones

How to Choose Your Wedding Photography Style

Most photographers blend multiple styles, so the key is finding someone whose overall look and approach align with your vision.

Wedding Photography Style Checklist

Use these questions to guide your decision to the types of photography you gravitate towards:

• Do I prefer candid moments or posed portraits?

• Do I want bright and airy images or dark and moody tones?

• Do I love editorial, magazine-style photos?

• Do I want my photographer to give a lot of direction or stay in the background?

• Do I value storytelling over traditional portraits, or both?

• Do I feel emotionally connected to the photographer’s work?

• Can I imagine myself in their portfolio images?

• Does their editing style feel timeless to me?

Final Tip

When choosing a photographer, don’t just look at a few highlight images—ask to see full wedding galleries. This gives you a better idea of consistency, storytelling, and how they capture every part of the day.

Your wedding photos should feel like you, authentic, emotional, and timeless.