My top 4 non-traditional wedding shots you should try

You’ve got the traditional wedding shots that the majority of couples will want, but what if you want to try something a little different?

There’s some great ideas for wedding shots that aren’t a go-to for every couple, but could be a great addition to your wedding that produce some amazing shots. Here’s my top unconventional wedding shots that you might want to try:

Pre-Ceremony letter or gift

This shot involves the bride and the groom writing letters for eachother or getting eachother a small gift, that is then given to them once they’ve both finished getting ready. They’ll open it in a moment alone by themselves, reading the words their partner has written for them before the ceremony, and the reactions from this can produce some of the most stunning, emotive wedding shots of the happy couple.

One way to elevate this even further, is by trying to construct the moment as a surprise. Getting your family members and photographer to work together to produce the pre-prepared letter or gift at a moment when the bride and groom aren’t expecting it will heighten their reactions even more.

First look

One that very much treads on traditional toes! For this shot, the bride and groom actually see eachother for the first time just before the ceremony starts, rather than when the bride walks down the aisle. Once they are both ready, the groom will make his way to an arranged spot, with his back turned or eyes closed, and the bride will meet him and ask him to turn around or open his eyes so they can see eachother for the first time. They share this moment, just the two of them, and the shots are stunning. It’s a fantastic way to capture high quality, emotive shots of the couples reaction to seeing eachother in their wedding attire.

First Look’s will involve some shuffling round of your wedding itinerary, so it will need to be planned in advance and be a built in part of your overall wedding schedule. But, seeing eachother in wedding attire is one of the most beautiful moments of the wedding, and the best part is, the couple gets more time to enjoy this moment with their partner through doing a first look, and they get some incredible shots.

Sparkler Exit

The Sparkler Exit usually comes at the end of the reception when the couple are leaving, and when the sun has set. As the couple are leaving, everyone lines up with sparklers this time and are holding or waving them as the couple make their way out. Often, a pause, spin or even a kiss are thrown in at the end or in the middle of the couples walk down through the rows of sparklers. With the sun being set, and the sparklers providing the light sources – these shots really can be magical.

Similarly with the first look, the sparkler exit will need to be built into your wedding itinerary and sparklers provided to guests at the right time. You'll also need to check this is ok with your wedding venue! A really nice one to build in if you can and would like a couple of dreamy wedding shots to add to your collection.

Movie stills and pop culture

One of my favourites! Weddings are very personal experiences. So why not come away with some highly personalised photos, by recreating some of the more fun shots that could be inspired by they couples’ favourite artists, album covers, movies, tv series and more. It’s a way to add a little bit of fun to your wedding day, and to also come away with some photos that are a little different and will make you smile.

A few key tips for you! A good time to do these shots would be at family and couple portraits time, and it’s important to give this sort of request to your photographer when they're creating your shot list. Another thing that will help is relevant props and playing music that helps to get everybody in the right vibe for the photo – e.g. if you’re doing an action-movie inspired walking shot of the groom and his groomsmen like above, why not play chariots of fire or the James Bond themetune to help everyone really get in character!