As a wedding photographer, I love fun weddings full of real moments. Of course, I love the pretty portraits too, but I’m a true believer that the photos you’ll look back on when you’re 60 — the ones that will make you smile and laugh — are the photos of fun, real and unplanned moments.
You’d think these moments just happen at every wedding. While all weddings do have some of them, they often occur less than you might expect. Stress, family dynamics, a rigid timeline, or even the wrong vendor team can all put a damper on natural moments. So, if you want your gallery to be packed with photos full of good energy and lots of fun, here are 10 ways to make sure that happens:
1. Pick the Right Photographer
Choosing a photographer is one of the biggest decisions of your wedding. Don’t pick someone solely because they promise fun photos — you’ll also want to consider whether you vibe with them, whether they have the experience to handle your day, and if their style consistently resonates with couples like you.
Great photographers capture a mix: beautiful portraits, intimate moments, and wild, candid dance floor photos. But most lean one way or another. Some are more editorial, some more romantic, and some thrive on fun and spontaneity. No one can be the best at everything, so decide what matters most to you and find someone who excels in that area — while still giving you a balanced mix. (View our deep dive on this here)
2. Consider the Videographer Too
Don’t overlook your videographer when building your vendor team. If your photographer is laid-back and loves capturing natural moments, but your videographer directs every second, it can kill the vibe. The flow of the day matters — and when it feels natural fun photos thrive. Make sure your photo and video teams complement each other’s approach. (View our deep dive on this here)
3. Build in Buffer Time
Nothing kills fun like being rushed. If you planned an hour for portraits but only end up with 15 minutes because hair and makeup ran late and you didn’t build in any buffer time, you won’t be able to be relaxed in front of the camera. Pad your timeline. A little breathing room means less stress, more laughter, and more space for genuine moments to unfold. (View our deep dive on this here)
4. Do the Planning Ahead of Time
Take care of as many details as you can before the wedding day so you’re not stressing about tiny things. A couple who’s worried about whether the candles got lit or the cake is in the right spot will have a harder time letting loose. Hire good vendors, trust them, and let yourself be fully present. (View our deep dive on this here)
5. Have a Good Crew
Surround yourself with people who bring energy, laughter, and positivity. The size of your wedding party doesn’t matter nearly as much as the personalities in it. If you’ve got a hype person in your group, their energy spreads — and those moments always translate into fun photos. (View our deep dive on this here)
6. Play to the Camera (a Little)
Here’s a secret: truly 100% candid photos at weddings are rare. The best “candid” photos usually happen when couples lean into the moment instead of pretending the camera isn’t there. Don’t be afraid to exaggerate a laugh, dip your partner a little harder, or face towards the camera more of the dance floor. The camera loves energy. (View our deep dive on this here)
7. Practice Being Photographed
Unfortunately, very few people are born with the gift of looking, and feeling, natural on camera. The only way is through lots of practice. And not that old wedding photography tip of: “Do an engagement shoot because it is good practice.” Doing something one time for about an hour, roughly 1 year before your wedding will actually make little to no difference. But taking photos with friends or your fiancé often and, even better, having your friends take your photo helps you get more comfortable. I’m not saying you have to go around and take all these photos if that isn’t your style. I’m just saying that of our hundreds of brides the ones that are by far the most “natural” on camera are the ones that have done it the most. (View our deep dive on this here)
8. Don’t Overthink It
We’ve all seen photos where we look stiff, unsure of what to do with our hands. The truth is, the more you think about it, the worse it looks. Relax, let go, and focus on the people around you. Genuine emotions always read better in photos than posed perfection. As I always say: perfect is overrated. So don’t be afraid of doing it wrong or if something isn’t perfect. Lean into the moment and stop overthinking. PS: Yes you will look dumb and awkward in some photos. So what? The best photos happen right on the edge between awesome and terrible so don’t give up on great photos because you are overthinking that you may look dumb. You will in some, but you will also look amazing in others. (View our deep dive on this here)
9. Make the Dance Floor Epic
Want wild dance floor photos? You have to set the tone. If you and your partner are out there dancing, everyone else will follow. Even if you’re not the life of the party type, your energy matters. The more fun you have, the more contagious it becomes — and the photos will reflect that. (View our deep dive on this here)
10. Create Fun Opportunities
Don’t leave all the fun up to chance. Build it into the day! Think champagne towers, confetti tosses or fun dance floor accessories. And no I don’t mean those awful white foam “glow” sticks. They photograph terribly, end up on the ground and are just all around the worst. Instead opt for fun options for people like custom hats. These planned elements create natural chances for fun, real reactions, and unforgettable photos. Just remember: keep it authentic to you so it doesn’t feel forced or cheesy. (View our deep dive on this here)
Bonus: Don’t Forget to Actually Have Fun
It sounds obvious, but this is actually the most important tip: the best way to get fun wedding photos is to actually have fun. Gorgeous décor and big budgets can’t replace real happiness. Some of our favorite galleries come from weddings that were simple but full of laughter. Don’t stress over the little stuff, be present, and enjoy the people around you. That’s what makes the photos unforgettable.