Ceremony Tips for Couples Getting Married
If you’re reading this, chances are you’re knee-deep in wedding planning and maybe a little overwhelmed by all the moving pieces. We get it—between picking flowers, managing guest lists, and figuring out whether you really need chair covers (spoiler: you probably don’t), the ceremony itself can sometimes feel like an afterthought.
But here’s the thing: your ceremony is the heartbeat of your wedding day. It’s where the vows, the emotions, the nerves, and the “wow, this is really happening” moments all come together. And as wedding photographers who’ve captured over 200 ceremonies across San Antonio and beyond, we’ve learned that the difference between good ceremony photos and oh-my-goodness-I-can’t-stop-looking-at-these photos comes down to a mix of planning and presence.
Here are our best ceremony tips to help you feel confident, present, and photogenic—without ever feeling posed.
Before the Ceremony: Laying the Groundwork
Choose the right photographer for you
Obviously, we’re a little biased here. But this is important: don’t just pick a photographer because your cousin’s best friend used them or because they’re the cheapest option. Your ceremony photos are going to be the ones you frame, share, and pass down. You want someone whose style feels authentic to you—and whose presence won’t make you feel like you’re on stage.
We’ve had couples tell us, “I didn’t even notice you were there until I saw the photos later.” That’s the sweet spot.
Scout your ceremony space in advance
Lighting makes or breaks ceremony photos. Visit your venue at the exact time of day your ceremony will happen. Is the sun blasting directly into your eyes? Are there shadows from trees cutting across the aisle? If you’re getting married indoors, is the space dim or overly yellow from artificial light?
In San Antonio especially, outdoor venues can be tricky. At summer weddings, we’ve seen couples squint through vows at 3 p.m. because the sun was right in their faces. A simple shift—like angling the chairs or pushing the ceremony back an hour—can make a world of difference.
Talk to your officiant about logistics
This one doesn’t sound romantic, but it’s huge. Let your officiant know you’d like them to step slightly to the side during the first kiss (otherwise, you’ll have a floating head in the background forever). Remind them to use a microphone if the space is large. And if they have a tendency to stand right up in your space—it’s okay to politely ask them to give you some breathing room.
Set expectations with guests
Phones. We love them, but we also love when they don’t block the first kiss. If you want guests fully present, consider asking your officiant to announce a phone-free ceremony. Even if you don’t, a quick request to keep phones low goes a long way.
Pro tip: Victoria and Dalton had guests throw flower petals. This meant everyone was engaged and part of the ceremony exit instead of taking photos.
During the Ceremony: Be Present and Let Moments Happen
Slow down your walk
Whether it’s down the aisle or exiting as newlyweds, the slower you move, the more time we have to capture those moments. And slowing down helps you actually take it all in.
Focus on each other
The most powerful photos come from the way you two look at each other. Whisper a joke. Hold hands. Share a tear. Those tiny gestures speak louder than any forced smile.
We love when couples forget we’re there—it means they’re fully immersed.
Don’t fear imperfections
Wind picks up your veil? Cute. You laugh mid-vow? Adorable. You cry through half the ceremony? Even better. These are the human moments you’ll treasure.
Stand tall, but stay relaxed
A little posture goes a long way in photos. Shoulders back, but not rigid. Relax your hands. And if nerves creep in, just take a slow breath and ground yourself with a glance at your partner.
Working With Your Vendor Team
Communicate with your photographer
We love when couples tell us who and what matters most. Is there a grandma who must be captured tearing up? A child you’ve raised together who’s walking down the aisle? A cultural tradition that’s central to your story? Sharing those ahead of time helps us anticipate those moments.
Think about ceremony design
Your arch, florals, and aisle décor aren’t just pretty—they’re part of your photos. Arches placed slightly forward create depth. Florals kept at a lower height keep your faces visible. And symmetry is your friend when it comes to framing.
Manage lighting challenges
San Antonio couples—this one’s for you. Outdoor ceremonies in summer? The Texas sun is intense. Consider shaded spaces, late afternoon timings, or even renting a canopy. Indoors, a dark church can feel romantic, fortunately modern camera technology allows us to capture stunning photos in the darkest areas, and our expertise with lighting is always there is case it’s needed.
After the Ceremony: Keep the Magic Rolling
Enjoy the exit
That walk back up the aisle as newlyweds? Gold. Hold hands, kiss halfway down, pump your fists in the air—whatever feels natural. Those candid celebration shots always end up in couples’ highlight reels.
Hug your people
Don’t rush past your family and friends right after the ceremony. Those hugs, happy tears, and “can you believe it?” moments are emotional gold. Some of the most meaningful ceremony images we’ve delivered came in the five minutes after the recessional.
Capture the details before they disappear
Florals wilt. Candles burn out. Arches get dismantled. Make sure your photographer grabs detail shots of your ceremony space before it’s cleared. They’ll be part of how you remember the atmosphere years later.
San Antonio-Specific Ceremony Tips
Timing is everything
Golden hour in San Antonio is pure magic—warm, glowing, cinematic. If possible, time your ceremony so portraits happen right before or after sunset. Just avoid high noon unless you love squinting.
Weather backup plan
Texas weather loves drama. One day it’s sunny, the next it’s a monsoon. Have a rain plan. Clear tents, covered patios, or a nearby indoor space keep things stress-free.
Lean into local backdrops
San Antonio is full of character: historic missions, hacienda-style venues, sprawling oaks, and riverside views. Don’t be afraid to incorporate the local vibe into your ceremony—it adds instant storytelling to your photos.
Common Pitfalls (And How to Avoid Them)
Rushing the ceremony → Build in breathing room.
Guests with phones in the aisle → Make a polite announcement.
Officiant blocking the first kiss → Have the convo beforehand.
Ignoring light → Visit your venue at ceremony time.
Forgetting to enjoy it → Look at your partner, not the camera.
Final Thoughts
At the end of the day, your ceremony isn’t about creating flawless photos—it’s about marrying your person. The photos will naturally be beautiful if you’re present, authentic, and surrounded by the people you love.
We’ve seen it all—perfectly scripted ceremonies and wildly imperfect ones. The constant is this: the couples who are present with each other always walk away with photos they cherish most.
So breathe. Smile. Cry. Laugh. Let the wind have its way with your veil. And trust your team—especially your photographer—to capture it all in a way that tells your story for decades to come.
Reach out to us, let’s talk about how to make your ceremony memorable.