Choosing the right photography style for your wedding is crucial—it sets the tone for how your memories will be captured and preserved. With so many styles available, it can feel overwhelming to decide what resonates most with you and what you’ll continue to love 50+ years from today. To help you navigate this decision, here’s a breakdown of the most popular wedding photography styles: documentary, editorial, docu-editorial, cinematic, and fine art.
How to Choose Your Style
- Look at past photography you love – What kind of wedding images draw you in? Save a collection of your favorites and see which style emerges.
- Consider your venue and wedding aesthetic – A destination wedding may lend itself well to docu-editorial photography, while a historic ballroom could shine with the flash of editorial photography.
- Consult with photographers – Share your vision with potential photographers and ask about their signature style. Many professionals blend styles to create a unique approach. However, don’t expect a photographer to change their signature style altogether to fit your vision.
- Think about emotions vs. aesthetics – Do you prioritize raw, emotional moments (documentary) or curated, editorial poses (editorial)?
Photography Styles
1. Documentary
Also known as photojournalistic photography, this style captures real, unposed moments as they unfold. The goal is to tell the story of your day authentically without staging or interference. In this style, messy realness is encouraged. Your photographer will likely not step in to clear a space or recreate a moment, rather letting things occur exactly as they are.
Best for: Couples who value genuine, unscripted moments and want their wedding day captured in its most natural form. If you hate being in front of a camera, this may be a good option for you.
2. Editorial
Editorial wedding photography takes inspiration from fashion. It features carefully posed shots, high-end styling, and dramatic compositions, making the couple look like they belong on the cover of Vogue. This style also emphasizes direct flash vs. only using natural light.
Best for: Couples who love a polished, luxurious look with a focus on fashion and dramatic aesthetics. Expect your photographer to carve out a decent amount of time for any portraits, carefully pose you and guide you any through movements.
3. Docu-Editorial
This style blends elements of both documentary and editorial photography into one. It captures candid, real moments while also incorporating a refined and artfully composed aesthetic. Typically portraits will have elements of editorial styling, while the rest of the gallery will be told in a documentary style.
Best for: Couples who want the best of both worlds—natural storytelling with a high-end, magazine-worthy portraits.
5. Cinematic
Inspired by movie stills, cinematic photography emphasizes dramatic lighting, rich colors, and deep contrasts. This style often includes creative compositions and storytelling elements to evoke emotion.
Best for: Couples who want their wedding photos to feel like a beautifully curated film with moody and artistic flair.
6. Fine Art
Fine art wedding photography is all about artistic composition, delicate lighting, and a painterly approach. It often includes film photography, drone photography, and intentional framing to create museum-quality images.
Best for: Couples who appreciate artistic expression and want their wedding photos to be timeless, elegant, and refined.
Final Thoughts
Your wedding photos should reflect your personal taste and the atmosphere of your big day. By understanding the differences between these styles, you’ll be better equipped to find a photographer whose vision aligns with yours.
Which style speaks to you the most? Let us know in the comments!
