5 Secrets to a Picture-Perfect Wedding Ceremony

Your wedding ceremony is the heart of your big day—a deeply personal and emotional moment where your love story takes center stage. As a wedding photographer, I’ve had the privilege of capturing countless ceremonies, and I want to share five practical tips to help make your ceremony picture-perfect and stress-free.

Brides holding hand in front of arbor at Waterville Valley wedding ceremony by nh wedding photographer Lisa Smith Photography

1. Hold Hands

There’s something truly powerful about holding hands during your ceremony. Not only does it symbolize your connection and support for one another, but it also helps create beautiful, natural photos. When you’re holding hands, your body language says everything—your love, your excitement, and even a touch of those nervous giggles!

From a photographer’s perspective, holding hands also keeps you close together, making it easier to capture both of your expressions in one shot. So when in doubt, reach out for your partner’s hand!

2. Have the Officiant Ask Guests to Be Seated

If your officiant is a friend or relative, it’s easy to overlook small details like asking your guests to sit down. However, this is crucial for both the flow of your ceremony and your wedding photos.

Groom reading vows to bride during wedding ceremony by nh wedding photographer Lisa Smith Photography

As a shorter photographer (yes, I own it!), nothing is more challenging than trying to photograph the ceremony while guests are standing. I want to be able to capture every beautiful moment without a sea of heads blocking the view. Make sure your officiant gives a warm reminder for everyone to take their seats after the bride walks down the aisle—it’s a simple but essential step!

3. Practice Your First Kiss

Confession time: I didn’t love my own first kiss photos! Looking back, I wish I had taken a moment to practice. While the kiss is spontaneous and romantic, a quick practice session before the big day can make all the difference.

Think about the placement of your hands and arms, and how you’ll lean in. You don’t need to make it overly staged, but even a little practice can help you both feel more confident and ensure the moment looks as amazing as it feels.

Bride and grooms first kiss at Cobb Hill Estate wedding ceremony by nh wedding photographer Lisa Smith Photography

4. Hold the First Kiss

Speaking of the kiss, here’s a photographer’s golden rule: Hold it for a few seconds.

When you kiss and immediately pull away, it’s easy to miss the shot. By holding your kiss for just a few extra seconds, I can capture that perfect moment—the emotion, the joy, and the cheers from your guests in the background. Trust me, you’ll be glad you did!

5. Show the Fingers When Placing the Ring

Bride placing ring on grooms hand during wedding ceremony at Pembroke Pines Country Club by nh wedding photographer Lisa Smith Photography

While exchanging rings is one of the most meaningful parts of your ceremony, it can also be one of the trickiest moments to photograph if the hand is hidden.

To make sure this special moment is beautifully captured, turn slightly toward your guests or hold the hand in a way that keeps the ring finger visible. It might feel a little awkward in the moment, but the resulting photos will be stunning and timeless!