Alternative Wedding Portraits

Alternative Wedding Portraits for laidback couples!

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In recent years there seems to be a shift away from “traditional” wedding ideas. Weddings used to be classic, white-dress-church-service occasions. But more and more happy couples are choosing their own ides and motifs – and I am definitely here for it!

One aspect that has definitely changed is the photos of the newlyweds. Traditionally this has been very rigid and by-the-book. These still look absolutely fine – it’s a timeless look – but can occasionally look flat or lifeless. Alternative wedding portraits however bring a bit of life back to the genre.

In my view – these are portraits that really capture the personality of the couple. They work especially well if they’re spur-of-the-moment, too . By capturing a quick moment – it’s easier to represent the couple’s vibe. A lot of the couples I work with specifically book me because they don’t necessarily want to pose in a traditional manner (or at all!) and that’s really when alternative wedding portraits come in to their own.

Here’s some examples from 2024:

Danielle & Mat admitted to being quite camera-shy before their wedding and we kept portraits to a minimum. When they told me their reception was at an iconic non-league football ground though I knew where those photos were going to be taken!

We weren’t allowed to go on the pitch itself (my original idea was to use one of the goals) but the home dugout provided us with a brilliant alternative. The happy couple were good sports (pardon the pun) and were up for creating a unique wedding portrait for sure.

Another last-minute one for Siobhan & Mark. The couple were waiting to use the secret lift at their reception venue, The Fountain House in Manchester. Their guests had already taken the stairs up and it gave the newlyweds a bit of a breather. And a minute to snap a quick set of alternative wedding portraits.

Manchester is full of amazing architecture, perfect for the background – especially with the contrast of Siobhan’s white dress against the black door behind her.

This one with Hannah & Jason is different, but still composed on the spot as we saw how amazing the scenery was at their Peak District wedding reception. It was a beautifully sunny day – perfect October weather! – which meant plenty of time outside, thankfully. The couple trusted me as I sat them down and asked them to stay still for a minute, as I backed up. And backed up. And backed up!

The distance meant I could capture as much of the stunning background as possible, with the couple highlighted in the centre. Another great, improvised alternative wedding portrait.

And of course we can’t forget the iconic shoot on the 192 bus from Candice & Nathan!

Are alternative wedding portraits very much your vibe? Give me a shout and let’s shoot something fun and unique on your big day!