The most amazing wedding photographer we could have ever hoped for!

Forget stiff smiles and posed line-ups. Alternative wedding photography is all about natural moments—capturing people as they are, not as they think they should be. The big belly laughs. The tears held back. The impromptu dance-offs. The whispered jokes no one else hears. These are the frames that will mean something in years to come.

This approach thrives on observation. A skilled photographer blends into the background, waiting for those fleeting seconds that often go unnoticed. Nothing staged. Nothing forced. Just real life, unfolding beautifully.

Choosing the Right Setting

You don’t need a stately home or a traditional church to make magic. Alternative wedding photography often shines brightest in unexpected places. Think urban rooftops, coastal cliffs, woodland clearings, or even your local pub. The location becomes part of the story—chosen because it means something to you, not because it looks a certain way.

The more personal the setting, the more relaxed and authentic you’ll feel. And that always translates into better photos. Whether you’re eloping in the Highlands or tying the knot in a back garden in Brighton, it’s about documenting your day, your way.

Styling with Intention

Alternative doesn’t mean chaotic—it means considered. Many couples who lean into this style are incredibly intentional with how they design their day. From handpicked vintage attire to eclectic decor choices, every detail reflects their personality.

This is where photography becomes more than documentation—it becomes art. It’s about seeing the poetry in the details: a hand-painted leather jacket, a neon sign quoting your favourite song, or mismatched chairs collected from friends and family. When photographed with care, these choices tell a powerful visual story.

Techniques That Break the Mould

Creative freedom is at the heart of alternative photography. That might mean shooting with natural light to enhance mood and emotion, using prisms or reflections to create dreamlike effects, or experimenting with double exposures and film grain to add texture.

Black and white imagery is often used for its timeless feel. Or perhaps a bold, cinematic edit with moody shadows and golden tones suits your vibe better. It’s not about fitting into a particular style—it’s about tailoring the aesthetic to suit the energy of your day.

How to Make the Most of Alternative Photography

1. Be Yourselves: It sounds obvious, but the best photos come when you stop performing. Laugh loud. Cry hard. Dance badly. Be real.
2. Plan Less, Feel More: Allow space for the unexpected. Sometimes the unscripted bits become your favourite memories.
3. Share Your Story: Talk to your photographer about who you are as a couple—how you met, what makes you tick, what you love. It helps them shoot with intention.
4. Trust the Process: If your photographer suggests sneaking out for sunset portraits or getting a little muddy for the perfect frame, go with it. The results are often magic.

Why Couples Choose This Style

The shift toward alternative wedding photography mirrors a wider movement: people are increasingly choosing experiences over perfection. It’s no longer about crafting an idealised version of a wedding—it’s about embracing what’s real.

Couples choosing this route are often creative souls, free spirits, or simply those who value meaning over mimicry. They want their wedding to reflect who they are—not what tradition dictates.

And this philosophy extends to the photography. They’re not looking for 500 posed shots. They’re looking for honesty. Energy. Emotion. A tangible feeling of the day, preserved forever.

Alternative Doesn’t Mean Anti-Tradition

It’s worth saying: alternative doesn’t mean rejecting every tradition. It just means choosing which ones serve you. Some couples still opt for a white dress or a classic first dance—but they pair it with a tattoo station or a food truck serving tacos.

It’s about balance. About curating a day that’s entirely yours. And the photography should follow suit—capturing the little rebellions and the quiet traditions alike, without judgement or agenda.

Final Thoughts

Alternative wedding photography is more than a trend—it’s a testament to modern love. It celebrates character over convention. Soul over surface. Story over script.

If you’re the kind of couple that values truth, creativity, and a bit of beautiful chaos, then this approach might be exactly what you’re looking for. Forget the rulebook. Focus on connection. Let the day unfold. And trust your photographer to tell the story—exactly as it deserves to be told.

Because at the end of it all, the best wedding photos aren’t the most polished—they’re the most you.