A Guide to Wedding Photography Styles: What’s Your Perfect Match?
- First Look
- Sep 24
- 3 min read
Your wedding photographs will be treasured for a lifetime, so choosing the right wedding photography style is just as important as finding your dream dress or the perfect wedding venue. With so many talented New Zealand photographers offering unique approaches, it can feel overwhelming for couples to know which style is best for their wedding day.
To make the decision easier, we’ve put together this guide to the most popular wedding photography styles and what kind of couple or wedding vibe each one suits.
Classic / Traditional Wedding Photography
Think timeless poses, structured group shots, and photos that wouldn’t look out of place in your parents’ wedding album. Classic wedding photography is all about capturing the essential moments in a polished way.
Best suited for: Couples who value tradition and want a wedding album that will stand the test of time without feeling trendy or fleeting.
Documentary Wedding Photography
This style takes a candid, fly-on-the-wall approach. The photographer focuses on genuine emotions and spontaneous moments rather than posed shots, telling the story of your wedding day as it unfolds.
Best suited for: Couples who want authenticity and emotion captured, including the laughter, the tears, and all the in-between moments of their wedding celebrations.
Editorial Wedding Photography
Inspired by glossy fashion magazines, editorial wedding photography is all about drama, artistry, and style. Think striking angles, styled portraits, and a sense of grandeur that could grace the pages of Vogue.
Best suited for: Couples who love the idea of their wedding photos doubling as works of art and who aren’t afraid of the camera.
Fine Art Wedding Photography
Light, airy, and romantic, fine art wedding photography often uses natural light, soft tones, and a touch of whimsy. It’s highly stylised yet delicate, with an emphasis on beauty and emotion.
Best suited for: Couples dreaming of an ethereal, romantic wedding aesthetic that feels timeless yet creative.
Dark and Moody Wedding Photography
Moody wedding photography uses rich tones, dramatic lighting, and deep contrasts to create emotive, cinematic images. It’s less about perfection and more about atmosphere and storytelling.
Best suited for: Couples who want a modern, edgy vibe, or who are planning a wedding in a dramatic setting.
Film Wedding Photography
Film has made a big comeback in modern weddings, and for good reason. Film wedding photography delivers a nostalgic, grainy, and often unpredictable beauty that digital cameras can’t quite replicate. Many wedding photographers now offer hybrid packages (digital + film).
Best suited for: Couples who appreciate nostalgia, artistry, and a touch of imperfection in their wedding photos.
Lifestyle Wedding Photography
Lifestyle photography sits somewhere between documentary and posed wedding photography. It captures natural interactions such as a couple laughing together, but with gentle guidance from the photographer to ensure the shot looks its best.
Best suited for: Couples who like the idea of candid, fun images but also want a little direction to make sure they look flattering and polished.
How to Choose the Right Wedding Photography Style for You
Think about your personality. Do you love being in front of the camera, or do you prefer candid, natural wedding photography?
Match it to your wedding vibe. A black-tie ballroom celebration might suit editorial photography, while a rustic barn wedding could look dreamy in fine art or moody tones.
Look at full wedding galleries. Instagram highlights can be deceiving. Always ask to see a photographer’s full gallery to ensure you love their consistent style.
Trust your gut. The right wedding photographer is the one whose work makes you excited to imagine your wedding album.
Your wedding photos are more than just images, they are the memories you will cherish for years to come. By choosing a wedding photography style that reflects your personality, venue, and wedding vision, you will ensure your album tells your love story in the most meaningful way.
Looking for talented wedding photographers who match your dream style?
Explore our directory for inspiration and discover the perfect match for your big day.
Some of our recommended wedding photographers:
