There are many valid approaches to photographing a wedding ceremony. Personally, I prefer to photograph ceremony traditions without being noticed. In other words, during the ceremony, I’m terribly discreet—allowing participants and guests to view and react to the ceremony without outside distraction.

During the processional, I stand at the end of the aisle in front of the first pew on the bride’s side. From this position, I photograph family members and the wedding party as they walk down the aisle. This position also allows me to photograph the groom’s reaction at the bride’s grand entrance. When I’m working with a second photographer, he or she remains with the bride and documents the final moments leading up to the bride’s grand entrance.

After the grand entrance, when the bride reaches the end of the aisle, I step to the outside edge of the pews as the bride is presented to the groom. When that tradition is complete, I then move to the back of the church. The second photographer then moves to the front of the church, maintaining a position on the outside edge of the first rows of pews. For the rest of the ceremony, I typically remain in the center aisle, behind the last row of seated guests. If I’m working without a second photographer, I use one of the side aisles and move to the front of the church several times during the ceremony.

After the ceremony and during the recessional, I photograph the bride and groom’s return, following their retreat, photographing first congratulations from friends and family members. When those greetings are completed, I typically begin family portraits.

Although this post shares how I photograph most ceremonies, some venues may dictate an alternative approach. For example, some churches have balconies which offer different vantage points. Other churches have rules that strictly prohibit photographers at the front of the church. Outside ceremonies are often seen as being more casual and thus I feel free move more frequently. However, regardless of the venue’s allowances or restrictions, discretion remains my watchword. As one of the most special moments in your life, I’m there as your wedding photographer to capture the moment—not become part of it.

If you’d like to use this information on your own web site, please place the following statement and link (URL) wherever you use this text: "This information was provided by Los Angeles wedding photographer Rob Greer (http://www.robgreerweddings.com)." Thanks a bunch!