Key Takeaways

Pre-Ceremony Preparation

Arrive Early

Be at the ceremony location at least 30-45 minutes before start time. This allows you to:

• Scout angles and identify shooting positions
• Test exposure in different locations
• Meet with the officiant about restrictions
• Coordinate with the venue coordinator
• Position audio equipment if shooting video

Talk to the Officiant

Before the ceremony, introduce yourself and ask:

• Are there any restrictions on where I can stand?
• Is flash permitted? During what portions?
• When will the rings be exchanged?
• Will there be a unity ceremony (candle, sand, etc.)?
• May I cross behind you briefly during the ceremony?

Mental Shot List

Know what you need to capture:

• Venue/altar before guests arrive
• Guest reactions as they wait
• Groom's reaction when bride appears
• Bride walking down the aisle
• Father giving away the bride
• Vow exchange close-ups
• Ring exchange
• First kiss
• Recessional celebration

Strategic Positioning

Primary Position: Front Side

Most photographers start at the front, off to one side (typically the bride's side for a clear view of her face). This position captures:

• Both faces during vows
• Ring exchange clearly
• First kiss from an angle
• Emotional reactions

Secondary Positions

During the ceremony, move strategically:

• Back of aisle: For processional shots and crowd context
• Opposite side: Different angle on vows and kiss
• Behind couple: Looking toward guests, showing the crowd
• Center aisle: For recessional only

Second Shooter Coordination

With two photographers, divide coverage:

• Primary: Close-up ceremony shots, couple's faces, ring exchange
• Secondary: Wide shots, guest reactions, alternate angles

Avoid both shooters being in the same position. Communicate positions before the ceremony begins.

Key Moments to Capture

The Processional

1. Groom's entrance: Walking to the altar, reaction to seeing guests
2. Bridal party: Each pairing walking down
3. Groom seeing bride: Position yourself to capture his reaction as she appears
4. Bride's walk: Multiple angles—coming toward you and profile
5. Father giving her away: The handoff, any hugs or kisses

The Ceremony

• The couple during readings: Holding hands, listening together
• Guest reactions: Parents, grandparents, friends—tears and smiles
• Vow exchange: Tight shots of faces showing emotion
• Ring exchange: Hands, rings being placed
• Unity ceremonies: Candle lighting, sand pouring, etc.
• First kiss: The moment and the reaction after
• Announcement: "I now present..." reactions

The Recessional

• Position yourself in the center aisle (back half)
• Capture the couple coming toward you, beaming
• Guests cheering and celebrating
• The moment they pass and guests congratulate

Technical Settings for Ceremonies

Outdoor Ceremonies

Setting	Recommendation
Mode	Aperture Priority or Manual
Aperture	f/2.8-f/4 for depth; f/5.6+ for groups
Shutter Speed	1/250+ minimum for movement
ISO	100-400 depending on light

Indoor Ceremonies

Setting	Recommendation
Mode	Manual (consistent exposure)
Aperture	f/2.8 or wider for light gathering
Shutter Speed	1/125-1/200 minimum
ISO	1600-6400 as needed

Hawaii Ceremony Challenges

Harsh Sun Management

• Position yourself so subjects aren't squinting
• Use exposure compensation for bright backgrounds
• Look for natural shade from structures or trees
• Consider fill flash to balance harsh shadows

Wind and Sand

• Be ready for veils and hair blowing (can be beautiful!)
• Protect camera from sand—change lenses carefully
• Use fast shutter speeds if wind is causing movement
• Anticipate microphone wind noise for video

Ocean Background

• Watch for horizon lines through couples' heads
• Expose for skin, not the bright ocean/sky
• Use polarizer to control reflections and deepen sky

Sunset Timing

Many Hawaii ceremonies are timed for sunset. Be aware of how quickly light changes—have settings ready to adjust rapidly during golden hour.

Handling Restrictions

No Flash Allowed

• Use fast lenses (f/1.4-f/2.8)
• Push ISO higher than you might prefer
• Use silent/electronic shutter if available
• Accept noise—a grainy sharp shot beats a missed moment

Limited Movement

Some officiants restrict movement during the ceremony:

• Scout multiple angles beforehand
• Use a longer lens (70-200mm) from fixed positions
• Get wide establishing shots before ceremony starts
• Communicate with second shooter to cover angles you can't reach

Strict Guidelines

Some religious ceremonies have strict rules:

• Stay behind certain lines
• No flash at all
• No shooting during specific prayers
• Remain seated in designated areas

Respect these absolutely. Your reputation depends on being professional within constraints.

Common Ceremony Mistakes

• Missing the groom's reaction: Position for this shot before the bride appears
• Too far during vows: Get close enough for emotional close-ups
• Blocking guest views: Stay low, stay to sides, don't stand in the aisle
• Missing the kiss: Watch body language for timing cues
• Loud shutter during vows: Use electronic shutter or silence your camera
• Wrong lens at wrong time: Know what's coming and switch in advance

Summary

Ceremony coverage requires preparation, anticipation, and respect:

• Scout and communicate: Know the space and restrictions before starting
• Position strategically: Be where you need to be before moments happen
• Anticipate key moments: Groom's reaction, vows, rings, kiss, recessional
• Move invisibly: During transitions, staying low and quiet
• Respect restrictions: Work within guidelines professionally
• Technical readiness: Settings dialed in before the processional begins

The ceremony happens once. There are no second chances. Your preparation determines your success.