Most people think of formal wedding portraits as stiff awkwardly posed photos. When done right though, these portraits have the power to become timeless family heirlooms that will still look amazing decades from now. This post will show you how to leverage formal wedding portraits to get better photos and spend more time with your guests at your wedding.
Key Takeaways
- Formal portraits can be classic and elegant without feeling stiff.
- Scheduling portraits before the wedding reduces stress and allows for photos with more elaborate lighting.
- Formal wedding portraits are one of the most important pieces of your wedding album. Use a shot list to make sure you don’t miss shots.
The Purpose Of Formal Wedding Portraits
Formal wedding portraits serve a lasting purpose: to document the bride and groom with intention, care, and timeless style. This is often one of the last times people are professionally photographed, so I take great pride in capturing images that will stand the test of time.
No trendy filters, no skin-smoothing that’ll looks strange in fifteen years, and certainly no awkward posing! My goal is simple: create portraits that still look beautiful when you pull them out decades from now.
The Best Time To Schedule Formal Wedding Portraits
Most couples take their formal wedding portraits on the wedding day, usually before guests arrive. I always start with the groom while the bride gets her makeup done. Once the groom’s portraits are done, it’s the perfect time to photograph the bride with her bridesmaids. I break this process down in detail in my wedding day schedule guide.
That said, my favorite way to shoot formal portraits of the bride and groom is on a different day entirely. Doing this has major perks:
- Way less stress—you’re not cramming portraits into an already packed wedding day
- Better lighting—no rush means I can get creative with light and location
- More time with your guests since we’ve already knocked out the big photos
- It’s a great way to learn what to do in front of the camera if you’re camera-shy
In the end, it’s all about making space for real moments. Whether we shoot on the wedding day or not, my goal is to create beautiful portraits for you and be the least stressful part of your day.
The Wedding Formal Shot List
Although they might seem boring, the formal wedding portraits are the foundation of a stunning wedding album. The thing is that it’s easy to miss things and screw up the story in your album. To make sure this doesn’t happen, I follow a checklist to make sure I get all the must have shots I need to tell a vivid story. The following is my shot list that I try to complete before your wedding ceremony.
Groom Formal Wedding Portraits Shot List
Details & Prep
- Shirt, tie, cufflinks, cologne, watch, shoes
- Groom getting dressed (shoes, jacket, tie, etc.)
Solo Portraits of the Groom
- Full length, 3/4, and close-up
- Creatively lit portraits
Groom with Others
- Groom with all groomsmen
- Groom with each groomsman
- Groom with ring bearer(s)
- Groom with mom and dad
- Groom with mom alone
- Groom with dad alone
- Mom and dad together
- Groom with immediate family
- Groom with siblings (group and individual)
- Groom with each sibling’s family (if applicable)
Bride Formal Wedding Portraits Shot List
Details & Prep
- Dress (front, back, hanging)
- Shoes, veil, jewelry, perfume
- Bouquet and other accessories
- Candid makeup/hair application
- Bride getting into dress (optional)
Solo Portraits of the Bride
- Full length, 3/4, and close-up
- Veil over face
- Holding bouquet
- Classic beauty lighting portraits
- Creative shots
Bride with Others
- Bride with all bridesmaids
- Bride with each bridesmaid
- Bride with flower girl(s)
- Bride with mom and dad
- Bride with mom alone
- Bride with dad alone
- Mom and dad together
- Bride with immediate family
- Bride with siblings (group and individual)
- Bride with each sibling’s family (if applicable)
Final Candid Exits
- Bride leaving house
- Entering car for ceremony
Formal Wedding Portraits By Jason Guy
As a Sonoma County wedding photographer, one of my favorite parts of the day to document is the formal wedding portraits. I capture brides in natural light on the same day as the wedding, or on a separate day during a studio session.
If you’re planning a wedding in the Sonoma Valley and want formal wedding portraits that feel elegant, effortless, and not stiff, get in touch by tapping the button below and tell me a little bit about your wedding. I’d love to help you create timeless photos you’ll still love decades from now.
Formal Wedding Portraits FAQ
When Should We Schedule Our Formal Wedding Portraits?
The best time to schedule formal wedding portraits is before the ceremony. I recommend setting aside 1.5 hours for the groom and his side of the family, and 2 full hours for the bride to allow time for her solo portraits, bridal party, and family photos. Getting these portraits done before the ceremony always works best—once the reception starts, it becomes much harder to gather people for photos once they’re mingling and having drinks.
To avoid delays, the bride should be scheduled for makeup second to last, so even if the artist is running behind, her photos aren’t affected.
That said, my favorite option is to do formal portraits on a separate day. It’s less rushed, allows for better lighting setups, and gives you more time to enjoy your guests on the actual wedding day.
Should We Take Formal Wedding Portraits Before Or After The Ceremony?
The bride and groom’s formal portraits including: family, bridal party, and solo photos—should be taken before the ceremony whenever possible. This keeps the timeline smooth by capturing as many formal photos as possible before your guests arrive.
Larger groups, like the full wedding party or extended family, are best captured immediately after the ceremony, before guests head to cocktail hour. Once people start drinking and wandering off, it becomes much harder to organize group shots.
Formal couple portraits are best taken either after a first look or during cocktail hour if the bride prefers not to be seen before walking down the aisle.
Will You Pose Us For Our Formal Wedding Portraits?
Absolutely.
Most people assume posing leads to cheesy or awkward photos—but when it’s done well, it highlights your best angles and lets me guide you into beautiful light. That’s essential for creating timeless portraits.
My true passion lies in crafting polished, intentional images like this. Posing is how we get there—and I’ll guide you through every step so you look confident and feel completely at ease.