As we approach 2025, engagement and wedding photography are continuing to evolve with new trends that reflect both personal style and technological innovations. Couples are looking for ways to make their special day even more unique, and photographers are stepping up to the challenge by embracing creativity, personalization, and the latest tech advancements. If you're a couple planning your wedding or an engagement shoot, here are the key photography trends to look out for in 2025.
1. Candid and Documentary-Style Photography
Why It’s Trending: Gone are the days of stiff, overly posed wedding photos. In 2025, couples are seeking a more authentic and documentary-style approach to their engagement and wedding photography. This style captures real, unscripted moments throughout the day, from emotional glances to spontaneous laughter.
Recently throughout a shoot day, I never asked Emma and Jake to "look at the camera" or "give me your best smile." Instead, I focused on telling the story of their relationship through small, intimate moments—laughter shared in the kitchen, a stolen kiss in the park, a glance across a room filled with quiet understanding. These were the moments that truly defined their connection.
When I sent them the final gallery, I knew it was exactly what they had wanted. The photos weren’t just pretty pictures—they were a visual love letter. A story of two people who knew exactly who they were with each other, who could laugh without reason, who shared quiet moments without needing to say a word.
Emma and Jake’s documentary-style engagement shoot wasn’t about perfection—it was about realness. It was about capturing the quiet intimacy, the deep connection, and the effortless joy that made their love so special. As they looked through their photos, they couldn’t stop smiling, knowing that every image told the story of who they were—authentically, beautifully, and unapologetically.
Are you excited about capturing the real moments of your big day? Share your favorite candid moments in the comments or tag a couple who loves natural, unscripted photography!
As you plan your wedding or engagement shoot, remember that every trend is an opportunity to capture your day in a truly special way. Are you ready to make these 2025 trends a part of your wedding photography? Contact www.CarrieSchlechtPhotography.com today to book your session, and let’s create something unforgettable together!
2. Intimate, Elopement-Style Weddings
Why It’s Trending: With more couples opting for smaller, more intimate celebrations, elopements are on the rise. These intimate weddings focus on connection, with fewer distractions and more emphasis on personal vows and meaningful moments. Couples are also choosing more unique and non-traditional venues—mountain tops, private beaches, or rustic barns.
My clients, Sarah and Ben had always dreamed of a wedding day that was quiet, personal, and far removed from the chaos of a big ceremony. After months of planning a traditional wedding, they found themselves overwhelmed by the logistics—guest lists, seating arrangements, catering options, and the pressure to make everything perfect. It wasn’t what they had imagined for their big day.
Then, one evening over dinner, Sarah looked at Ben and said, “What if we just ran away? What if we eloped?” It wasn’t a sudden decision—it was something they had joked about over the years, but this time, the idea felt different. It felt right.
They dreamed of a day surrounded by nature, where the only witnesses to their vows would be the majestic mountains and the vast, open sky. And so, they decided to elope—but not in a simple courthouse. They chose a stunning, unexpected location: a secluded mountain range in the Pacific Northwest. A place where they could immerse themselves in each other and in the beauty of the natural world.
Are you like Sarah and Ben, thinking about an elopement or a smaller wedding? Let me know where you would love to tie the knot, and I may just have some inspiration for your perfect day!
3. Drone Photography for Unique Perspectives
Why It’s Trending: Drone photography is becoming more popular in engagement and wedding shoots, especially for outdoor or destination weddings. Drones allow photographers to capture breathtaking aerial shots, sweeping views of landscapes, and unique angles that weren’t possible just a few years ago.
Want to see your wedding from above? Tag a couple who would love these breathtaking aerial shots in their wedding album!
4. Cinematic & Editorial Wedding Photography
Why It’s Trending: Think of your wedding day as a film—one filled with moments of elegance, drama, and emotion. Couples in 2025 are embracing cinematic-style wedding photography, with a more editorial and fashion-forward approach.
The focus is on dramatic lighting, moody tones, and capturing the glamour of the day with a high-fashion edge.
Do you dream of a wedding day that feels like a movie? Comment below with your dream wedding theme, and let’s make it come to life in your photos!
5. Interactive Photo Booths & 360-Degree Cameras
Why It’s Trending: Photo booths and 360-degree cameras are becoming more popular at wedding receptions. These interactive elements allow guests to create fun, personalized memories and even share them instantly on social media.
Expect to see more couples using 360-degree video cameras or booths that provide gifs, boomerangs, and even live streaming of the event.
Ready to take your wedding photos to the next level? Imagine your guests having fun with a 360-degree camera! Tag your wedding planner or photographer to get started on this fun addition!
6. Vibrant and Bold Color Palettes
Why It’s Trending: While soft pastels and neutrals are still popular, bold and vibrant color palettes are making waves in 2025. Couples are opting for rich hues like deep emeralds, mustard yellows, and vibrant blues for their wedding decor, and these colors are now appearing in wedding photography as well.
What color palette are you dreaming of for your wedding day? Share your favorite color combinations in the comments below, and let’s get creative with your photos!
7. Sustainability in Wedding Photography
Why It’s Trending: As sustainability becomes an increasing priority for many couples, wedding photography is also taking a more eco-conscious turn. This could mean opting for digital albums, reducing printed material, or focusing on local, eco-friendly venues to reduce the environmental impact of travel.
As the world becomes more eco-conscious, many couples are opting for greener choices for their weddings—including sustainable options when it comes to photography. Your wedding day is a once-in-a-lifetime event, and while you want to preserve those memories with beautiful photos, it’s also important to consider the environmental impact of your choices. As a photographer who cares about the planet, I’m committed to offering sustainable alternatives that allow you to capture your love story while minimizing your carbon footprint.
Are you planning a sustainable wedding? Let us know how you're making your big day more eco-friendly, and we’ll share tips for keeping your wedding green!
8. Personalized Details & Props
Why It’s Trending: Couples in 2025 are focusing more on incorporating personalized details into their wedding day—whether it’s custom signage, unique keepsakes, or props that reflect their personal style. These small touches add meaning and can make for stunning and memorable photos.
What personalized details are you incorporating into your wedding? Share your ideas with us in the comments or tag a friend who’s adding a special touch to their big day
2025 is full of exciting wedding photography trends, and I’m here to help you bring them to life. Ready to book a consultation and ensure your wedding photos are ahead of the curve? Get in touch today, and let’s start planning your perfect shoot!
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