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Updated Oct 14, 2024How to Take the Perfect Fall Wedding Photos, According to Photographers
Get ready to "fall" in love with this autumn inspo.
There's just something about autumn that feels a bit more magical, maybe a touch romantic, but definitely cozy. And with this being such a popular time for nuptials, capturing fall wedding photos on your day is the perfect way to bottle the feeling of the season. From fallen leaves to pumpkin patches, you can't go wrong with any type of autumn wedding vibes.
We spoke with some fall photography experts, Morgan Powell of Morgan Leigh Photography in Utah and Ashley Benham of Ashley Benham Photography, based in Memphis, Tennessee, who offer their expertise and insight into making your autumnal photos truly pop. So if you're looking for some real fall wedding photos, ideas and tips, we've got just what you need.
In this article:
Fall Wedding Photo Inspiration
No such thing as the perfect wedding photos? Our photos of fall weddings beg to differ. This real wedding inspiration is the perfect starting point to chat with your vendors about creating the quintessential fall scene for your wedding day. And when you make an account with The Knot, you can favorite images using the heart icon if you're signed in, then you can go back and access your favorites any time.
1. "Fall-ing in Love" Autumn Wedding Photos
A forest floor covered in fallen leaves… does it get any more gorgeous than that? Utilize the natural space around your venue for your couple's portraits or a first look.
2. Autumn Rustic, Vintage Vibes
Rustic vibes and an autumn color palette go hand-in-hand. Book a classic or vintage car in a fun fall color to elevate your photos.
3. Leaf Toss Fall Wedding Pics
Leaves are the ultimate eco-friendly accessory, especially for tossing in the air during your big exit. Plus, the effect of these colorful leaves is so much more vibrant than petals or rice.
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4. Red Leaves and Fall Florals Bouquet
It's all about the little details in your day, and any flower arrangement or bouquet can benefit from the addition of red, orange or yellow leaves. Bringing a bit of fall foliage to the forefront looks so fab against a white gown.
5. Autumnal Flower Wedding Arch
Whether you have an altar, mandap, chuppah or floral arch, injecting fall hues into the mix will wow your guests. Even better if the venue is in a wooded forest.
6. Adventurous Fall Outdoor Wedding Photos
If you're planning an epic elopement or adventurous wedding, fall is a great season for lower temps and seasonal blooms. (Also, this is the perfect way to incorporate your pups into the ceremony.)
7. Orange and Yellow Color Palette
Even the simplest autumn wedding photo ideas make a big statement, like these shades of orange and yellow. Having a floral arch match all the other blooms in your day? *Chef's kiss*
8. Autumn Golden Hour Photos
Golden hour, meet golden leaves. A sunburst on your fall venue ups the golden hues to a magical degree, leaving you with photos as stunning as your wedding.
9. A Twist on Fall Wedding Cake Photos
Okay, while these aren't technically wedding cakes, nothing screams "fall" more than some classic pies. You can even dress them up with centerpieces of dried leaves and foliage, like this couple did.
10. Autumnal Blooms and Trees Decor
Peep those trees in the background? Match your decor to the changing leaves for an ombre effect, and add a few trendy elements, such as this half-circle, floral arch on the ground.
11. Altar of Autumn Leaves
An arch entirely decorated with red leaves? It doesn't get any more autumnal than this, and we love how the groom is matching his tie to the foliage.
12. Hanging Decorations Fall Wedding Reception Photos
One of our favorite photography trends is capturing the scene in a new perspective, like letting the string flowers look like fall leaves. Plus, this is a great way to subvert typical autumn shades while letting your "something blue" have a moment.
13. Amongst the Trees Outdoor Fall Wedding Photos
Hosting your celebration in an evergreen forest ensures you still get the cozy seasonal vibes with less leaf litter. Throw in some string lights, a treehouse and a unique photo spot for one unforgettable shot.
14. Fallen Leaves and a Matching Bouquet
Keep it cool (while staying warm) with a stylish jacket in your photos. We also can't resist how many pops or burgundy show up in the bouquet, in the leaves and on the trees.
How to Take Stunning Fall Wedding Photos
Fall is more than simply pumpkin spice season. It's also when you can take the most romantic wedding photos that are worthy of displaying in your and your spouse's new home together. "Fall has a built-in warmth to it, even when it's chilly. The light is soft, the colors are rich, and if everyone leans into that cozy feeling, the photos always turn out magical," Benham says. Let's see what else our fall wedding photo experts have to say about this enchanting season.
Consider a First Look
"If keeping your wedding attire a secret isn't a priority, consider a first look. This allows you to get your portraits done and get to celebrating sooner," Powell says. This way, you can conserve your daylight and spend all the time post-sunset with your new spouse and guests. Not sure what your daylight will be like this time of year? Powell adds, "Find a shade study. A great option is shademap.app. You can plug in your wedding venue or location and date and see what the light will look like at any time of day."
Plan Around Sunset
Every season has its advantages, and though you get more moderate temps with fall, you also get fewer daylight hours. Benham notes, "Once daylight savings hits, golden hour sneaks up fast. I usually start my sessions at least an hour earlier than I would in summer, because by 4:30 or 5, the light is already fading. It's always worth scouting the location ahead of time, too, just to see where the sun dips behind the trees or hills."
However, this can be a plus for many couples. She adds, "I actually love the moodier light that comes with fall. Cloudy days can be your best friend, because the light is soft and flattering, and it really makes the colors pop."
Be sure to plan your day around the earlier sunset, and also take daylight savings into account, depending on which weekend you have your wedding. (That "fall back" in the hour may leave you and your guests even more exhausted after the celebrations.) Powell says, "If you are hoping to keep your first look to the aisle, you may need to consider an earlier ceremony time. If you are looking for a sunset ceremony, plan about an hour prior to sunset to ensure plenty of light."
Complement the Autumn Leaves
Planning a fall wedding? Work with the colors around you to set your color palette apart. "For outfits, I always guide clients toward earthy tones and layers. Think rust, olive, cream, navy or soft neutrals that complement the fall backdrop," Benham says. "Bright colors can compete with the leaves, so I suggest sticking with warm, muted tones that feel timeless. And I tell families to coordinate, not match. You want everyone in the same color family, not wearing the exact same thing!"
Be Flexible Around the Weather
As with any outdoor wedding expectations, it's important to plan for every scenario. "[Weather] can be unpredictable in the fall. Have a backup plan and stay flexible. Rain or snow can make for some fun, memorable images." Powell says. "If Mother Nature decides not to cooperate, you can still get beautiful fall photos by celebrating a fall color palette. Don't be afraid of reds, oranges and yellows to celebrate the fall season."
Incorporate the Fall Vibes
Another way to work around the weather? Benham actually recommends you lean into it: "I always have a few cozy backups ready, like blankets, clear umbrellas, even hand warmers. Those little details can save a session and make for cute props, too. I always tell clients that some of the best images come when we just embrace the season, like snuggling under a blanket, walking through leaves or holding a warm drink."
