Don’t Miss Out on These Stunning 2025 Wedding Photography Trends

A wedding photo album is a beautiful medium where each photo can tell an intricate narrative without using words. By knowing what's new in wedding photography trends, you can learn what kind of vibe you want for your images and the type of wedding photographer you need to book to bring your love story to life. To guide you during this process, we asked industry experts about their predictions for the top photography crazes that'll take your breath away. So take a break from researching trending hashtags for wedding photography and average wedding photographer costs and get inspired by these fun and romantic photo wedding trends in 2025.

2025 Wedding Photography Trends

We love discovering what new trends are popping off in the wedding world. Here are the top photography ones, according to experts.

1. Blurred-Action Wedding Photography
2. Messy Detail Shots
3. "Old School" Disposable Cameras
4. Lifestyle Engagement and Wedding Photos
5. Moody Nighttime Portraits
6. Documentary/Photojournalistic Photography
7. Film Photography
8. A Photographer at All Wedding Events
9. Aerial Drone Photography
10. Direct-Flash Photography

1. Blurred-Action Wedding Photography

Photo: In Bianco e Nero

Wedding photography in 2025 is going to see a continued increase in the authenticity-inducing blurry wedding photo trend. "I love capturing movement in photos. And while this style is widely embraced, I believe that finding the right moments for movement and blur can be really impactful when used effectively," Mandee Johnson, owner of Mandee Johnson Photography and a visual narrative enthusiast, tells us. Hannah Nowack, The Knot's real wedding photo specialist and senior editor, agrees with Johnson's take and adds, "I foresee the blurry photo trend continuing, but in a more intentional way. In recent years, I saw images embracing the blurry wedding photo trend for the sake of popularity, but the context of the photo didn't really make sense to be blurred. People now are getting to a place of infusing this trend in an organic way where it makes sense, mainly in dancing and getaway photos. Basically, in contexts where movement naturally occurs."

2. Messy Detail Shots

Photo: Mandee Johnson Photography

More and more couples are leaning towards less cookie-cutter choices for their weddings, which includes what kind of photos show up in their album. "Lately, I've seen photographers get creative by making reception flatlay photos that include messy tables, half-eaten cake and dance floor props. I love the realness captured in these flatlay shots," Khloe Jackson, founder of W Events and a pro with 10 years of planning experience, says. Let's make it clear that "messy detail shots," which can be put together for the ceremony or reception, doesn't mean random items thrown together. "Shoes don't belong in the same photo as wedding invitations. Why? Because they each tell a different part of the wedding story. I want detail photos to tell an authentic story. Maybe that looks like styling the menu cards with flatware and dishes that'll be used during the meal. Or styling the programs alongside flowers that'll be seen in the altar decor. Essentially, it's critical to consider, 'Do these elements make sense together?' Rather than trying to force something to feel 'artsy,'" Nowack says.

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3. "Old School" Disposable Cameras

Photo: Kir2Ben

One of the current trends in photography that you'll see at 2025 weddings is the use of disposable cameras. Many couples are leaving disposable cameras on the reception tables for guests to document the wedding from their points of view. Some couples even give fun printable wedding games, like I Spy, to encourage guests to talk and get to know one another better as they try to take photos of everything on the game list. "Gen Z loves things that feel raw and unfiltered. That's resulting in a trend with photos that have an off-the-cuff feel," says Nowack. "It's almost like they're saying, 'Oh this? Yeah, I just casually snapped it at a moment's notice without giving it too much thought.'"

Incorporate this affordable wedding photography trend into your wedding by putting disposable cameras in welcome bags so guests can take pictures throughout the day. Then, have clearly marked containers near the reception's exit so you can collect the cameras at the end of the event. Once the film is developed, you and your partner can laugh and maybe shed a tear at the beautiful moments your guests captured. If possible, find a way to get the images online so your guests can enjoy and relive the day as well. (Side note: This is a perfect time to use your wedding website after the wedding.) Even though disposable cameras are additional to the wedding photographer, they still serve a purpose, since they influence guests to mingle and catch fun, candid memories.

4. Lifestyle Engagement and Wedding Photos

Photo: Melani Lust Photography

Lifestyle engagement and wedding photos are the hottest wedding photoshoot idea right now. Melani Lust, who has over 15 years of wedding photography know-how and is the owner of Melani Lust Photography, tells us how this type of photoshoot looks: "Rather than having the engagement session in a park or at the beach, I'm brainstorming with my couples for locations and ideas that are unique to them. Want to rent that hotel room with a view that brings back memories of that first night together? Or how about photos of that water tower you love? I recently photographed a couple eating fried chicken in a bathtub; it was fabulous," Lust says. Nowack adds: "The trend of lifestyle-inspired engagement photo shoots will continue. And more recently, I've seen this trend extend to the actual wedding. Couples are carving out time in their wedding timeline to visit a favorite coffee shop or local haunt for photos that capture a peek into their daily lives."

5. Moody Nighttime Portraits

Photo: Cassidy Drury Photography

Wondering: "What are the latest trends in wedding photography?" Couples are starting to add nighttime photo shoots to their wedding day shot list. "Sunset photos always get the spotlight, but taking a few minutes away from the dance party to pop outside allows couples to add a different vibe to their portraits," Nicole Chan, owner of Nicole Chan Photo & Video and named one of the top 10 wedding photographers in Boston by the Wedding Photojournalist Association. "Lighting for night portraits is often dramatic and moody. Bonus: Couples are typically more relaxed after the ceremonies and formalities are over."

6. Documentary/Photojournalistic Photography

Photo: Heidi Uhlman Photography

There are a lot of wedding photography styles out there, but the documentary/photojournalistic look is the most popular right now. Craig Peterman, visual arts enthusiast and owner of Craig Peterman Photography & Videography, explains what makes this trend special: "Couples still love images that tell the authentic story of their day, from quiet exchanges to wild dance floor antics. All the details, atmosphere and ambiance are huge parts of a great gallery, not just the standard portraits. Couples are embracing those candid, in-the-moment captures that feel dynamic and alive. A bride's dress flowing mid-spin or guests caught mid-laugh. These photos breathe energy into the wedding album and make you feel like you're right back in the moment."

7. Film Photography

Photo: Colton Simmons Photography

Another trending wedding photography technique is film. This method is one of the oldest photography styles there is and requires a specific camera with a limited frame count to achieve the look. The frame count pushes the wedding photographer to put more forethought into what moments they capture, which leads to a better-curated wedding album. Also, the focus on film cameras usually isn't as sharp as its digital counterparts, and it makes the image seem more soft and romantic. Engaged couples are straying away from heavily edited photographs, because they want something that looks more real and tangible. Film photography fills that need and the classic aesthetic stands the test of time. Jen Sulak, founder of Weirdo Weddings and a pro who specializes in capturing unique weddings, explains why she likes the current film wedding photography trend: "I think film photography is a fabulous way to pay homage to the work it takes to capture film images versus digital. Film feels so much more intentional."

If you want the classic feel of film and the modern style of digital, you can have the best of both worlds. "Hybrid shooting is one of the top trends that's crucial in my workflow," says Colton Simmons, owner of Colton Simmons Photography and a passionate photographer in the industry. "Swapping between digital and film photography gives me the ability to capture specific moments on film when I feel like they could use that timeless feel."

8. A Photographer at All Wedding Events

Photo: Ryan Greenleaf Photography

There are a lot of new trends in wedding photography, but this one is our favorite. Having your photographer present at all of the prewedding events, like the proposal, engagement party, wedding shower and rehearsal dinner, fosters a better relationship between you and your pro. "The level of comfort established amongst [the couple and their] family members when the photographer is present throughout all of the events can't be understated," Lust says. "This leads to greater emotional openness on the wedding day and a truly collaborative approach."If having your photographer at all or a majority of your events sounds like a great idea, inquire about their availability and willingness to do this approach as one of your questions for potential photographers.

9. Aerial Drone Photography

Photo: Brett Heidebrecht Photography

For those looking for modern wedding photography trends, drones need to be on your radar. "Drone detail shots continue to be popular, and I absolutely love this aesthetic," says Lust. "When we're allowed to have a drone in the tent or a venue just before the couple walks into their reception room, we can capture gorgeous full-room shots and bird's-eye-view images of the table decor. Also, there's nothing better than an outdoor drone shot of the couple walking down the aisle after their first kiss," Lust says. By hiring a professional drone photographer, your wedding album will reach new heights. Get a view of your circular ceremony seating from above, pose with your partner for creative aerial wedding portraits or arrange you and your wedding party into a heart for a fun photo––the options are endless.

There are three important things to note about drone wedding photography before you book. First: This type of photo coverage is typically offered by luxury wedding photographers and can be a pricey add-on. So look at your potential photographer's packages and see if you can fit drones into your budget. Also, before you hire a photographer, ask your wedding venue if small aircrafts are allowed on the property so you're in line with their rules and regulations. We also suggest using the drone before or after the ceremony because drones tend to make a buzzing noise while in flight, which can ruin intimate and quiet moments.

10. Direct-Flash Photography

Photo: Love is Rad

One of the current wedding photography trends 2025 will see is direct-flash photography. This doesn't surprise us because who doesn't want to feel like they've been caught by the paparazzi while walking down the aisle? Direct flash photos simply require flash aimed at a subject (think: a candid image of a celebrity out for a stroll) and photographers don't need a specific camera to get a crisp picture.

We believe the love for the documentary/photojournalistic style is why flash is all the rage right now. "The paparazzi-style direct flash photos are popular and aren't going anywhere anytime soon," says Nowack. "Everyone wants to feel like a celeb and these high-contrast, in-your-face pics give that feeling of living the high life." But even though flash (and film) photography are Gen-Z wedding trends right now, the look is perfect for any couple, since the luxury and vintage aesthetic is timeless. "Thanks to a nostalgia kick, flash photos are having a moment…again," says Peterman "They're moody, fun and add a stylish edge to any wedding album. Bold lighting and direct lighting create one-of-a-kind, unique shots that start a conversation."