Genres and styles of wedding photography

1. Documentary/Photojournalistic Style

• Focuses on capturing candid, unposed moments as they naturally unfold.
• Emphasizes storytelling and authenticity, with minimal interference from the photographer.
• Perfect for couples who want their wedding day to be remembered exactly as it happened.

2. Editorial/Fashion Style

• Inspired by fashion magazines, this style features dramatic poses, creative compositions, and high-end aesthetics.
• Often includes bold lighting, unique angles, and a focus on details like the dress, suit, and accessories.
• Ideal for couples who want their wedding photos to look like they belong in a glossy magazine.

3. Emotional Storytelling

• A blend of candid and posed shots that focus on capturing the emotions and connections between the couple and their loved ones.
• The photographer pays close attention to small, intimate moments that tell the story of the day.
• Great for couples who want their photos to evoke feelings and memories.

4. Gen Z Influence

• Reflects the preferences of younger couples who value authenticity, individuality, and creativity.
• Often includes unposed, spontaneous moments, bold colors, and unique editing styles (e.g., film-like tones, grainy textures).
• May incorporate trends like drone shots, GIFs, or short video clips for social media.

5. Fine Art Style

• Focuses on creating visually stunning, artistic images with a dreamy, romantic feel.
• Often includes soft lighting, elegant compositions, and a focus on aesthetics.
• Perfect for couples who want their wedding photos to look like pieces of art.

6. Vintage/Film Style

• Mimics the look of old-fashioned film photography, with soft tones, light leaks, and a nostalgic feel.
• Often includes sepia, black-and-white, or muted color palettes.
• Ideal for couples who love a timeless, classic look.

7. Adventure/Elopement Style

• Focuses on capturing weddings or elopements in unique, often outdoor locations like mountains, beaches, or forests.
• Emphasizes the connection between the couple and the breathtaking scenery.
• Perfect for adventurous couples who want their photos to reflect their love for nature and exploration.

8. Dark & Moody Style

• Features rich, dramatic tones, deep shadows, and a moody atmosphere.
• Often used for evening or indoor shots, creating a sense of intimacy and drama.
• Great for couples who want a bold, cinematic look.

9. Cultural/Traditional Style

• Focuses on capturing the unique customs, rituals, and traditions of the couple’s culture or religion.
• Emphasizes the significance of these moments and their role in the wedding day.
• Perfect for couples who want to honor their heritage.

10. Minimalist Style

• Focuses on simplicity, clean lines, and uncluttered compositions.
• Often includes neutral colors, open spaces, and a focus on the couple.
• Great for couples who appreciate a modern, understated aesthetic.

11. Lifestyle 

• A relaxed, natural approach that combines candid and lightly posed shots.
• Focuses on capturing the couple’s personality and connection in a way that feels authentic and effortless.
• Ideal for couples who want their photos to feel genuine and unforced.

12. Cinematic Style

• Inspired by movies, this style features dramatic lighting, bold compositions, and a narrative feel.
• Often includes wide-angle shots, creative framing, and a focus on storytelling.
• Perfect for couples who want their wedding photos to look like stills from a film.

13. Experimental/Avant-Garde Style

• Pushes the boundaries of traditional wedding photography with unconventional techniques, angles, and editing styles.
• May include double exposures, abstract compositions, or surreal elements.
• Great for couples who want something unique and artistic.

14. Environmental Style

• Focuses on the couple within their surroundings, emphasizing the connection between them and the location.
• Often includes wide shots that showcase the landscape or architecture.
• Ideal for couples who want their photos to highlight the beauty of their venue.

15. Candid/Reportage Style

• Similar to documentary but with a stronger focus on capturing spontaneous, unplanned moments.
• The photographer acts as a silent observer, capturing genuine emotions and interactions.
• Perfect for couples who want their photos to feel real and unscripted.

16. Romantic Style

• Emphasizes the love and connection between the couple, with soft lighting, close-ups, and intimate moments.
• Often includes dreamy, poetic compositions.
• Great for couples who want their photos to feel deeply emotional and romantic.

17. Urban/Street Style

• Focuses on weddings in city settings, incorporating elements like graffiti, skyscrapers, and bustling streets.
• Often includes edgy, modern compositions and a focus on the couple’s interaction with the urban environment.
• Perfect for couples who love the energy and vibe of the city.

18. Boho/Free-Spirited Style

• Reflects a relaxed, bohemian vibe with natural elements, flowing fabrics, and earthy tones.
• Often includes outdoor settings, floral details, and a carefree, whimsical feel.
• Ideal for couples who want a laid-back, artistic aesthetic.

19. Timeless/Classic Style

• Focuses on traditional poses, clean compositions, and a neutral color palette.
• Emphasizes elegance and sophistication, with a focus on creating images that will never go out of style.
• Perfect for couples who want their photos to feel timeless and elegant.

These genres and styles can be mixed and matched to create a unique approach that reflects the couple’s personality, preferences, and vision for their wedding day. Many photographers specialize in one or more of these styles, so couples can choose one that resonates with them!