Your wedding day isn’t just an event; it’s the start of a new chapter, a day filled with fleeting moments that deserve to be remembered exactly as they felt. Choosing the right wedding photography style isn’t about trends—it’s about how you want to relive your day for decades to come. With so many different styles floating around, it can be overwhelming to know where to start. Let’s break it down in a way that actually makes sense.

Outdoor garden wedding ceremony with wedding party and guests gathered around a decorated arch on a sunny day.
A black and white photograph shows people in a dimly lit room with chairs and interior lighting.

The Truth About Photography Styles


Wedding photography isn’t one-size-fits-all. There’s no official rulebook that says, “These are the only styles you can choose from.” Think of photography styles the way you would music genres—there’s overlap, personal taste, and a spectrum of interpretation. But at the core, it’s about how the photos make you feel and whether they stand the test of time.


When choosing your wedding photography style, ask yourself:

  • Do I want my photos to feel cinematic and editorial, like something straight out of a magazine?
  • Do I want them to be documentary-style, focusing on raw, unposed moments?
  • Do I love a mix of both—structured portraits with natural, unscripted emotions in between?
  • Will these photos still feel timeless when I look at them 30 years from now?
A couple embraces in front of Pike Place Market's iconic sign and graffiti-covered walls in Seattle at dusk.

Breaking Down Popular Wedding Photography Styles That I Mix Into My Work


Editorial & Cinematic

This is for couples who love polished, intentional images with an artistic edge. Think dramatic lighting, well-composed shots, and a slight fashion-forward touch. If you want your wedding album to look like a Vogue spread, this is your style. But the key is finding a photographer who balances this with storytelling—because even the most striking portraits should still feel like you.


Documentary & Photojournalistic

If the idea of posed photos makes you cringe, this is your lane. Documentary wedding photography is all about capturing moments as they happen—raw, unscripted, and full of emotion. The laughter, the nervous glances, the way your partner squeezes your hand just before the vows—nothing is staged, everything is authentic. This style is ideal for couples who want their wedding day to unfold naturally without any direction. True documentary style means you barley know the photographer is there.


Classic & Timeless

Trends come and go, but some styles never fade. Classic wedding photography is all about clean, well-lit images that feel just as relevant in 50 years as they do today. It doesn’t rely on heavy filters or trendy edits. Instead, it prioritizes natural colors, flattering light, and a balance of candid and posed moments. If you’re someone who values tradition and elegance, this is the way to go.


A Mixture of Styles

Photography also doesn't have fall strictly into one of these styles. Many photographers (such as myself) use a mixture of documentary, editorial, and classic photography. Sometimes its a great time to step away and function in a photojournalistic sense, letting everything unfold naturally. Sometimes some guidance is needed, and the photographer steps in to offer a helping hand.

A couple shares a romantic moment in an elegant marble-walled hallway with domed ceiling and vintage light fixtures.
A black and white silhouette of two people standing side by side in a backlit window.
A wedding couple poses on the front steps of a white historic house with columns and a garden.

The Most Important Factor: Consistency Matters More Than Anything


No matter what style resonates with you, the biggest factor in choosing a photographer is consistency. Once you find a photographer whose style speaks to you, it’s crucial to look through their portfolio and ensure their work is steady across different weddings. A great photographer doesn’t just have a few standout images—they have a body of work that delivers consistent quality, emotion, and storytelling from start to finish. If you love their style and see that they can repeatedly produce stunning results, that’s a much stronger indicator of their ability to capture your wedding day beautifully.


Final Thoughts: Choose What Feels Right


Forget what’s trending. Forget what’s “Pinterest-worthy.” Choose a style that speaks to you on a deeper level. These photos will outlive trends, social media likes, and fleeting aesthetics. They’re the images your future children and grandchildren will look at. Make sure they reflect your love story in its truest, most timeless form.


My approach blends guided prompting with hands-off moments when the time is right, ensuring your photos feel natural, authentic, and full of emotion. If this resonates with you, I’d love to help capture your day in a way that’s true to your story.


Visit my website at www.weddingsbyandre.com to learn more, explore, and get in touch!