8 Wedding Photography Styles We're Loving in 2025

Photo Credit: Lauren Baker Photography

Your choice of wedding photo aesthetic will define the visual story of your day and how you'll look back on the celebration for years to come. It's about finding a look that reflects your and your partner's personalities, love story, and the event's atmosphere. Here are eight photography trends to help you get inspired. 

1. Blue Hour Photography 

Blue hour is the brief twilight period after sunset, when the sky turns blue and contrast softens, making it the ideal backdrop for romantic and dreamy shots. It's one of Pinterest's most searched-for photography styles — proof that many couples want a cinematic and dreamy look. 

 Time is of the essence when it comes to this photo aesthetic. Blue hour lighting doesn’t last long, so you may need to step out during your cocktail hour or before the reception. 

 Weather can also affect the blue tones. For instance, overcast skies can cover the blue hues, making it almost impossible to capture the cool-toned skies. Coordinate timing with your photographer. 

2. Film Photography 

Film photography's charm is its gentle grain and nostalgic look. A photographer uses the traditional format to give your photos a soft and timeless look. Shooting in film allows them to be more deliberate with each image, allowing candid moments to unfold. 

 The images are slightly less sharp than digital, which gives wedding moments an authentic, raw feel. Every snap has a vintage charm, and the colors feel warm, rich and slightly nostalgic. 

 The real magic comes when you get the developed film. If you love the idea of your wedding looking classic and elegant, this type of photography is for you. 

3. Editorial Style 

Fashion magazines inspire editorial wedding photography. It features striking poses, dramatic lighting and high-impact images to create a narrative. It's less about traditional shots and more about creating a story with a hint of drama and attitude. 

 You and your partner might pose against lush florals, grand architecture or a luxurious backdrop, with every detail — dress, shoes, bouquet — highlighted in a glamorous way. The result is a polished, sophisticated gallery for couples who want to feel like celebrities on their big day. 

4. Documentary Style 

If you and your future spouse are awkward in front of cameras, this photography style may appeal to you. Documentary or photojournalistic photos show authentic, unposed moments of you, your partner and your guests. 

 They feature small yet striking details, like how your maid of honor cries as you walk down the aisle or the pride in your mom’s eyes as she sees you in your dress for the first time. The photographer blends into the background to capture various moments, expressions and small gestures. 

 This type of aesthetic can be more expensive than others. On average, hiring a wedding photographer costs around $2,000, but hiring someone specializing in a documentary style may be more expensive. 

5. Artsy Wedding Photography 

An artsy or fine art approach features soft, natural images to show the couple’s uniqueness. It’s like documentary style, but more experimental and expressive. 

 Photographers use unique angles, playful techniques and out-of-the-box compositions to turn your wedding moments into works of art. With this aesthetic, they bring their own artistic vision to every shot — think double exposures, dramatic shadows, blurred motion and close-ups of intricate details. 

 Treat your celebration like a canvas, experimenting with composition, light and editing to create modern works of art. The results are photos that are imaginative and full of personality. 

6. Cinematic Style 

Cinematic wedding photography makes your big day look like a movie. It blends candid, in-the-moment shots with artistic composition and dramatic lighting, telling your love story visually stunningly. The demand for this style is soaring, with couples drawn to the emotional pacing and dreamy focus that feels straight out of a movie. 

 Cinematic-style photographers have unique approaches. Some can capture a Korean drama's dreamy, soft aesthetic, while others channel a bold, cinematic edge you'd see in a Wong Kar-Wai film. The photos have a sense of movement and drama, like flowing veils, wind in your hair and sweeping landscapes.  

7. Light and Airy Photography 

If you like romantic images with pastel colors, the light and airy style suits you. This approach embraces sun-drenched moments and cheerful snaps. 

 Whites are crisp, colors are gentle, and everything feels fresh and candid. Photographers specializing in this aesthetic often work with natural light, seeking out locations with open shade or shooting during the golden hour. 

 The images have a bright, almost ethereal quality. Imagine flowing dresses, lots of laughter and wacky poses. Because the lighting is gentle, it beautifully highlights the day's emotions. 

8. Wedding Content Creator Style 

A wedding content creator uses a smartphone to capture behind-the-scenes moments and social media-ready clips throughout the day. While your main photographer focuses on key events, your content creator snaps candid selfies, records quick videos and directs TikTok trends you want to recreate. 

 This is ideal if you want fresh, shareable content of your wedding day. Most content creator packages start at around $1,000 for weddings, with prices varying based on editing, number of deliverables and turnaround time. The good news is you get your clips and photos within one to two days after your big day, so you can relive the magic and share it online almost instantly. 

Find a Style That’s Truly Yours 

Don't feel you must pick a photography style because it's popular now. As you explore these options, consider which one feels most like you and your partner. The best photos capture your unique love story, so trust your instincts and choose what reflects who you are together. 

   Author bio: Cora Gold is a wedding writer and editor of Revivalist magazine. She aims to inspire couples to achieve the wedding of their dreams. Connect with Cora on LinkedIn, Pinterest and Twitter.