Why Choosing a Catholic Wedding Photographer Matters
Not every photographer is necessarily the right photographer for a Catholic wedding.
That isn't a criticism of photographers who primarily photograph civil ceremonies or other types of weddings. Catholic weddings simply have particular moments, customs and requirements that a photographer needs to understand.
A Catholic wedding is a sacrament. When the wedding takes place within a Nuptial Mass, the photographer is also working within the structure of the Mass itself.
That matters when you're choosing who will photograph your wedding.
Watch the video below for a short explanation.
A Catholic Wedding Is More Than a Ceremony
A Catholic wedding has its own rhythm and structure.
There are the obvious moments that every wedding photographer will expect: the entrance, vows, exchange of rings and the newly married couple leaving the church.
But there are also important moments within the Mass that require an understanding of Catholic worship.
The consecration, the Eucharist and the prayers of the Mass are not simply opportunities to take photographs. They are moments of worship.
A photographer needs to understand the difference.
Knowing When to Photograph and When to Step Back
One of the most important things a Catholic wedding photographer needs to understand is when not to move.
During a wedding Mass, there will be moments when the photographer can move discreetly around the church and moments when movement should be kept to a minimum.
A photographer who understands the Mass can anticipate these moments rather than discovering them as they happen.
That means knowing when they can change position, when they should remain where they are and where they can appropriately stand within the church.
The goal isn't to photograph everything from every possible angle.
The goal is to document the important moments without becoming part of the distraction.
Speaking to the Priest Before the Wedding
Every church and priest may have particular expectations about photography.
That's why speaking to the priest beforehand is so important.
A photographer should know things such as:
Where they are permitted to stand
Whether they can move during the Mass
Whether flash photography is permitted
Which areas of the sanctuary are off limits
What the priest expects during particularly sacred moments
Whether there are any specific parish guidelines for photographers
These are things that should be established before the wedding day.
The couple shouldn't have to worry about this while they're getting married.
Understanding the Important Moments
A Catholic wedding photographer should know what is coming.
For example, during a Nuptial Mass, the photographer should be ready for important moments such as:
The exchange of vows and rings
These are obviously central moments of the wedding itself.
The consecration
The consecration is at the heart of the Mass and requires particular reverence from everyone present, including the photographer.
The reception of the Eucharist
For the couple, receiving the Eucharist together as husband and wife for the first time is an especially significant moment.
A photographer who understands the Mass will know that this is not the point to pack up their camera or start preparing for the reception.
Your Photographer Shouldn't Become a Distraction
On your wedding day, you shouldn't have to wonder:
"Is my photographer in the right place?"
"Are they moving around too much?"
"Are they going to distract the priest?"
"Are they going to miss something important?"
Your attention should be on getting married.
That's particularly important during a Catholic wedding because the Mass isn't simply a backdrop for the photographs.
It is the worship in which your marriage is being celebrated.
The photographer's job is therefore partly to know when to be present and when to disappear.
How to Choose a Catholic Wedding Photographer
When you're looking for a photographer for your Catholic wedding, don't just look at their portfolio.
Ask them about their experience with Catholic weddings.
You could ask:
Have you photographed a Nuptial Mass before?
Are you familiar with the structure of the Catholic Mass?
Do you speak to the priest before the wedding?
How do you photograph the consecration?
Will you photograph us receiving the Eucharist?
What is your approach to photographing the Mass discreetly?
Are you familiar with parish restrictions on photography?
Their answers will tell you a lot.
You want someone who understands that photographing a Catholic wedding isn't simply a matter of taking the same photographs they would take at a civil ceremony.
A Catholic Wedding Photographer Who Understands the Mass
For me, understanding the Mass is an important part of photographing a Catholic wedding well.
The photographs should capture the joy of the wedding while respecting the sacredness of what is taking place.
That means knowing the important moments, understanding the structure of the Mass, speaking with the priest and, above all, knowing when to step back.
You should be able to concentrate on getting married without worrying about whether your photographer understands what is happening.
If you're planning a Catholic wedding and are looking for a photographer who understands the Mass and approaches it with discretion and reverence, find out more about my Catholic wedding photography.
Watch the video
In this short video, I explain why understanding the Catholic Mass matters when choosing a wedding photographer.
