There is nothing quite like a church wedding: the organ starting, the doors opening, every head turning, and the bells ringing as you walk out married. We photograph and film church weddings quietly and respectfully, so you have every moment and nobody remembers we were there.
From a village church in the countryside to a London cathedral, from Anglican and Catholic services to Orthodox, Methodist, Baptist and Pentecostal churches, each has its own order of service, its own atmosphere and its own rules. We take the time to understand yours before the day.
The order of service, moment by moment
- Arrivals. Guests gathering at the gate, the groom and his best man waiting at the front, the wedding car pulling up.
- The processional. The walk down the aisle, often on a father’s or mother’s arm, and the look on the face of the person waiting at the end of it.
- Hymns, readings and the address. The choir, the organ and the people you chose to read, with clean audio for your film.
- The vows and rings. The heart of the service, covered from a discreet position agreed with the minister.
- The signing of the register. Often the moment when photography is most welcome, and a lovely set of photographs with your witnesses.
- The recessional, the bells and the confetti. Out through the doors and into a shower of petals, one of the most joyful photographs of the day.
Your vicar’s rules, always respected
Every church is different. Some vicars and priests are happy for us to move freely; others ask that we stay at the back or in the gallery, avoid the sanctuary, or put the camera down during prayers, Communion or Mass. Some churches do not allow filming of the service at all. We always ask the officiant beforehand, introduce ourselves on the day, and follow their guidance completely. We never use flash during the service.
Catholic weddings, especially with a Nuptial Mass, are longer and more formal, and we plan our positions around them. Orthodox services have their own beautiful rituals, such as the crowning and the walk around the table, and we make sure we are placed to see them. If you are not sure what your church allows, ask your vicar or priest when you meet them, or let us ask for you.
Confetti, organ and bells
Many churches only allow biodegradable or petal confetti, and some ask that it is thrown outside the churchyard, so check before you buy. For your film, the sound of the church matters as much as the picture: the organ, the choir and the bells are recorded properly so your wedding film carries the atmosphere of the day.
Wedding photography starts from £830 and film from £1,430. If you would just like your ceremony and speeches on film, see our simple wedding film. For other ceremonies, see civil and register office weddings, or, if your church service is one half of a two-culture celebration, our fusion weddings.
Your questions, answered
Will our church allow photography and filming?
Most churches allow some photography and filming, though the rules vary. We always ask your vicar or priest in advance and follow their guidance on the day.
Do you use flash during the service?
No. We work with the light in the church, and our cameras are made for low light, so the service is never interrupted.
Can you record the music and readings?
Yes, where the church allows it. We use small, discreet microphones so vows, readings and music are clear in your film.
Do you cover church weddings outside London?
Yes, across the UK and abroad. Check your date to see if we are free.
