Planning an indoor wedding? Whether you’re going for a cozy winter celebration or an elegant ballroom affair, there are a few things to keep in mind to ensure your wedding photos turn out beautifully. While outdoor weddings often come with a natural scenic backdrop and plenty of natural light, indoor weddings offer their own unique opportunities and challenges. Let’s dive into some helpful tips to make the most of your indoor wedding photography!
1. Maximize Natural Light
Natural light is a photographer’s best friend! When choosing your venue, look for spaces with large windows or open areas that let natural light flood in. This will make a world of difference in the softness and warmth of your photos. If possible, plan key events, like the ceremony, in the brightest areas of the venue. Not only will this help your photographer capture flattering, glowing shots, but you’ll also feel more energized by the light-filled spaces.
2. Lighting is Everything!
Since most of your wedding will be indoors, lighting will play a huge role in setting the mood. Consider adding decorative lighting like fairy lights, candles, or soft uplighting. These little touches can transform your space into something magical and give your photos that extra pop of romance. And remember, candlelight at the dinner tables doesn’t just look good in person—it photographs beautifully too! It creates a soft, romantic and intimate feeling in the room. A lot of indoor venues don’t allow for open flames, but most will allow candles in hurricane vases.
3. Golden Hour Isn’t Just for Outdoor Weddings
Even if you’re having an indoor wedding, you can still take advantage of the gorgeous natural light during golden hour (the hour before sunset). If your schedule allows, step outside for a few quick portraits during this time. The soft, dreamy glow of the sun will give you stunning photos and add variety to your wedding album.
To add to this, set aside some time during the day for portraits outdoors – if there isn’t a space nearby, plan for some travel time in your timeline to go somewhere nearby that provides a beautiful backdrop for your photos.
4. Use the Venue’s Unique Features
Indoor venues often have unique architectural elements—think grand staircases, tall windows, or intricate ceilings. These can make for beautiful backdrops in your photos! Chat with your photographer about these standout features and how you can incorporate them into your portraits. These elements will not only enhance your images but also make them feel uniquely tied to your venue.
5. Make Sure Your Photographer is Prepared with Additional Lighting
Indoor lighting can sometimes be tricky, especially if the venue is dim or relies heavily on artificial lighting. This is where an experienced photographer comes in. You’ll want to make sure they know their way around off-camera flash and other lighting techniques to ensure your photos are consistently well-lit and flattering, no matter what lighting challenges the venue presents.
You’ll need to provide your photography team the time to set up this additional lighting, and adjust camera settings accordingly. Allowing for some breathing room in your timeline, and giving them a 10 minute heads up before key moments happen like speeches or dances, is necessary to ensure that you receive well lit and inspired photos.
6. Getting Ready Room—Keep it Clean and Bright
You’ll spend a lot of time getting ready indoors, and this is a moment your photographer will want to capture! Choose a space that has good natural light and keep the room tidy. Clutter can be distracting in photos, so keeping things organized will help your photographer capture those peaceful and joyful moments without any unnecessary distractions in the background.
7. Your Indoor Decor = Your Photo’s Aesthetic
Since you’re working with an indoor setting, think about how your decor will impact the photos. Whether it’s floral installations, candles, or a personalized backdrop for your ceremony, every design element contributes to the overall look and feel of your wedding images. Choose decor that reflects your personality and adds a little something extra to your photos!
8. Create a Plan for Group Photos
Indoor venues can sometimes be limited when it comes to space, which can make organizing group photos tricky. Talk with your photographer ahead of time to decide on the best location for family and group shots. Ideally, you’ll want an area that’s spacious, well-lit, and free from distractions, so the focus stays on you and your loved ones.
9. Sync Up With Your DJ or Lighting Technician
During the reception, lighting can make or break certain key moments. First dances, cake cutting, and toasts are all special moments you’ll want to capture perfectly, so make sure your photographer has enough light to work with. Coordinating with your DJ or lighting tech will help ensure the lighting is balanced—not too dim or too colorful—and keeps those memories crystal clear. A lot of venues will light up a room with coloured lighting (think purples and blues), this will impact your photos and the colours casted on everyone in the room. My recommendation would be to have an equal, if not more, warm coloured white lighting in addition to any coloured lighting – especially during important moments like a first dance.
10. Personalize the Space for Unique Portrait Moments
Since you won’t have outdoor landscapes to rely on, personalizing the indoor space is key! Consider creating special areas like a photo wall, a cozy lounge setup, or a unique floral installation. These personal touches not only make your venue feel more like “you” but also offer one-of-a-kind backdrops for your portraits.
Final Thoughts
An indoor wedding gives you a chance to craft a truly intimate and personalized atmosphere. With a few thoughtful decisions about lighting, decor, and the timing of your day, you can ensure your wedding photos turn out beautifully and showcase the love and joy you’re feeling. By working closely with your photographer and paying attention to these details, you’ll be setting yourself up for stunning photos you’ll cherish for years to come.
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