In a post-pandemic, modern world where we all want more time with our loved ones, it’s important to talk about why you should hire a multi-day wedding photographer.  But first, let’s back up a little. Planning a wedding is truly a whirlwind of excitement. Quite literally, a whirlwind. Most people report feeling like their wedding day went by in a flash. It’s common for couples to tell me even months after their wedding that they wish they could relive the experience because it all passed so quickly. Every couple dreams of a day filled with captured memories that will last a lifetime- but how about a weekend of those memories? Time is all we have, so I say, let’s make it count. 

Wondering what it could look like to spend several days celebrating with the people you love most? My gosh, there’s a million ideas out there.

Here are some ideas to start us off: 

• Create an adult summer camp complete with games, activities, and singing songs around the fire at night.
• Travel to a far-away place you’ve always loved (or dreamed of visiting) and explore, cook dinners at the house together, and experience a different culture through the lens of your union
• Theme your wedding celebration around something you both love. If the ocean is sacred to you, plan a sunset dinner cruise for the rehearsal and then tie the knot with your toes in the sand. In between, take your crew surfing, sailing, or simply lay and soak up the sun while catching up with your college besties and new in-laws.
• Or, consider an all-inclusive destination wedding like discussed here, think- built in vacation for all!  Everyone will appreciate a well relaxed holiday as they help you celebrate this momentous occasion. 

Growing Trend in Multi-day Weddings

First, let’s talk about the growing trend in hiring a weekend wedding photographer. This is someone that covers the pre and post-wedding festivities outside of the wedding day. There are so many advantages of investing in a photographer that is there for your entire wedding weekend. If your taste is in candid and documentary style photography, we have you covered with all the compelling reasons why you should consider hiring a photographer for your special weekend of events!  

Below I have listed some ideas for curating your Multi-day Wedding Experience. Have fun with it, and savor the all the time you will have with your wedding party and guests!

Capturing the Welcome Party:

To start off, the celebration begins the moment your guests arrive for the weekend. Imagine all the people traveling from afar and seeing each other for this momentous occasion. A weekend wedding photographer can ensure that the joyful, candid shots of laughter, hugs, and the initial moments of the celebration are all captured. This article talks about how the welcome party is truly a moment to get excited for the days to come! 

Welcome party ideas: ice cream social, pool party, backyard bbq or rooftop cocktails! 

Rehearsal:

The night before the big day holds its own special charm. The wedding party all comes together with built up excitement as everyone gets prepared for the big day. Having a photographer capture the walk-through, and rehearsal dinner also means that these moments will be preserved. I adore the idea of getting those heartfelt toasts and the intimate moments with all the couples closest friends and family together the night before the wedding day. 

Rehearsal party ideas: sunset cruise, beach bonfire, a night under the stars eating al fresco in a vineyard, I could go on! 

Getting Ready Photos:

One of the most cherished parts of wedding photography is capturing the getting ready moments. From the bridal makeup to the final touches on the dress or suit, a weekend wedding photographer ensures that these intimate moments are beautifully documented. 

Getting Ready Ideas: have a coffee date with the bride or throw on those custom robes & sip some champagne! 

Wedding Ceremony:

Of course, the main event deserves its fair share of attention. A multi-day photographer will be there from the start to capture the vows, the tears, laughs, and the first kiss as a married couple. With a documentary approach, these images become a timeless record of the emotions shared during this wonderful moment. 

Reception:

The party continues at the reception, and a multi-day wedding photographer will be right there to capture the dance floor antics, heartfelt speeches, and the pure joy of celebration. Candid shots during the reception provide a genuine reflection of the happiness shared by all.

After-Party Extravaganza:

Some of the most memorable moments happen during the after-party. This is when couples are usually most relaxed and feel at ease post wedding events. From wild dance moves to spontaneous celebrations, a weekend wedding photographer ensures that the energy of the day doesn’t fizzle out with the end of the official events.

After-party: party bus to a favorite bar/club/restaurant! Plan a silent disco or bring in your favorite late-night snacks.

Day-After Festivities:

The wedding weekend often concludes with a day-after brunch or lunch, offering a more relaxed and casual atmosphere. A weekend wedding photographer will skillfully document these final moments, capturing the last glimpses of celebration and the beginning of the couple’s new journey together.

Investing in a weekend wedding photographer is like entrusting the storyteller of your love story with an extended narrative. The coverage ensures that every facet of your wedding weekend is captured in a series of stunning photographs, each telling its own unique story.  For those who desire photos beyond one day, consider a weekend wedding photographer that specializes in candid, documentary-style photography and let that genuine reflection of your love story unfold.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Q: How does a multi-day wedding photographer ensure they capture the unique cultural or familial traditions that may take place over multiple days?

A: To ensure the capture of unique cultural or familial traditions over multiple days, photographers engage in thorough pre-event consultations to understand and plan for these moments.

Q: What kind of post-production process is involved for multi-day wedding photography, and how does it differ from single-day event photography in terms of timeline and delivery of final images? 

A: The post-production process for multi-day events is more extensive, involving careful curation and editing of a larger volume of images, which may extend the timeline for delivering final photos.

Q: Are there any specific examples or stories from past weddings that highlight the unique benefits of having a multi-day wedding photographer?

A: Through personalized stories, photographers often illustrate the benefits of multi-day coverage, such as capturing the full narrative of the wedding celebration, from rehearsals to farewells, showcasing the depth and breadth of their service. Check out this multi-day wedding in Mexico.

Want some more inspo for planning your own unique multi-day wedding experience? Check out this weekend wedding in Mexico here. If you’re looking to hire a multi-day wedding photographer, I’d LOVE to be a part of making this moment special!