Salt Lake Wedding Photographer - Tips for your Big Day
Wedding Tips from a Salt Lake City Wedding Photographer: Capturing Your Perfect Day
As a Salt Lake City wedding photographer, I’ve had the privilege of capturing countless love stories against Utah’s stunning landscapes. From intimate mountain elopements to grand downtown celebrations, I’ve seen what works (and what doesn’t!) when it comes to planning the perfect wedding day. If you’re in the middle of wedding planning, here are my top wedding tips to ensure your big day is as beautiful and stress-free as possible—both in person and in photos!
1. Choose the Right Venue for Your Vision
Salt Lake City and the surrounding areas offer a variety of breathtaking venues, from elegant ballrooms to scenic mountain lodges. Your venue sets the stage for your wedding day, so consider factors like:
Lighting: Natural light is a photographer’s best friend! Venues with large windows, outdoor ceremony spaces, or warm-toned indoor lighting will make your photos glow.
Scenery: Do you want mountain views, historic charm, or modern city vibes? Salt Lake has options for every style.
Logistics: Consider travel time for you and your guests, accessibility, and potential weather conditions, especially if you’re planning an outdoor wedding.
Some of My Favorite Venues:
La Caille – A dreamy French-inspired estate with gardens and vineyard views.
The Grand America Hotel – Perfect for an elegant, classic wedding.
Log Haven – Nestled in the mountains, ideal for nature lovers.
Sunnyfield Farms – A stunning venue in Eden, Utah, with vintage charm.
2. Plan for the Best Lighting
Lighting plays a massive role in wedding photography, so it’s important to plan your timeline around the best natural light. Here’s what I recommend:
Golden Hour Photos: Schedule couples’ portraits during the golden hour (one hour before sunset) for dreamy, soft lighting.
Midday Shade: If your ceremony is midday, choose a venue with shaded areas or a backdrop that prevents harsh overhead light.
Candlelight & Twinkle Lights: If your reception is indoors or at night, incorporate warm lighting for a romantic ambiance.
3. Get Ready in a Photo-Friendly Space
Your getting-ready location sets the tone for the start of your day. Choose a room with:
Large windows for natural light.
Neutral or lightly colored walls (avoid cluttered hotel rooms).
Space for your bridal party to move comfortably.
Bonus tip: Have all your details (dress, shoes, invitation suite, rings) ready for your photographer to capture before you put them on!
4. First Look: To Do or Not to Do?
A first look (where you and your partner see each other before the ceremony) is a great way to get intimate, emotional photos while also calming pre-ceremony nerves. Plus, it allows you to complete most of your portraits before the ceremony, giving you more time to enjoy the reception! If you prefer tradition, that’s totally fine—just make sure to allocate enough time for post-ceremony portraits.
5. Create a Well-Structured Timeline
A well-planned timeline ensures a smooth, stress-free day. Work with your photographer to determine the best schedule. A typical wedding timeline might look like this:
12:00 PM – Getting ready photos
2:00 PM – First look & couple portraits
3:00 PM – Wedding party & family photos
4:30 PM – Ceremony
5:00 PM – Cocktail hour (while we take golden hour portraits)
6:00 PM – Reception starts
8:00 PM – Sunset photos (optional, but stunning!)
10:00 PM – Grand exit
6. Keep Your Family Photo List Organized
Family photos can be chaotic if not planned in advance! Make a list of must-have groupings and assign a trusted friend or planner to help gather family members. This keeps things moving efficiently and ensures no important shots are missed.
7. Embrace the Unscripted Moments
Some of the best wedding photos come from candid, real moments—the tear in your dad’s eye as he walks you down the aisle, your best friend’s laughter during speeches, the joyful chaos of the dance floor. While posed photos are beautiful, don’t forget to enjoy the day and let the emotions flow naturally.
8. Consider a Second Shooter
A second photographer allows for more angles and more moments captured. This is especially helpful for large weddings or if you want both partners’ getting-ready moments documented simultaneously.
9. Don’t Skip the Golden Hour Couples’ Portraits
If there’s one thing I always recommend, it’s setting aside time for sunset portraits. These images have a magical glow that’s hard to replicate at any other time of day. Even if you’re eager to get back to your reception, stepping away for 10–15 minutes can result in some of your favorite wedding photos.
10. Have a Solid Rain Plan
Utah’s weather can be unpredictable, so always have a backup plan for outdoor weddings. Whether it’s a covered pavilion, indoor space, or a stash of clear umbrellas, having a plan ensures your day isn’t derailed by unexpected showers.
11. Trust Your Photographer & Enjoy the Day!
Finally, the best thing you can do for stunning wedding photos is to relax and be present. Trust your photographer’s expertise, focus on your partner, and soak in every moment. Weddings go by quickly, but the memories and images last forever.
Ready to Book Your Salt Lake City Wedding Photographer?
If you’re looking for a photographer who will capture your love story with authenticity and artistry, I’d love to chat! Let’s create timeless memories together. Reach out to Bella Alder Photography today!
