What Is a Wedding Formal Session?
When planning your wedding photography, you’ve likely heard of engagement sessions and wedding day portraits, but have you considered a wedding formal session? If you want breathtaking images of you and your partner in a relaxed setting without the pressure of a packed wedding timeline, a formal session might be the perfect solution.
What Is a Wedding Formals Session?
A wedding formal session is a dedicated photoshoot that usually takes place a few weeks to a month before your wedding day. This session allows your photographer to capture your groom seeing you for the first time in your wedding attire, followed by stunning portraits of the two of you at a location of your choice.
Why Should You Consider a Wedding Formal Session?
Your wedding day will be full of incredible moments, but it can also be chaotic. Between the timeline, guests, and unexpected delays, finding ample time for portraits can be tricky. A wedding formal session ensures you get a variety of stunning images without the time constraints and stress of the big day.
Here are a few reasons couples love formal sessions:
1. More Time, More Photos
On your wedding day, you might only have 15–30 minutes for couple’s portraits. A formal session, however, gives you an entire shoot dedicated to capturing just the two of you, ensuring you get more photos and more variety.
2. Choose Any Location You Want
Unlike the wedding day, where portraits are often limited to your venue, a formal session lets you pick a dream location. Whether it’s a breathtaking mountain range, a lush garden, or a downtown cityscape, you get full creative control over your backdrop.
3. A Private First Look
Many couples love the idea of a private first look without the eyes of their wedding party and guests. A wedding formal session lets you share an intimate moment seeing each other for the first time in your wedding attire, allowing for raw, emotional reactions.
4. No Wedding Day Stress
Because formal sessions are scheduled separately from the wedding day, you don’t have to worry about rushing or fitting them into a tight schedule. You can take your time, relax, and truly enjoy the moment.
What If You Want the First Look Down the Aisle?
If you love the idea of a wedding formal session but want your first look to happen as you walk down the aisle—no problem! We can schedule your session after the wedding instead. This way, you still get incredible portraits in a different location while keeping that special moment for your ceremony.
How to Choose a Location for Your Formal Session
The possibilities for a formal session location are endless, and we’re here to help! We provide a location guide with over 270 locations, complete with photo examples, to help you find the perfect backdrop for your photos. Whether you want a romantic forest setting, a dramatic desert landscape, or a timeless cityscape, we have options to match your vision.
Final Thoughts: Is a Wedding Formal Session Right for You?
A wedding formal session is an incredible opportunity to capture breathtaking portraits without the stress and time constraints of your wedding day. If you want more variety in your wedding photos, a private first look, and the flexibility to choose your dream location, this session is a perfect fit.
Interested in scheduling a wedding formal session? Let’s make it happen! Reach out today, and we’ll help you plan a stunning session that fits your style and vision.
