CatholicWeddingPhotographer at St. Peter Catholic Church in Uptown Charlotte NC view from balcony of bride's white wedding dress with long train, cathedral veil, and giant bow being escorted down aisle by Father of the Bride in tuxedo

Charlotte wedding photographer Michael Parks’ guide for Catholic wedding photos.

As a Charlotte wedding photographer, and a Catholic, I thought I’d share what I’ve learned photographing Catholic weddings over the years. A Catholic wedding ceremony isn’t the typical Christian wedding that most people see on TV or magazines, where there is a lot of flexibility around photography.

A Catholic wedding in Charlotte is held in a Catholic Church, not outdoors, and may look different than non-Catholics expect. For example, the bride and groom sometimes have their backs to their guests, kneeling before the priest at the altar. Other times, the bride and groom sit at the side of the altar, listening to the liturgy or homily. While there may be two witnesses alongside the bride and groom, there will not usually be a full bridal party standing.

My family’s home parish is St. Gabriel Catholic Church, where my wife and I went through Pre-Cana ourselves before we got married. The sacrament of marriage is such a special time, and it’s a blessing to be able to capture these weddings for my couples. I understand the unique order of celebrating a Catholic matrimony and how to capture it beautifully and respectfully. I’ve photographed several weddings at St. Gabriel Catholic Church in Southpark Charlotte, as well as St. Peter Catholic Church in Uptown Charlotte, and am looking forward to photographing weddings at St. Matthew Catholic Church in Ballantyne Charlotte and St. Patrick Catholic Church in Dilworth Charlotte next year.

Charlotte wedding photographer nearby St Gabriel Catholic Church ParksPictures (Copy)

Find an Experienced Catholic Wedding Photographer

Catholic weddings can be quite different than other Christian weddings. Photographers unfamiliar with Catholic traditions may be unsure about what is going on during different parts of the Mass and when key events occur, such as celebration of the Eucharist. It’s so important that your photographer and videographer understands fully what will happen during a Catholic wedding, so that they can best recognize and capture those moments.

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Communicate Early

Well in advance of the wedding, the photographer should communicate with the designated church coordinator to understand the photography and videography rules for that specific Catholic church. There are guidelines to maintain the sacred nature of the ceremony as well as rules to ensure other church worship activities are not impacted.

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Maximize Time in the Sanctuary

Due to the active use of a Catholic church, the time allowed for photography and videography will be limited. Also, photo and video may be prohibited in the sanctuary before the ceremony. Your photographer needs to create a clear, efficient plan for the pictures to be taken and complete them within the time limit.

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Time the Kiss

In a Catholic wedding, the kiss doesn’t always happen at the end of the ceremony. In addition, the kiss is not always announced by officiant in the same way as other Christian weddings. Other times, the priest will say something like, “I now introduce for the first time Mr. & Mrs….” and that is the cue for the kiss.

Bride and Groom first kiss at Catholic wedding by Charlotte wedding photographer near St. Gabriel Catholic Church

Master Photography with Limited Light

Many Catholic churches prohibit the use of artificial light from flashes, strobes, so as not to distract from the ceremony itself. In a church without great lighting, the photographer needs to have had relevant experience and professional equipment to get great wedding photos. After the ceremony, the photographer may need to use advanced flash photography to create the best lighting for group pictures.

Know Where to Stand and When

Your photographer should know the rules for your specific Catholic church. The photographer and videographer should not venture further than the last row of pews where the congregation is seated. Based on the guidance of the priest, the photographer may be allowed to kneel in the front of the church during the first half of the procession. Once the ceremony has started, the photographer will be at the rear of the church, using telephoto lenses to capture the ceremony.

Bride's bouquet in sanctuary of St. Gabriel Catholic Church in Charlotte NC

Married couple posing after wedding in sanctuary at St. Gabriel Catholic Church in Charlotte NC

Respect the Church

For Catholics, a wedding is joyful sacrament of reverence. And separate from the wedding, there are often other Catholics in silent prayer in other areas of the church. The photographer and videographer should dress appropriately for a religious service. After the ceremony, the photographer should maintain a respectful demeanor as they complete the pictures at the altar efficiently and without approaching the altar itself.

I hope these tips provide some helpful guidance in preparing for your Catholic wedding. If you have questions, please contact me below. I’m glad to share everything I know towards helping you have a great wedding!