I know that my most favourite photos from my wedding day are the candid photos of my guests. Don’t get me wrong, I loved a sprinkle of my our wedding portraits, they were fabulous and super chilled I might add but the fun moments from the day are my fav!
This is why candid wedding photography is so important for your day.. Unlike traditional posed photos, candid photography captures the raw, unfiltered emotions that make your wedding story unique.
Whether you’re getting married in Dublin or planning a destination wedding in Ireland, choosing a photographer who specialises in candid moments will give you a lovely mixture and happy, relaxed portraits and special moments to bring you right back to the day.
What Is Candid Wedding Photography?
Candid wedding photography is all about the story of your day. Special moments of interaction between you and your guests that bring you back.
I try my best to bring a blend of natural, candid poses of my couples and fun candid moments of the guests BUT if you want a quick pic with you best friend, sur let’s do it! So I’m not a strictly documentary photographer.
Some of the most special candid moments include:
- Children! Children bring a certain honesty to a picture that only they can do!
- The hustle of the dress being put in – this excited energy always brings laughter and love. When dad see his daughter in her dress, never gets old.
- Speeches and dancing – emotion for the speeches and letting go for the dancing
- Games at cocktail hour.. any sort of entertainment during this time of the day will liven things up and bring happy faces.
Why Choose Candid Wedding Photography?
- It Tells Your Unique Story
All wedding photographers will capture candid moments from your day. Every photographer will give you your day in a picture story. The difference between a candid wedding photographer and a traditional one is that candid wedding photographer spend much more time focussing on those moments and less time on the posed shots and details.
What is MOST important to my couple are this moments so I focus on them more.
If you are a couple who wants more special moments captured than anything else than I would recommend looking for a candid or documentary wedding photographer.
2. ‘Realness’ Is Timeless
Wedding photography trends change, but authenticity never goes out of style. When you look back at your wedding album in 20 or 50 years, the raw emotions captured in candid photos will feel just as real as they did on your special day.
3. A More Relaxed Experience
Being in front of the camera can feel awkward, especially if you’re constantly asked to pose. A candid wedding photographer will blend into the background, allowing you to enjoy your day naturally while capturing every genuine moment. This approach is ideal for couples who prefer a more relaxed vibe, documentary-style experience rather than a staged photoshoot. Often you would be a camera shy couple too!
How Candid Photography Elevates Your Wedding Album
Capturing Real-Time Emotions
Some of the most powerful wedding photos are those taken in the moment—like your father’s proud expression as he walks you down the aisle or your best friend’s uncontrollable laughter during the speeches. These genuine reactions cannot be staged, and they add authenticity and emotional depth to your album.
Highlighting the Small, Beautiful Details
Your wedding day will be a full of emotions, and you may not notice every little detail. It goes sooo fast! Candid wedding photography ensures that even the smallest moments like you hugging your granny are always captured.
Showcasing the Guest Experience
While traditional wedding photography often focuses on the couple, candid wedding photography also highlights the emotions and experiences of your guests. Whether it’s a heartfelt embrace, joyful dancing, or a playful moment, these images make your wedding album even more meaningful.
Tips for Getting the Best Candid Photos
Choose a Photographer Experienced in Candid Wedding Photography
Not all photographers specialise in this natural, documentary style. When selecting a candid wedding photographer in Dublin or for a destination wedding photographer in Ireland, review their portfolio to ensure they excel at capturing raw, unposed moments.
I am a candid photographer nut I also love to capture a few stunning portraits. I just make them quick! My couples don’t want the fuss and want to spend time with their guests. This is what’s important to them.
Trust Your Photographer
The key to great candid photos? Let go and enjoy your day! Trust me, after bridal prep you will forget I’m there. I could be right next to you taking picture and you wouldn’t know it!
A skilled photographer will know how to capture the best moments without interrupting or directing you. The more relaxed and present you are, the better your photos will be.
Encourage Guest Interaction
Candid moments arise naturally when people interact. Encourage your guests to relax, have fun, and enjoy themselves, and your photographer will capture those beautiful, unscripted moments.
Candid Wedding Photography in Dublin & Ireland
As a candid wedding photographer in Dublin, I’ve had the privilege of capturing beautiful love stories in some of Ireland’s most stunning locations. I find that venues offering change of scenery and ice breakers such as games always lends well to candid photography.
Some of my favourite locations for candid wedding photos in Dublin and Ireland include:
- Dublin City Hall – From a photographers perspective, this venue is great for me to move around like a sniper without getting notices. Guests literally get lost on the beauty of the interior and are less aware of me for some reason. – love it!
- The Streets of Dublin – Bringing my couples and their wedding party out into the hustle and bustle of Dublin ALWAYS makes for fun, relaxed candid wedding portraits. It’s never a dull moment and the photos are never the same.
- Cloughjordan House – I adore this venue for its super relaxed and fun atmosphere. They provide loads of interactive games for the guests which make for fabulous photos. The perfect ice breaker too!
- Bellinter House – The stunning urban chic vibe mixed with the old building and stunning gardens give gusts ample opportunity to roam around and change the energy in each room.
- Ballintubbert Gardens & House – Oh man what a venue for that ‘festival’ vibe! The shifting of energy for location to location is just amazing, super relaxed. Sets the mood for a super chilled and happy crowd. Honestly I could talk about this place all day!
For those planning a destination wedding in Ireland, candid photography is just as essential. The jovial relaxed vibe of the Irish mixed with its beauty will give you the best of both worlds. Candid fun and stunning, natural portraits.
Candid wedding photography is more than just a photography style—it’s a way of capturing the raw emotions, connections, and special moments that make your wedding truly unique. It is the story of your day – literally!
Whether you’re getting married in Dublin or planning a destination wedding in Ireland, choosing a photographer who specialises in candid photos will give you a wedding album that is authentic, timeless, and deeply personal.
If you’re looking for a candid wedding photographer in Dublin or need a destination wedding photographer in Ireland, I’d love to capture your special day. Contact me today to discuss your wedding photography needs—I can’t wait to tell your story through beautiful, unscripted moments!
