Why include a Celebrant in Styled Wedding or Elopement Shoots?
Styled Shoots Are About More Than Looks
I have been thinking about this for a while, as I see many calls for Styled shoots in my online groups and on my insta feed. I have long wanted to share my thoughts about them, as they are a beautiful way to showcase creativity. They obviously are there to build portfolio but not only that, they inspire couples, highlight talented suppliers, and bring fresh ideas to life.
Over the past few seasons, I have noticed that an element that is often missing is the celebrant, and in my humble opinion, that is a missed opportunity to tell the full story.
Adding Authentic Emotion with Real-Life Couples
A styled shoot is not just about how a wedding looks, it is about how it feels. A celebrant adds human connection, warmth, emotion, and flow to a real ceremony moment.
Instead of models simply posing, the shoot can include real-life couples, giving them an incredible opportunity to experience a celebrant-led ceremony. Even a short symbolic moment creates genuine emotion and captures the intimacy and magic of a wedding, making the images and video far more authentic.
I have now had the pleasure of delivering many real life elopements and small intimate weddings, and I know the power of my presence, as the ceremony is the heart of the wedding.
Showcasing Modern, Inclusive Ceremonies
Including a celebrant also helps show potential clients what a modern ceremony can look like. It is a chance to demonstrate how personal, inclusive, and meaningful symbolic ceremonies can be, especially for international or bilingual couples who want something beyond the traditional script and as many couples attend a fairly limited number of weddings before they hold their own, I think this would be a lovely key benefit.
Benefits for Photographers and Planners
Photographers and planners benefit too. Real emotions photograph beautifully, and that storytelling element elevates the entire shoot. As you can see from the photos I have added here, the real emotions are so valuable, in their ability to resonate with real life couples who are looking for the whole experience to be shown to them.
Invite a Celebrant Next Time!
Next time you are planning a styled shoot, invite a celebrant to be part of it. It might be the missing piece that transforms a collection of pretty images into a truly unforgettable, living narrative, and gives couples a glimpse of the ceremony experience they might one day have themselves. I know my couples sometimes worry about what their ceremony will be like – especially those who are arranging destination weddings and elopements. Let them see how happy and relaxed they can be!
Get in touch if what you read resonates with you and what you are looking for in your styled shoots and portfolio. Let’s work out if we have the opportunity to collaborate! I would love to invest if you are working in Switzerland, Austria, Germany and The Dolomites. Please connect through my WhatsApp +44 7800543426”
If you would like to see more of what my day to day is like – head on over to My Real Weddings and Elopements Page
Photo credits: Villa Pizzo Cernobbio, Como are my own.