Take our quick wedding photo style quiz and get access to 3 wedding galleries plus a mini timeline to keep you with your guests as a bonus.
Choosing between the different wedding photography styles can feel confusing. Here’s the plain-English guide for real couples. In short, there are three types of wedding photography you’ll see most:
- Editorial wedding photography
- Documentary/reportage wedding photography
- DOCU-ART wedding photography
Compare each style side-by-side with real wedding examples, see how the vibe changes, and decide what feels like you. Ready to pick?
Wedding Photography Styles Explained
Editorial wedding photography (polished, pose-led)
Think magazine vibes: clean lines, styled details, elegant posing. We’ll spend longer on couple portraits and crafted scenes, keeping everything refined and consistent. Best for: lovers of chic, fine-art looks and perfectly styled moments. Once you complete the quiz, and get your results, we’ll give you access to our take on editorial photography.
Documentary / reportage wedding photography (unposed, story-first)
Zero staging, zero fuss – just real life unfolding. We compose in-camera as moments happen so you can stay with your guests. Portraits are optional; if golden hour hits, we’ll steal 5–10 mins for a few “us” frames. Best for: couples who value candid wedding photojournalism and guest-first flow.
Once you complete the quiz, and get your results, we’ll give you access to our reportage wedding photography gallery.
DOCU-ART (our style: real + cinematic)
Our sweet spot: authentic, colourful storytelling with a handful of creative, cinematic wedding portraits in great light. Most of the day we’re documentary ninjas; then we slip away for 10–15 minutes to make frame-worthy heroes – fast, fun, flattering. Best for: modern couples who want the whole story and a few “wow” pieces, without losing party time.
Once you complete the quiz, and get your results, we’ll give you access to our DOCU-ART gallery.
Clearing Up the Confusion: “Natural” ≠ Editorial, and “Reportage” ≠ Unflattering
A lot of couples mix up wedding photography styles:
- Editorial ≠ natural. Blurry pics, motion and wonky walls might look spontaneous, but editorial is usually posed and styled, and it often takes you away from guests for longer blocks. Great if you want a magazine shoot; less great if you want to stay at your own party.
- Pure documentary/reportage ≠ ugly. It’s real, unposed and guest-first – but many pure reporters won’t do portraits (they see them as “not natural”). After the day, some couples wish they’d had a few flattering photos together for frames and thank-yous.
- DOCU-ART (our way) = the best of both. We keep the story authentic and guest-first, then slip away for 10–15 minutes to create flattering, cinematic portraits in beautiful light. No plastic airbrushing, no time sink, no gimmicky angles – just real moments + a handful of wow images you’ll always love!
Want styled perfection and don’t mind missing mingling? → Editorial
Want pure, unposed memories and zero direction? → Documentary/Reportage
Want authentic candids and a few iconic, flattering portraits – fast? → DOCU-ART (the sweet spot)
Editorial vs Documentary vs DOCU-ART (Real Weddings)
See the wedding photography styles side-by-side with three real wedding examples – same MAYS colour, fun and art; different dial settings.
Gallery 1 – Editorial Twist (pose-led, detail-driven)
Polished portraits, styled details, confident direction. More time for couple photos and a few extra family groups – think clean lines and graphic light.
Gallery 2 – Pure Reportage (unposed, story-first)
Zero staging, all feeling. We compose in-camera as moments unfold; no formal groups, so the candid storytelling runs deep. If golden hour appears, we’ll still grab a few quick “us” frames.
Gallery 3 – DOCU-ART Signature (real + cinematic)
Guest-first documentary all day, then a 10–15 min dash for cinematic, flattering portraits in beautiful light; a handful of efficient groups. Best-of-both without losing party time.
How to Choose Your Wedding Photo Style
Picking between wedding photography styles comes down to a few trade-offs. Use this quick chooser:
Time away from guests
- Editorial wedding photography: longer portrait blocks & styled details
- Documentary wedding photography: minimal time away
- DOCU-ART: one 10–15 min portrait dash, rest is guest-first
Direction level
- Editorial: lots of posing + set pieces
- Documentary: zero direction
- DOCU-ART: light micro-prompts; natural, flattering
Portrait priority
- Editorial: many crafted portraits
- Documentary: portraits optional / a few quick frames
- DOCU-ART: a handful of cinematic heroes in great light
Candids & story depth
- Editorial: fewer wild candids
- Documentary: maximum real moments
- DOCU-ART: full candid story + a few “wow” portraits
Editing look
- Editorial: refined, sometimes airbrushed
- Documentary: true-to-life
- DOCU-ART: vibrant, timeless, flattering (still real)
Personality fit
- Love styled perfection → Editorial
- Want pure, unposed memories → Documentary
- Want both real moments and a few icons → DOCU-ART
Still unsure? Take our 60-second Wedding Photo Style Quiz to see real examples and get a mini timeline that protects party time.
FAQs about Wedding Photography Styles (and planning)
Are film photos (35mm) a style or a format?
Film is a format you can pair with any wedding photography style. We use 35mm for texture and nostalgia alongside DOCU-ART.
→ Read more: Film wedding photography (35mm)
Do wedding albums still matter?
Yes, albums turn a gallery into a story you can hold. Future-you (and your family) will thank you.
→ Explore: Experience the power of a wedding album
Confetti & sparkler tips (so the photos pop)?
Go big on confetti, choose bright colours, and line up two joyful rows. Sparklers: safe semicircle, long-burn sticks, quick countdown.
→ Guide: Wedding photography confetti shoots
How much should we budget in the UK?
Photography usually sits near the top for long-term value. See typical UK splits and where images/film fit.
→ Read: Clever ways to save money on your wedding
What do your packages include?
Clear options from photos-only to photo + film, two photographers, 24–48h Sneak Peeks, and guest-first timelines.
→ See pricing: Wedding photography investment
Why trust THE MAYS?
Real couples, real awards: TWIA National Winners. Same colour, fun and art, tailored to your vibe.
→ Proof: TWIA NATIONAL WINNER – Wedding Photographer of the Year 2023
Editorial vs documentary vs DOCU-ART – how do I choose?
Decide how much direction you want, how long you’ll step away for portraits, and how candid you want the story.
→ Quick help: Take the Wedding Photo Style Quiz
Ready to Find Your Fit? (And Keep Your Day Feeling Like You)
You’ve seen the main wedding photography styles – editorial, documentary/reportage, and our DOCU-ART best-of-both. Next step: pick the vibe that matches your story, your guests, your timeline.
Ask us anything / check your date → CONNECT
Planning in Herefordshire, the Cotswolds, or anywhere in the UK or abroad? We’ll tailor the approach – guest-first, colour, fun and art – with a quick 10–15 min portrait dash and 24–48h Sneak Peeks. Feel your day. We’ll bottle it.
