Film Wedding Photography – The Timeless Magic of 35mm on Your Wedding Day

Why Film Wedding Photography is Making a Comeback

Remember the magic of flipping through your grandparents’ old photo albums? The dreamy, slightly grainy shots that somehow hold more emotion than most modern galleries ever could?

That’s the beauty of film wedding photography. It’s nostalgic. It’s romantic. It’s real. And it’s making a comeback (a very stylish one, if we may say so).

We started experimenting with 35mm film a few years ago, and let’s just say… we got hooked. There’s something so special about the way film captures light, emotion, and those in-between moments. No endless clicking – just carefully chosen frames full of heart.

So if you’re the kind of couple who loves a slower pace, imperfect perfection, and moments that feel, not just look, beautiful – keep reading. This might just be the wedding photo magic you didn’t know you needed.

What Is Film Wedding Photography (And Why It Hits Different)?

Let’s break it down. Film wedding photography means shooting your big day on old-school 35mm film – yes, the kind with actual rolls you have to load into a camera. No instant screen previews, no endless re-takes, just pure, honest storytelling.

Each click of the shutter counts – and that’s the beauty of it. It slows everything down. We get more intentional, more observant. And the result? Dreamy, buttery tones, rich textures, and a timeless feel you just can’t replicate digitally (no matter how fancy the presets).

It’s not about being trendy or retro for the sake of it. It’s about telling your story in a way that feels raw, artful and just… well, magical.

Oh, and don’t worry – we’re hybrid shooters, which means you’ll still get all the crisp, high-resolution digital shots plus those heart-thumping film frames. Best of both worlds? You bet.

Why Couples Fall in Love with Film (Again and Again)

We’ve lost count of how many couples told us “we’re not really photo people”… and then cried happy tears watching their film scans come in.

Why? Because film feels. It captures the little things that matter most: the nervous giggle before you walk down the aisle, the way your mum gently fixes your veil, the chaos of confetti in the air. No filters. No over-posing. Just real life, frozen in time with a little grain and a lot of soul.

Here’s what couples love most about film:

• The romantic vibe – warm tones, creamy highlights, and colours that look like they belong in a movie.
• The story-first approach – fewer clicks, more feeling.
• The surprise element – you won’t see the film shots straight away, which makes them even more special when they arrive (cue all the omg look at this! messages, do people still say OMG by the way?).
• The heirloom feel – film photos feel instantly timeless. You’ll treasure them forever.

And don’t worry – there’s no extra posing involved. We blend in like guests, capturing the good stuff as it naturally unfolds. (No forced grins here, promise.)

Our Hybrid Approach (aka The Dream Team Setup)

So here’s the thing – you don’t have to choose between digital and film. With us, you get both.

We shoot weddings as a team, which means one of us can work that dreamy 35mm magic, while the other captures all the fast-paced moments on digital. Together, it’s like having two perspectives of the same love story – one timeless, the other crisp and modern.

• Film captures the raw feeling.
• Digital captures the detail, and feeling too.
• Together, they tell the whole story.

You’ll get a full set of beautifully edited digital images (perfect for printing, posting and swooning over), plus a curated selection of those soft, artistic film frames that feel straight out of a storybook.

And don’t worry – we know film isn’t for everyone, which is why it’s an optional add-on. But if you’re tempted by the idea of something extra special? Film might just be your secret sauce.

Why 35mm Film Is Perfect for Weddings (Yes, Even Yours)

Let’s bust a myth right now – film isn’t just for vintage-themed weddings or artsy couples wearing velvet jackets. It’s for anyone who wants their wedding to feel as magical on camera as it did in real life.

Here’s why 35mm film is the perfect fit for your day:

• It slows everything down – in the best way. You’re not just rushing through a checklist of poses. You’re soaking up the moment while we quietly capture the magic.
• It’s made for emotion – the grain, the tones, the softness… it all adds this unfiltered depth that brings the feels.
• It flatters everyone – seriously. Film is so forgiving. Skin tones look gorgeous, light looks golden, and imperfections just melt away.
• It’s one-of-a-kind – every roll of film is unique. You’re not getting cookie-cutter images. You’re getting art. Your art.

And yes – we’ve shot film at castles, barns, registry offices, in the middle of the Cotswolds (at the fantastic Merriscourt), and even during a surprise rainstorm. It always delivers.

Real Weddings, Real Film – Some of Our Fave Frames

We could talk about film all day (and night)… but we know the proof is in the pudding. Or in this case, the pictures.

Here’s a little taste of the magic our 35mm cameras have captured at real weddings:

• That just-married confetti shot where the grain adds an extra sparkle (and no one’s blinking – miracle!).
• A golden hour kiss in a field that looks like it belongs on a vinyl album cover.
• Dad’s teary-eyed speech, caught mid-emotion with all the warmth and softness film brings.
• A first dance lit by fairy lights and candle glow, all moody and romantic in the best possible way.
• And that moment you thought no one saw – a hand squeeze, a cheeky grin, a happy tear.

These frames aren’t just for your wedding album. They’re the ones you’ll frame, flick through on anniversaries, and pass down one day to show how your story started.

Film vs Digital – What’s the Difference (and Why Both Are Brilliant)

Okay, so you’re probably wondering:
“Do I need film photography? What’s the big deal?”
Let’s break it down – no jargon, no fluff, just the real talk:

35mm Film

• Romantic, nostalgic, and full of character
• Gorgeous skin tones and soft highlights (your nan will look like a Vogue model)
• Slower pace = more intentional storytelling
• Limited frames = more curated moments
• Real, physical negatives = forever keepsakes

Digital

• Crisp, clean, super high resolution
• Fast-paced coverage – we don’t miss a thing
• Perfect for low-light situations (hello, dance floor madness)
• More flexibility in editing styles
• Delivered quicker – because we know you can’t wait

Why We Love Both

Together, they create a wedding gallery that’s not only complete, but rich with feeling. Digital gives you the coverage. Film gives you the feels. And when you blend the two? You get a timeless love story told in a totally modern way.

Bonus: Since we shoot as a duo, we can do both without missing a beat. That’s the power of hybrid photography.

Can We Talk About Pricing? (Yes, Film Can Fit Your Budget Too!)

We get it – film sounds dreamy, but you’re probably thinking:
“Isn’t it expensive?”

Here’s the good news: film doesn’t have to break the bank.

If you book us – you can add 35mm film into the mix without blowing your budget. Think of it like adding a layer of magic to your already gorgeous day.

A few flexible options:

• Add 1 or 2 rolls of film (colour or black & white) for a sprinkle of nostalgia
• Go full hybrid – combine digital + film coverage for the best of both worlds
• Want a printed album? Film looks phenomenal on those matte pages

And if you’re booking The Story Package, you already get a roll of film included. Yep, it’s on us.

Just pop us a message if you want to chat through options – we’re always happy to help shape a package that feels right for you.

How to Book – And When to Add Film to Your Day

Thinking film might be for you? Here’s the simple breakdown:

1. Pick your package – Start with the one that feels right. If you’re booking The Story Package, film is already included (yay!).
2. Fancy adding 35mm to another package? – Just let us know and we’ll see what’s available.
3. Want to chat it through first? – We LOVE talking all things film (and weddings, obviously). No pressure, no awkward sales pitch. Just two humans helping you figure out what works best.

Pro tip: If you’re even thinking about film, let us know early – we only shoot a limited number of film rolls per wedding to keep the quality ✨chef’s kiss✨.

Let’s make some magic on film. Steal our secrets and say hello

Final Thoughts – Why Film Just Feels Different

There’s something about film wedding photography that hits differently. The grain. The softness. The fact that every shot is intentional. It’s a slower, more meaningful way of seeing – and capturing – your wedding day.

If you’re the kind of couple who values the feel of your photos just as much as the look… if you want something timeless, emotive, and a little bit magical… film might just be your new best friend.

Whether you add a roll or two, or go all in with our Story Package – we’ll make sure your memories are preserved beautifully, authentically, and with a whole lot of heart.

💌 Fancy chatting about film for your wedding day? Let’s talk – we’d love to hear your plans.