Wedding Ceremony Tips

When couples ask us for wedding ceremony tips, they usually want one thing: a ceremony that feels effortless, emotional, and unforgettable for both them and their guests. After photographing hundreds of weddings, we’ve learned that the most impactful ceremonies are thoughtfully timed, intentionally planned, and rooted in presence. Below are our favorite wedding ceremony tips to help you create a ceremony that feels just as good as it looks.

1. Plan your ceremony 3 to 4 hours before sunset

One of our most important wedding ceremony tips is to avoid racing the clock. You don’t want to rush through your vows because the sun is setting and the light is disappearing. We recommend choosing a ceremony time a few hours before sunset to get soft, flattering light without risking a dark, moonlit ceremony (unless that’s the vibe you’re going for).

This timing also allows you to enjoy family photos, cocktail hour, and dinner with stunning sunset views. Your photography team will typically pull you for a few editorial portraits during the most magical, glowing moments of golden hour.

You may be wondering — do you need a planner to get this timing right? A seasoned planner or experienced coordinator brings an elevated level of intention to ceremony timing, transitions, and flow, especially when planning a ceremony a few hours before sunset, ensuring each moment unfolds seamlessly while you remain fully present and immersed in the experience.

2. Consider a first look

If you’re open to it, a first look is one of the best wedding ceremony tips for calming nerves. It’s more relaxed, less risky, and allows for more intentional photos together. First looks are incredibly intimate and emotional — almost like a private ceremony — without the ring exchange.

They’re also perfect for meaningful, editorial portraits in iconic locations like the Art Institute of Chicago, the Wrigley Building, or the Field Museum, where you can take your time and truly be present with one another before the day unfolds.

Another bonus? You won’t need as much time for portraits after the ceremony, which means more time actually enjoying your cocktail hour — greeting guests, sipping champagne, and soaking in the celebration you so thoughtfully planned.

3. Ask guests to unplug

We might be biased, but one of our strongest wedding ceremony tips is to have an unplugged ceremony. That means no photos or videos on iPhones, iPads, Galaxies, or your aunt’s 2002 BlackBerry.

You want your guests fully present, not watching your vows through a screen. While it may feel like common courtesy, you’d be surprised how many people default to filming unless you clearly ask them not to. A simple sign at the ceremony entrance works best, though a quick text to close friends and family ahead of time helps too.

We’ve also seen couples offer a brief, intentional moment at the very beginning — having the officiant invite guests to take 30 seconds for a quick photo, and then kindly ask that phones be put away for the rest of the ceremony. It’s a thoughtful balance that allows guests to capture a memory while preserving the intimacy and presence of the moment.

4. Wedding Ceremony Tips for Staying Grounded

Stay connected during the ceremony by holding hands as you face each other. It helps you feel grounded, present, and emotionally in sync — especially during the most vulnerable moments. Stay connected by resting your head on your partner’s shoulder, sharing a gentle kiss on the cheek or forehead, or offering a reassuring squeeze of the hand when emotions rise.

Stay connected by helping one another walk down the altar steps, adjusting a dress or suit, or briefly holding the flowers as they’re passed to Mary or a parent. These small, thoughtful gestures help you stay present, emotionally aligned, and fully in the moment — creating an atmosphere that feels intimate, intentional, and deeply felt by everyone witnessing it.

5. Practice your first kiss!

This may sound funny, but it’s one of our favorite wedding ceremony tips. Yes, you kiss all the time — but your wedding deserves a real, goosebump-inducing kiss. Think holding your partner’s face, a slight bend or dip, and a kiss that feels intentional and full of emotion. Michael picked Nicole up off her feet and it was pure butterflies.

Hold your kiss for at least five seconds. It gives you time to actually feel the moment, lets your guests soak it in, and creates those iconic, cinematic images you’ll treasure forever. Don’t rush it — this is one of the few moments of the day where time should stand still.

After the kiss, make sure your maid of honor hands your bouquet back before the ceremony exit. For send-offs, fun ideas include confetti, rice, bubbles, streamers, balloons, butterflies, flower petals, or oversized glitter.

6. Practice walking up and down the aisle

You don’t need to literally do this on-site at your venue (unless your rehearsal gives you the opportunity to do so), but the main idea is to envision taking it slow and thinking through any moments you’re anxious or excited about. Of course, if you’re wearing brand-new shoes — especially heels — practice absolutely makes perfect.

As you walk, remember to:

• Stand up straight and relax your shoulders
• Look forward, not down at your feet
• Hold your flowers just below your belly button
• Take smaller, slower steps than you think you need
• Pause for a breath before stepping forward

A subtle smile, a deep breath, or a quick glance toward your partner at the end of the aisle can help ground you in the moment. These small adjustments not only help you feel more confident and present, but they also create a calm, graceful entrance that photographs beautifully.

7. Stay present

You can often see relaxed shoulders and wide smiles immediately after the ceremony ends. That’s usually why it feels so much like a party at this stage in a wedding. But imagine if you could feel that relaxed and present during the ceremony itself. Trust us — move slowly, laugh, remember that everyone in the room is there because you wanted them to be. This is your time. Live it up sincerely and with every last emotion.

Let us know if you have any questions at all as you start to think about your wedding ceremony. If you’re still in the planning phase, we also recommend reading more about how to choose the right wedding photographer and what to look for beyond just pricing — from full galleries and lighting experience to emotional storytelling and guest experience.

You’re always welcome to contact us here to chat through your ceremony timeline, photography coverage, or how to make your day feel intentional and true to you. We’re happy to help guide you through the process and connect you with resources that make planning feel easier and more aligned.