Are you planning your wedding and struggling to fit in the couple portrait session? You might already have a vision of what kind of photos you’d love to have, but you just can’t see where they would fit in your wedding day timeline. This is exactly why I often recommend a separate day wedding photoshoot – and why many couples are so glad they chose to do it.

More time for family and friends on your wedding day

One of the most common reasons couples choose a separate shoot is that it allows them to spend more time with their guests. Especially if your loved ones are traveling from far away or if you rarely get to see them – your wedding might be the one occasion where everyone is together. Why miss an hour of that to rush through a portrait session?

This day isn’t just special for the two of you. It’s also deeply meaningful for those who came to celebrate you. A separate shoot gives you more time to be fully present with your people – and that’s something you’ll never regret.

A calmer, more creative experience

Weddings are emotional, fast-paced, and full of beautiful chaos. And that’s wonderful – but it also means you’re often tired, a bit stressed, or simply overwhelmed. It’s hard to fully relax into a creative, intimate portrait session when your mind is already halfway to the next moment on the timeline.

A separate shoot allows us to create at your pace, with space for touch-ups, veil fixes, outfit adjustments, and most importantly: connection. We can slow down, explore, play, and take the time to create portraits that truly feel like you.

Freedom to choose your dream location

On the wedding day, logistics matter – and often limit what’s possible. You might not want to drive 45 minutes for a scenic location, even if it’s perfect. But on another day? You’re free to dream.

Want a dramatic cliffside at sunset? A cozy picnic in the forest where you had your first date? The ruin pub where you first met? Or maybe a Parisian-style shoot on your honeymoon? You name it. With no strict timeline to follow, the possibilities are endless.

Golden hour magic – at just the right time

As photographers, we talk a lot about light – and for good reason. The time of day dramatically influences the mood and beauty of your images. On your wedding day, you might only have time for portraits in the early afternoon – which often means harsh sunlight and unflattering shadows.

A separate day session lets us plan your shoot for golden hour, when the light is soft, warm, and magical. This makes a real difference in the mood and elegance of your photos.

Less pressure, more connection

Your wedding day is full of energy, excitement – and let’s be honest – sometimes stress. You might be worrying about the next item on the schedule, managing your nerves before the first dance, or simply feeling a little out of your comfort zone in front of the camera.

During a separate shoot, there’s none of that. You’re both more rested, more grounded, and more emotionally present. There’s no rush, no crowd, no pressure – just the two of you, enjoying the moment. That intimacy, that calm joy – it shows in every image.

A built-in backup plan

No one wants to think about what could go wrong – but let’s be real: weddings don’t always go according to plan. Maybe the timeline slips, maybe a sudden storm rolls in, or maybe you simply feel too emotionally drained on the day.

Having a separate shoot scheduled gives you peace of mind. You know that even if things don’t work out for portraits on the wedding day, you’ll still have beautiful, thoughtful images of just the two of you – without stress, without compromise.

Still, take a few photos on your actual wedding day

All of this said, I still wholeheartedly recommend setting aside just 15 minutes on your wedding day for a few couple portraits. The emotions you feel in those moments – the nerves, the butterflies, the absolute joy – are impossible to recreate later.

Even if it’s just a short escape with your photographer after the ceremony, let yourselves be in that magic, and let someone capture it. Those images will hold the feeling of your wedding in a way that no other photo can.

Practical Tips for Planning a Separate Day Photoshoot

• Outfits: Most couples wear their wedding outfits again – and yes, it’s absolutely worth it. 

• Timing: The best light happens in the hour before sunset, so plan accordingly. And if you want to avoid crowds, consider an early morning session!

• Location: Think personal. A place that means something to you as a couple will always make your photos feel more “you”.

• Hair & makeup: Rebook your wedding stylist if you can, or go for a more natural, relaxed version of your look

FAQs – You Might Be Wondering…

Do we need to wear the same outfits again?
Not necessarily. Many couples love the idea of getting back into their wedding clothes, but others go for a more relaxed or editorial look.

How far after the wedding can we do this?
There are no rules! Some couples do it the next day, others wait until after the honeymoon – or even a month later.

Is this more expensive?
Usually, photographers offer separate day sessions at a special rate if you book them along with your wedding coverage. Ask your photographer what’s possible!

What if it rains again on the second day?
We’ll reschedule. One of the biggest perks of a separate session is flexibility – no stress if the weather doesn’t cooperate.