Why choose a photographer experienced with church and marquee weddings?

Church and marquee weddings have unique lighting and timing challenges. An experienced photographer knows how to work respectfully within church rules, handle low light, and adapt quickly to outdoor marquee conditions so your gallery feels seamless and natural.

What makes church weddings different to photograph?

Churches are often dimly lit and have restrictions on where photographers can move. Knowing how to manage light while still capturing emotional, storytelling moments takes skill and experience.

How do you handle the lighting challenges of marquee weddings?

Marquees are filled with natural light but can be tricky when moving between indoors and outdoors. I use natural light carefully and keep colours consistent so your photos stay timeless and true to life.

How do you plan timings for a church and marquee wedding?

Church and marquee weddings often involve travel between locations. I work with couples to plan the timeline so there’s space for confetti, portraits and relaxed candid moments without rushing.

What’s your photography style for these weddings?

My approach is documentary and elegant — capturing the quiet beauty of the ceremony and the lively, joyful marquee celebration that follows, with a focus on genuine emotion and timeless storytelling.

Church and Marquee Wedding Photographer

Katya Browne
Oct 20
2 min read

Church and marquee weddings are some of my absolute favourites to photograph, full of charm, personality and tradition. They also come with their own unique logistics. Choosing a photographer who understands the flow and feel of a church and marquee wedding can make a huge difference to how smoothly your day runs and how beautifully it’s captured.

Why It Matters to Hire a Photographer Who Understands Your Wedding

Every wedding is different, but church and marquee celebrations have a few distinct characteristics that make experience really important.

1. Churches often have low light and strict rules

Churches are beautiful and atmospheric spaces, but they can be dimly lit, especially in older buildings or on cloudy days. Some churches also have restrictions on where photographers can stand or when they can move.

An experienced photographer will know how to work respectfully within those rules while still capturing emotional, storytelling moments, from the processional to the vows and that joyful walk back down the aisle together.

2. Marquees have their own challenges

Marquees are bright and airy, but they can create tricky lighting conditions, especially with white canvas reflecting light or uneven exposure between inside and outside. Knowing how to handle those transitions, use natural light, and maintain consistent colour tones is key to keeping your gallery timeless and true to life.

3. There’s more movement throughout the day

Unlike a single venue wedding, church and marquee celebrations often involve travel between locations. A photographer familiar with this style of day will plan ahead for travel time, parking and key transitions so that no important moments are missed.

4. Guidance on timings and photo locations

An experienced church and marquee photographer will help you make the most of your timeline. For example:

• Family photos – should they be taken at the church, at the marquee, or both?

• Couple portraits – before guests arrive at the reception, or later when the light softens?

• Confetti moments – outside the church or when you arrive at the marquee?

Having someone who’s navigated these setups many times means you’ll get relaxed, natural images without ever feeling rushed.

5. Storytelling through contrast

Church and marquee weddings naturally offer two very different backdrops, the quiet beauty of the ceremony and the joyful, open celebration that follows. My approach is to tell that story as a whole, with elegant and timeless ceremony photographs paired with warm, lively marquee moments that capture the laughter, speeches and dancing.

About My Approach

I’m a London based wedding photographer and I often photograph church and marquee weddings across the South East and beyond. My style is relaxed, documentary led and elegant, focusing on natural storytelling with a few refined portraits along the way.

Having photographed many church and marquee weddings, I know how to anticipate light, plan for travel and work respectfully within church guidelines so that you can relax and enjoy your day knowing everything is covered.

Looking for a Church and Marquee Wedding Photographer?

If you’re planning a traditional church ceremony followed by a marquee reception, I’d love to hear about your plans. You can get in touch via the contact form on my homepage!

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