TRICKS by THE WEDDING PHOTOGRAPHER IN LISBON
By way of photos of the exchange of rings at the wedding ceremony at the Vila Galé Collection Palácio dos Arcos Hotel
• Pode ler este artigo em Português.
The short time of a civil wedding ceremony at a venue, and the wedding photographer
The importance of preparation for the civil ceremony
For any wedding photographer, dealing with the limited time of a civil ceremony at a venue like a hotel or estate is a real challenge. From my early days photographing weddings, I always preferred the structure and duration of a religious ceremony. In a church, everything happens more calmly. But at a civil ceremony, often held at the reception location, time is almost always too short for everything that needs to be photographed.
Over time, I’ve learned to better control my reactions, filter what’s essential, and find joy where I once felt pressure. What used to be stressful is now one of the most rewarding parts of my job as a wedding photographer.
The civil wedding ceremony: short, but full of meaning
The civil wedding ceremony, especially in estates or hotels, is known for its brevity. Some registrars move through the ritual so quickly that it feels like it ends before it begins. This speed is a challenge for someone like me who needs to capture emotions, glances, smiles, and all the details that make the wedding day unique.
Challenges and solutions
- What makes the civil ceremony a challenge for the wedding photographer?
- Very short duration of the ceremony
- Little control over the event’s pace
- High expectations from the couple regarding their wedding photographs
- Practical solutions I’ve developed over time:
- Politely speak to the registrar before the ceremony
- Explain the importance of extending the speech slightly
- Request a few extra seconds to capture the essential moments
- Always keep a professional, friendly, and flexible attitude
Strategy and communication: a top priority
Negotiating with the person who controls the ceremony’s pace — the registrar — has become one of my first actions upon arrival. Just as I do with priests in religious ceremonies, here too I establish direct contact, always intending to achieve the best photographic outcome for my clients.
Key points for the wedding photographer:
- Adapt to the ceremony’s speed
- Make instant decisions on what to photograph
- Anticipate gestures and looks from the couple and wedding guests
- Always be ready for the “I do” moment
- Photograph discreetly and without disruption
When experience turns into confidence
Today, I know that even with limited time, I can deliver a complete, emotional, and well-crafted record of the wedding photography. Practice and frequent interaction with different types of ceremonies and registrars taught me how to react quickly, adapt, and — above all — communicate effectively.
Benefits of a good approach:
- More natural and spontaneous photographs
- A calmer and more confident couple
- A more complete and memorable visual record of the wedding day
- Recommendations for couples:
- Let the registrar know that a professional photographer will be present
- Confirm the estimated duration of the ceremony
- If possible, share the photographer’s contact with the registrar
Conclusion:
The short duration of a civil ceremony is not an obstacle but rather an invitation to efficiency, sensitivity, and strategy. What I’ve learned over the years as a wedding photographer is that with preparation, empathy, and communication, even the briefest moments can be transformed into timeless memories. Every second counts — and when used well, it tells a story the couple will remember forever.
Want to know more about how I can photograph your wedding?
Every wedding is unique, and every ceremony deserves to be remembered through images that tell your story. If you want to make sure your moment isn’t missed — neither by the eye nor the lens — let’s talk. I’m ready to photograph your wedding day with the care and dedication you deserve. Come and see more weddings I’ve had the pleasure to photograph!
- You can see a full wedding story:
- In Vila Galé Collection Palácio dos Arcos Paço de Arcos, Oeiras, Portugal
