Each wedding package comes with a certain amount of photography time.   Here is some information about our ceremony photography to help with your wedding day.

What photos are normally captured during the time of the ceremony?

We like to start with the entrance made down the aisle. That may start with the groom or with the bride walking down the aisle. The normal images include   walking down the aisle, close ups of the couple, exchange of rings, couple looking at each other, and the kiss (make sure it’s a good, long one!). After the ceremony, we do photos with the guests, wedding party (if you have one), and finish with photos of just the two of you.

How many images do we get?

Each wedding is different so we can’t guarantee the amount of photos. The amount of photography time depend on the time you have in your contract.

On average:

  • For a half hour wedding we average 50-70 photos
  • For an hour wedding we average 80 – 100 photos

Other things that effect the amount of picture you get is:

  • Number of guests

More guests = more photos

Each guest that is at the wedding will want to take pictures with you. If you want more pictures of the two of you, limit the number of guests you want photos with, or add on more photo time

  • Individual photos taken

If you want individual photos, consider adding on photo time. Individual photos would be the bride and her Aunt, the bride and her uncle, the bride and her cousin vs the bride with aunt, uncle, and cousin.

  • If the ceremony is started late

If the ceremony starts late because guests are late or the bride or groom is late, that takes away from the total photography time. Make sure to arrive in time.

  • If you want a group photo

We are really good at organizing group photos! But, it still takes time to do this and most of the time two of us to make it work. It takes about 10 minutes to organize guests for a group photo.

  • If the couple likes having their photos taken

For one of my first wedding I photographed on the Central Coast,  the bride told me her husband did not like pictures taken. She let me know that he would probably only last for a few family pics and about 7-10 couple photos. For another wedding the groom had enough photos taken, but we had 15 minutes left. The bride still wanted more pictures so we did a trash the dress. Sometimes the groom doesn’t like getting his photo taken or the couple is ready for the reception. We understand this and try to make the most out of your photo time.

  • If we have another location to go to

If you want to go to the beach or walk to another location for the ceremony, sometimes that takes extra time to get to the location.  There might travel charges for to going to different photo locations.

  • Length of the ceremony

Most ceremonies take 15-20 minutes, if you have a longer ceremony there will be less time for photos

 

Are you looking for more photos?  Here are some ideas:

– Have a first look

A first look is a more intimate opportunity for the couple to see each other before the ceremony.  I recommend having the first look at a hotel or other scenic location.  There are a few location hotels that have a really nice backdrop for a first look. The first look allows the couple to see each other for the first time, all dressed up, before the ceremony starts.  Then the couple will arrive to the ceremony together.   Click here  for  more information about the first look.

– Have getting ready photos

These photos go over some of the extra details and capture the moments before the ceremony.  Getting ready photos include close up shots of the rings, flowers, dress, the bride getting ready, and also some photos of the bride in her dress.  This is also an opportunity to capture memories of the bride with her mom, sister, and bridesmaids, Getting ready photos can also be for the groom.  Getting ready photos for the bride takes about 30 – 45 minutes and the groom would be around 15 – 20 minutes.

– Have family portrait photos before the ceremony

This is perfect for couples who have older children and want to get more family photos before the ceremony.  The couple will do a first look, but have their children there to be part of it. Then we would do family photos with each side and everyone as a new family together.  It is also nice to do this since it gives us more variety for the background of photos. If the family portraits are at a hotel, there is a different background here and then there will be another background for at the ceremony

– Add on time after the ceremony for more family/ guest photos

Even adding on 15 minutes of photos will allow us more time to get through more guest photos.

-Add on more time after the ceremony so the two of you get more photos

More photo time for the two of you is always nice because you get a variety of photos for you both to enjoy!

How do we make sure to have great images?

  • Relax – Just smile and soak in the happy day!  Real expressions and true emotions come across through photos.  Our photographers will also help to pose you and place you for more relaxing looking photos.  When in doubt, just KISS!
  • Hair and make up – Getting your hair and make up professionally done will help you to feel more beautiful. Also, professionally done hair and make up helps behind the camera.  A rosier cheek, a smoother looking skin with the right highlights, a little bit of color on your lips – having something professionally do your make up with be more of a wow factor on film.
  • Strike a pose – Try out poses and smiling in the mirror – try poses like hands on the hips, turning away from the camera and natural smiles in the mirror.
  • Be yourself – Let your personality shine through on photos.

 

Why you should have a small wedding in Pismo Beach

By Natalie Jones • February 27, 2025
Here’s why you should have a small wedding in Pismo Beach Small weddings are the way to go these days! We aren’t just saying that because small weddings have been our thing since we started our business back in 2015. A small wedding can have the same parts of a large wedding - unforgettable moments, celebration with friends and family and the start of the rest of your life together. But, small wedding have a few more benefits like - less stress, less more, and more of the two of you and what you want for your wedding! We love the scenery of the Central Coast for small weddings. There are million dollar views - from your toes in the sand at one of the beach locations, to overlooking the ocean, to shaded eucalyptus trees, and jagged cliff sides. Small weddings are our favorite because the couple is free to focus on the most important things, like having their day, their way, spending the day with the people who truly matter, and having an amazing day packed with lasting memories. What Is Driving the Trend Toward Smaller Weddings? Several factors are behind the increasing trend of smaller weddings. Modern couples are redefining what it means to celebrate love, and in most cases, they focus on quality over quantity. Small weddings have become for popular and couples embrace fewer guests and find the beauty of intimate gatherings. Changing societal norms and the desire for unique, personalized experiences also make smaller weddings an attractive option. How Do Small Weddings Create More Meaningful Connections? Small weddings foster more meaningful connections by allowing couples to spend quality time with each guest, creating an intimate and personal atmosphere. With fewer attendees, conversations feel more genuine, and guests feel truly valued and appreciated. Some couples will have a few day long celebration for their wedding - starting a few days before the wedding with wine tasting or seeing the sites of the Central Coast, then relax on the beach the next day. After some fun in the sun, it's wedding day. The day will end with a group dinner or casual private reception. Then, the guests will leave and the couple has a few more days to celebrate their honeymoon in Pismo Beach or other beach location. This setting also encourages deeper interactions, making it easier to share special moments, heartfelt toasts, and personal stories. Without the hustle and chaos of a large event, couples and their loved ones can be fully present, strengthening bonds and making the celebration even more memorable. How Does a Smaller Guest List Reduce Wedding Stress? Planning a wedding can be quite challenging. It is easier for couples to plan their weddings with smaller guest lists, as this dramatically lowers their prospects of worrying. Incorporating fewer guests into a wedding means that there are fewer logistical elements to take care of, such as catering, seating arrangements, accommodations, and more people to please. This way, couples can spend more time and energy making their special day more unique instead of fretting over accommodating numerous people. A more personal gathering helps create a homely and calming vibe, giving the couple a chance to make the most of each interaction with their guests. Most importantly, a smaller guest number means that there would be fewer changes needed at the last minute, which translates to lower expenditure and costs. Hence, all attendees, coupled with the couple, can fully enjoy themselves without feeling the pressure of the wedding arrangements. What Are the Financial Benefits of Hosting a Small Wedding? Hosting a small wedding can be a cost-effective choice, offering couples the chance to allocate their budget more intentionally. With fewer guests, expenses for catering, venue size, and decor are reduced, freeing up funds for other priorities such as an unforgettable honeymoon or investing in a dream home. This financial flexibility allows couples to create a celebration that reflects their values and vision without overspending. Celebrate your love story with us! Small weddings are more than just a trend—they represent a shift in how couples approach one of the most important days of their lives. By focusing on intimacy, meaningful connections, and thoughtful planning, small weddings offer a unique and heartfelt way to celebrate love. For couples looking to create a stunning and intimate wedding experience, Coastal California Weddings is your simple and stress-free way to plan your wedding. We provide expert guidance and inspiration.

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