Wedding photography ideas | Updated November 2026Wedding Photography Trends in Irelandfor 2027 weddings
Ten ideas I would think about, from candid moments and black and white to aerial photographs, with real photographs from weddings I have photographed.
At a glance
A guide by a Cork & Kerry wedding photographerA note from James
What wedding photography styles are worth considering for 2027?
For me, it's natural photographs, real emotion, beautiful Irish landscapes, creative portraits and a few quieter moments that might otherwise go unnoticed.
There's also room for black and white photography, aerial photographs, first looks and photographs designed to look great on your phone.
These aren't results from a national wedding survey. They're styles I enjoy photographing and ideas couples can consider when planning their day.
I've been photographing weddings since 2015, and one thing hasn't changed.
The best photographs usually happen when people are enjoying themselves rather than worrying about the camera.
Here are ten ideas I'd consider for a wedding in Cork, Kerry or anywhere else in Ireland.
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The ideas
Ten wedding photography ideas for 2027
Candid wedding photography: the real moments
Some of my favourite wedding photographs are the ones nobody planned.
A laugh during the speeches. Someone getting emotional. The children doing their own thing while the adults are trying to be organised.
That's the stuff that tells you what the day actually felt like.
My tip: Don't spend the whole wedding worrying about where the photographer is. Enjoy yourself. I'll keep an eye on what's happening.
Real moments: two cheeky boys, and guests laughing around the bride.
Candid wedding photography in Ireland
Unplugged wedding ceremonies: phones away, eyes up
An unplugged ceremony simply means asking guests to put their phones away while you're getting married.
Personally, I think it's a lovely idea.
People can watch the ceremony properly, and you won't have quite so many screens appearing when you're walking up the aisle.
It doesn't need to be a big announcement either.
My tip: Ask your celebrant or ceremony coordinator to explain it before the ceremony begins.
Wedding photographs in Ireland's mountains and coastal landscapes
There's no shortage of places for beautiful photographs in Ireland.
Mountains in Kerry. Beaches in West Cork. A quiet road, a lake or somewhere with a bit of space.
I love photographs where the couple is part of the landscape rather than filling every inch of the frame.
But there's no point disappearing for an hour just to get one photograph if you'd rather be enjoying the drinks reception.
My tip: Choose somewhere that fits naturally into your wedding day, and allow enough time to get there and back.
Planning a wedding in 2027?
Tell me your date and where you are getting married, and I will tell you if I am free. No pressure, just a friendly chat.
First-look wedding photographs before the ceremony
A first look is when a couple chooses to see each other privately before the ceremony.
For some people, it's a lovely way to settle the nerves and spend a few minutes together.
For others, seeing each other for the first time at the ceremony is exactly what they want.
Neither choice is better.
My tip: Don't arrange a first look because you've seen somebody else's photographs. Do it because it feels right for the two of you.
Black and white wedding photography
There's something about a good black and white photograph.
Without the colours competing for attention, you notice the expressions, the light and the little details.
I particularly like it for emotional moments and photographs with strong contrast.
That doesn't mean every wedding photograph needs to be black and white.
My tip: Let the photograph decide. Some moments work beautifully in black and white, while others deserve all their colour.
Relaxed wedding portraits without awkward posing
You don't have to be comfortable in front of a camera to have lovely wedding photographs.
Most couples aren't professional models, and that's grand.
A little direction is grand, but I want you talking, laughing and being yourselves.
My tip: Give yourselves a few minutes away from the crowd. Often that's all it takes to relax.
Vertical wedding photographs for phones and social media
A lot of wedding photographs are now viewed on phones, so portrait-shaped images have their place.
They're lovely for showing off a dress, capturing a full-length portrait or sharing a favourite moment.
But I wouldn't photograph an entire wedding vertically just because social media exists.
Some scenes need the extra width.
My tip: A good gallery should have a natural mix of horizontal and vertical photographs.
Portrait photographs made for phones: a full-length bride on the lawn, and a kiss in the sparkling rain.
Vertical wedding photographs
Drone wedding photography and aerial views
There's a completely different perspective when you photograph a landscape from above.
A winding road, a couple walking together and the surrounding hills can make a brilliant photograph.
I include drone photographs with every collection, weather and venue permitting.
Some venues don’t allow drones and some days are too windy or wet to fly, so I always check with the venue first.
My tip: Tell me early if you’d love aerial photographs, and I’ll check with your venue.
Creative wedding photographs with light, reflections and weather
I love making something a little different when the opportunity presents itself.
Rain catching the light. A reflection in the water. A couple standing under a dramatic evening sky.
Sometimes all it takes is five minutes and the right bit of light.
You don't need to spend your wedding day chasing photographs, though.
My tip: Leave a little flexibility in your timeline. If something lovely happens with the light, we can make the most of it.
Day-after wedding photographs and relaxed extra sessions
Sometimes couples like the idea of having photographs somewhere that doesn't fit into the wedding-day timeline.
Maybe it's a favourite beach, a mountain location or somewhere that means something to them.
A separate session can give you more time without having to fit everything around the ceremony and reception.
I offer day-after sessions too, so if this sounds like you, just ask.
But it isn't something every couple needs.
My tip: Think about what you'd actually enjoy doing, rather than adding another session simply because it's an option.
Practical tips
Three things that make wedding photographs easier
Planning a sparkler photograph
A sparkler photograph can look brilliant when it's organised properly.
As a rough starting point, My usual starting point is around 20 guests, with ten on each side, approximately 40 longer sparklers and several lighters.
But those aren't requirements or a guarantee of a good photograph.
Always check with the venue first. Some venues don't allow sparklers, and the location, weather and safety arrangements matter more than the photograph.
If they're permitted, agree on a safe outdoor area, have responsible adults coordinate things and follow the venue's instructions.
No photograph is worth somebody getting burned.
Make a short list of important family photographs
If there are particular family groups or people you absolutely want photographed, tell me beforehand.
You don't need to write a list of every photograph you hope I'll take.
Just the important combinations that might be difficult to organise on the day.
A family member or friend who knows everybody can be a great help gathering people.
And it means we can get through the formal photographs without spending half the afternoon looking for Uncle Paddy.
Have your wedding details ready
If you'd like photographs of your rings, jewellery, invitations, shoes or something special that's been handed down through the family, have them together before I arrive.
It saves time searching for things while everybody is getting ready.
If your florist has any spare flowers or offcuts that suit the arrangements, we can ask whether they're available for the detail photographs.
But there's no need to buy extra things just for me to photograph.
Wedding and engagement rings, ready for the detail photographs
Choosing for you
Here's my advice.
Don't choose a photography style because somebody has labelled it a trend for 2027.
Think about how you want your wedding day to feel.
If you're happiest having a laugh with family and friends, natural documentary photographs might matter most.
If you love the outdoors, perhaps you'd enjoy a few portraits in the landscape.
And if you'd rather not spend much time away from your guests, that's grand too.
You don't need all ten ideas.
You just need photographs that feel like your wedding.
James, what can we say, no words will ever be enough.
Lesley Ann DauntI wish I could give him 10 out of 5 stars!
Vatsal GuptaYour questions
Frequently asked questions
What are the wedding photography trends for 2027 in Ireland?
Natural candid photographs, creative portraits, black and white images, landscape photography and phone-friendly vertical photographs are all styles worth considering. These are my observations and suggestions, not a national survey of wedding trends.
Is candid wedding photography better than posed photography?
They're useful for different reasons. Candid photographs capture things as they happen, while a little direction can help with portraits and family groups. I like having a balance of both.
What is an unplugged wedding ceremony?
It's when couples ask guests to put away their phones and cameras during the ceremony. It lets everyone concentrate on what's happening and helps avoid phones appearing in important photographs.
Are drone wedding photographs worth it?
I include drone photographs with every collection, weather and venue permitting. They can be lovely for showing the surrounding landscape or giving a different perspective, but they are not essential, and some venues and some days (wind, rain) rule them out.
What is a day-after wedding photoshoot?
It's a separate photography session after the wedding, often at a location that would have been difficult to visit on the wedding day. I offer day-after sessions, so just ask.
Should wedding photographs be in colour or black and white?
I'd have a mixture. Colour is important for flowers, clothing and the atmosphere of the day, while black and white can work beautifully for certain emotional moments and portraits.
How many wedding photographs will I receive?
That depends on the coverage and collection you've booked. I'd rather deliver a proper, well-edited story of the day than promise an arbitrary number. I'll explain what's included when we talk about your wedding.
How long does it take to receive wedding photographs?
When my schedule allows, I usually send a selection of sneak peeks the next day. Full galleries are normally delivered within four to six weeks, and often sooner.
Your day, your photographs
Getting married in Cork, Kerry or somewhere else in Ireland in 2027?
Tell me what you've got planned.
Big wedding. Small wedding. Somewhere in the mountains or a hotel full of people you love.
I've been photographing weddings since 2015, and my approach has always been fairly simple.
Enjoy your day. Have the craic. Let me worry about the photographs.
If you'd like to see whether I'm free for your date, drop me a message.
James O’Driscoll
JOD Photography | Cork, Ireland & Beyond
Let’s Get the Craic Started
Whether you're planning a massive session in Cork, an elopement in Kerry, or a celebration somewhere further down the road, tell me everything. Share the details, the venue, the general plans, and exactly how camera-allergic you both are.