Has Wedding Photography Taken Over the Wedding Itself?

Weddings used to be about two people getting married, right? Well, not anymore. Now, it’s about who has the best pre-wedding shoot in a European-looking cafe in India, whose entry video looks like a Netflix series trailer, and whether the wedding teaser gets more views than an music video.

As a wedding photographer, you’d think I’d love this trend. But honestly? I have mixed feelings.

When Did Weddings Become a Photoshoot?

Let’s rewind a few years. Weddings used to be filled with unpredictable, raw, and emotional moments—elders tearing up during rituals, kids running around making a mess, and that one uncle getting way too excited at the dance floor. Now? Every move feels like it’s directed by a Bollywood filmmaker.

• Bride’s entry? Not just a walk anymore—she needs fog machines, cold pyros, and a slow-motion camera following her every step.
• Couple shoot? Forget casual pictures, now it’s cinematic storytelling with a plot, multiple outfit changes, and an entire drone army hovering above.
• Food? Who cares! “Just make sure the dessert counter looks good in wide-angle shots.”

And guests? They’re just standing there, trying to enjoy the wedding, but photographers (like me) are running around telling them where to stand, when to cheer, and how to hold the haldi without blocking the light.

Is Wedding Photography Stealing the Show?

Let’s talk priorities. Some couples choose their venue, outfits, and even makeup artists based on how good they’ll look in photos rather than how meaningful they are. The wedding isn’t planned for the couple or their families anymore—it’s planned for the camera.

I mean, have we really reached a point where:
✔️ Spending lakhs on a videographer is a must, but getting a decent catering service is optional?
✔️ Hiring a wedding choreographer is more important than hiring a good pandit who won’t fumble the rituals?

Listen, I am a photographer & I want great shots, too! But I also want couples to live in the moment. When brides are more stressed about their dupatta placement than about the vows they’re taking, it makes me wonder if we’re missing the whole point.

The Wedding Photography Budget: Smart Investment or Overkill?

Don’t get me wrong, good wedding photography is worth investing in. After all, when the wedding’s over, the photos are what remain. But does that mean spending 5-10 lakhs on just the photography & cinematography is justified? Some people are even taking loans to afford “premium” wedding photographers.

At this rate, I won’t be surprised if wedding photography packages start including “EMI options” soon.

✔️ “Sir, do you want the platinum package? We offer zero-cost EMI at just ₹50,000/month!”
✔️ “Madam, we can throw in a drone service for free if you pre-book your honeymoon shoot with us.”

I mean, come on!

Where’s the Balance?

Look, I’m not here to bash wedding photography—it’s an art, and it’s important. But it shouldn’t control the entire wedding. Couples should be able to laugh, eat, dance, and live the moment without worrying about their next photo pose.

As photographers, maybe we need to take a step back and remind couples that real emotions > perfect poses.
As couples, maybe it’s time to ask:
👉 Are we planning this wedding for ourselves, or for Instagram?
👉 Are we making memories, or just curating an aesthetic?

Because when all is said and done, the best wedding photos aren’t the staged ones. They’re the ones where you’re genuinely happy, laughing like crazy, and dancing like no one’s watching—even if the camera is.