Have you ever looked back on a photo and thought, “Wow, that moment wasn’t even planned, but it’s my absolute favorite?” Maybe it was a stolen laugh, a hug that said everything without words, or your best friend wiping away a sneaky tear before anyone noticed. Those are the memories that stick—and the magic of candid wedding photos.

Unlike perfectly posed photos, where everyone is arranged (and someone’s always blinking), candid (or documentary styled) wedding photography thrives on authenticity. It’s those in-between, unposed, unscripted moments—your partner’s face when they first see you, the wild dance floor antics, or the quiet exchange of glances during your vows—that capture the heart of your day. Let’s dive into why candid wedding photos are so timeless and what candid and unposed wedding photography actually means. Spoiler alert: We are dropping perfection.

What Are Candid Pictures/Unposed Wedding Photography?

Candid wedding photography is about those unfiltered moments when you’re too busy living your best life to notice the camera. Unlike traditional posed photography—where you’re told exactly where to stand, smile, and look—candid photography takes a step back (literally and figuratively) to capture genuine emotions and interactions.

Think of it as the difference between a carefully curated photo and one where you’re caught mid-laugh at your partner’s terrible dance moves, or the tear your mom wipes away during the ceremony, the flower girl sneaking a bite of cake before the first slice, or the way your partner’s face lights up during your first look. You’ll want to remember these moments that tell the real story of your day.

Unposed wedding photography is authenticity. Rather than creating the perfect picture, there’s magic in letting things unfold naturally. They might not be polished, but they feel alive. In a world of Pinterest-perfect weddings, candid wedding photography reminds us that perfection isn’t the goal—it’s about capturing ALL the little details that make your day one-of-a-kind.

Why Candid Wedding Photos Capture the Best Memories

Let’s face it: the most unforgettable wedding photos aren’t where everyone stands stiffly in a line, trying to pull off their best “natural” smile. The magic lies in the unposed ones with emotion, connection, and authenticity. Candid photos hold the truth of the day. They are timeless moments that stand the test of time, freezing, fleeting, genuine snippets. They will never feel outdated because they’re rooted in pure, unscripted joy.

One of my favorite parts of candid photography is the surprises. You’d be amazed at how much happens on your wedding day that you don’t see in the moment. These details might have slipped by unnoticed but end up becoming some of your favorite memories. Candid wedding photos capture the heart and soul of your day—the imperfect, unplanned, beautifully human moments that make it yours. And those are the ones worth framing.

Check out this Gold Mountain Ranch wedding in Ouray, Colorado, and follow me on Pinterest to see more weddings and engagements!

Candid Wedding Photography Tips

Craving those caught-in-the-moment wedding photos? You’re in the right place. It’s time to embrace the natural, honest, and incredible moments that unfold when you’re simply living your best day. Here are some tips for couples and photographers to help make it happen.

For Couples: Let It All Happen Naturally

1. Trust Your Photographer (and Then Forget They’re There): Choose someone whose work makes you swoon, then let them do their thing. Pretend the camera doesn’t exist—it’s their job to capture the magic, not yours.
2. Focus on Being Present: Easier said than done, right? But seriously, the more you let yourself get lost in the moment—whether sharing a laugh with friends or tearing up during your vows—the more authentic your photos will be.
3. Pick a Pro Who Knows Their Stuff: Not every photographer excels at capturing unposed moments. Look for someone experienced in candid wedding photography so you don’t have to worry about missing the good stuff.

For Photographers: Master the Art of the Sneak

1. Be Invisible: Think of yourself as a wedding ninja. Blend into the background, creep, and let the day unfold naturally around you. No one needs a photographer hovering during emotional moments.
2. Anticipate the Good Stuff: Weddings are full of emotional ebbs and flows—be ready to catch them. Watch for interactions, like the bride’s mother wiping her tears or the flower girl sneaking cake before dinner.
3. Use Long Lenses: Stay out of personal space while still getting those intimate shots. Long lenses are your best friend for capturing raw emotion without being in their face.
4. Patience Is Key: Sometimes, the best moments take time to unfold. Let things happen naturally, resist the urge to rush or direct, and trust that the beauty will come.

Venue and Lighting Tips: Set the Stage

1. Natural Light Is Everything: Spaces with soft, natural light make candid photos shine. Think dreamy window light during getting-ready moments or golden hour glows during your ceremony.
2. Think About the Layout: Venues with open spaces allow your photographer to move discreetly and capture moments from unique angles without being a distraction.

How to Incorporate Candid Photography Into Your Wedding Day

Candid photography is the perfect way to ensure your wedding photos feel authentically you. From the quiet, emotional moments to the high-energy dance floor chaos, candid photography tells the whole story. These moments fill the pre-wedding hours, from the happy chaos of getting ready to the interactions with loved ones. Think about your mom adjusting your veil, your best friend cracking jokes to calm your nerves, or your partner’s face lighting up during a first look—these moments set the tone for your day in the most beautiful, unscripted way.

The ceremony, often the emotional heart of the day, is full of genuine moments that nobody can plan. Think about how your guests may react during your vows, your grandma tearing up, or the joy from your partner as you exchange rings—all moments that can make your day unforgettable. And then comes the reception—my absolute favorite for candid photography. Mingling, speeches bringing out laughs and tears, and the dance floor showcasing everyone’s best (and worst) moves.

Candid photography is the best way to tell your authentic story. My goal is always to preserve the emotions, connections, and little details that make your day unique. Every emotion becomes part of a larger narrative, creating a photo collection that lets you relive your wedding exactly as it happened. Embrace your day’s raw, unfiltered beauty—those moments you’ll adore forever.

Colorado Candid Wedding Photographer | Whitney Rae Photography

Candid wedding photography is like bottling up the soul of your day—the laughter, the tears, the unspoken moments that make it memorable. Couples who’ve embraced this style always rave about how these photos bring them right back to the emotion and joy of their wedding. It’s no wonder candid photography aligns perfectly with modern, storytelling-focused trends.

By choosing unposed, authentic photography, you’ll create memories that feel alive, timeless, and uniquely you. Let’s capture your story in all its messy, wonderful glory and chat about making beauty happen on your big day!

A Love Letter From Keri & Gavin | September 2024

“Where do I even begin?!

To start, if I could give 1 billion stars, I would. I can’t express enough gratitude to Whitney for being such an integral part of our elopement day. From the moment we met her, her funny, kind, and caring nature put us at ease and made the entire planning experience more enjoyable and WAY less stressful!

Whitney is an expert in her field. She knew exactly how to curate our Colorado elopement experience. Whitney gave us tons of tips and tricks for booking the BEST vendors in Colorado and located the perfect spots for adventuring. Her insight and recommendations were invaluable, and she helped us create a day that reflected our vision perfectly.

Not only did she help create and organize the perfect day, but Whitney’s talent behind the lens takes things to the next level. I literally watched her scale the mountains of Cottonwood Pass in a pair of VANS sneakers while taking the most breathtaking photos of us! She also has a unique ability to create a relaxed atmosphere, which allowed us to truly be ourselves in front of the camera. She captured every precious moment with such artistry and attention to detail and created memories that we will cherish for a lifetime.

While looking through our photos, we are reminded not only of the beauty of the day but also of the joy and love we felt. She goes above and beyond for her clients, which shines through in her work. My husband and I feel incredibly lucky to have had her as our photographer, and we can’t recommend her enough! If you’re looking for someone who is not only a badass but also genuinely cares about making your special day unforgettable, look no further!”