Wedding photos after dark? UPDATE

We picked an awesome photographer.

Honestly that is the reason I moved my wedding an hour earlier. That involved buying out all of the tours for the museum during that hour but it was worth it for me to have enough light during my ceremony photos and some photos after.

Consider doing a first look to get some of those photos out of the way if it really matters to you that much. No matter how good the photographer is, you're going to miss a lot of the background in the dark.

When I read your earlier post I was wondering about that but assumed you had a plan. Maybe the photographer will bring extra lights?

Find the right photographer. This was a concern of ours as well and a lot of our pictures were shot in the complete dark. Our photographers have a lot of experience with lack of lighting and the pictures are PERFECT. It can be done! ETA: I know this is an UO, but we didn't do a first look and I don't regret it at all. We had plenty of time for pictures during cocktail hour and our pictures taken in the dark look so cool because the city lights were shining in the background. Plus I think the darker background with people illuminated looks cool and makes sure the focus is on the couple.

We are in the same boat. Ours is in Nov at 5 PM. I kind of want to do a first look for that very reason, but FH doesn't. We'll do our bridal party and groomsmen photos beforehand, but the rest will be later. Our photographer is awesome and has worked there many times so I'm sure she'll have a plan for us.

You need to have as very, very good photographer to pull this off.

Yes, ask your photographer for tips. We moved ours to have pictures just before dusk.

Our engagement session was at night and our photographer made great use of flash equipment.

One photographer we interviewed showed us some pics he'd taken in complete darkness at a wedding, and they were awesome! Agree with others that the right photographer will be able to pull this off.

As long as you have a photographer who actually knows how to use lighting, it's no issue.

I am having the same issue but I need to trust my photographer

Thanks for the info! I emailed my photographer and he is cool with it. We just might be limited on creative photos and time will be critical. Here is a random Instagram nighttime photo taken at the park we are going to. It has an amazing and unobstructed view of Chicago's skyline

This is why we're doing a first look, and getting all photos out of the way before cocktail hour.

You need a really skilled photographer who can handle the night lighting

We had a first look for exactly this reason.

Yes, the Pinterest photos look great, but realistically, many photographers don't take nighttime photos as well as daytime and if you, like me, want your venue's scenery in the shot, you're going to be disappointed. Most night shots only feature the bride and groom and not the background/scenery. I'd seriously reconsider a first look or move your ceremony time up.

I searched for one that had evidence of excellent night time photos, so make sure you check your photographers portfolio that s/he shot well in the dark before. You don't want the first time to be your wedding. Ours came out great.

A good photographer with experience taking evening/low light photos. We interviewed this photographer specifically because they love night time photography and they actually suggest leaving your reception for a few minutes to make sure you get some creative shots.

If you have a great photographer, it shouldn't be an issue!

I'm trying to stick with venues that have great indoor areas for photos. My wedding is in winter, so being outside seems more uncomfortable and I don't want to worry about time of day or weather.

I think some photos in the dark would be absolutely beautiful but I definitely wouldn't want every single photo of my husband and I to be in the dark. I would do a first look (which I did- our favorite part of the whole day!) or move the ceremony up.