A thoughtful and considered article for couples and wedding suppliers, which I’ve loved reading and hope you will too. By Derby documentary wedding photographer Simon Dewey. Simon is a member of English Wedding.

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I’m going to start by saying that as a wedding photographer who’s been around the block a few times now – I’ve seen many trends come in and then die and if I’m ever ‘on trend’ it’s more an accidental thing (a stopped watch tells the correct time twice a day).

I’m much more a fan of photographers growing into their own voices and there being a wide range of styles and approaches to wedding photography so that couples have a choice about how they want their day captured (and hopefully not so 2026 that they’re embarrassing to look at 5 years down the line).

That said, 2026 is shaping up to be a year I can get behind. Current trends are all about photography that feels like you – authentic, emotional, and unapologetically real. Couples and photographers are pushing boundaries creatively while grounding images in truth and personal meaning.

Authentic, Candid Storytelling

Rather than rigidly posed images, weddings in 2026 are all about real emotion and storytelling. Photographers are capturing interactions, laughter, tears, and moment-by-moment emotions — the day as it genuinely unfolds. I think this is a real kickback against the perfectionist ideals we’re seeing on social media and generated by AI at the moment.

There’s also a Wabi-Sabi embracing of photographic imperfections (grain, blur, using film) that photographers are using to lean into this authenticity. I’m excited to see where this takes us.

Use of Natural Light & True-to-Colour Editing

I am a huge fan of natural light, as I really believe it’s the best way for photographers to capture the true ambience of the day (whilst also using it as a creative tool to express emotion in its own right).

I’m also so glad the weird colour grading of the last five years or so has bitten the dust to be replaced with more accurate skin tones and colouring. Again, I think this is leaning into the capturing the authenticity of the day.

What is interesting in 2026 is the use of the ‘blue hour’ for portraits. Instead of using the golden light of early evening, couples and photographers are leaning into that twilight darkness for moodier, more intimate looking portraits.

Film & Film-Inspired Aesthetics

Film photography, or digital edited to emulate film, is also seeing renewed demand. Couples are loving the nostalgia, texture, experimental nature and emotional depth film provides. Many photographers are blending digital and film, with some shooting solely on film.

A word of advice for couples: Film is a beautiful investment, but it is an investment. Between the cost of rolls, professional lab processing, and the extra logistical care required, expect to pay a premium. If a photographer offers “full film coverage” at a standard digital price, they are likely sacrificing their own fee to do so—and talent is what matters most.

Pro Tip: I’m a huge fan of Instant Film and Polaroids. They bring a tactile, retro vibe to the day that guests love, providing a physical memory you can hold in your hand immediately.

Aerial & Drone Shots

Drone photography continues to evolve. It’s no longer just about a “bird’s eye view” of the venue. In 2026, we’re using drones more creatively—capturing large-scale guest art or epic shots of couples in vast landscapes.

One rule for 2026: Keep them away from the ceremony! No one wants a buzzing mechanical bee interrupting their vows. Use them for the “epic” scale, but keep the ground-level moments human.

Sustainability & Intentional Choices

Eco-conscious couples are considering sustainability when choosing photographers – from digital delivery to ethical workflows and reduced waste in albums, prints and travel.

This is a continued move towards a more socially-conscious way of working that usually extends to the whole wedding.

Inclusive & Personal Representation

There’s a strong focus on diversity and authentic representation of all couples — capturing cultural traditions, identities, and unique stories with respect and creativity. I think people are wanting to embrace their true character rather than creating stereotypical wedding images. There are loads of great photographers embracing this shift so if you want a more ‘you’ style of photography away from the standard poses it shouldn’t be hard to find a photographer to help out.

If you want a style that feels 100% “you” and 0% “standard wedding,” 2026 is your year. There are incredible photographers out there (myself included!) who are ready to ditch the script and focus on your specific story.

Simon Dewey is a UK-based documentary photographer specialising in weddings, families, and anything involving a good story. He believes the best photos happen when you’re busy living your life, not posing for it.