Love in the Time of COVID-19: What You Should Know About Wedding Photography for Small Weddings and Elopements

As experienced wedding photographers, we have witnessed many changes in the our industry over the years. But it goes without saying that COVID-19 has significantly impacted the wedding industry. Our 2020 wedding season has been replaced by postponements and uncertainty, and calmly guiding our clients through this process means staying up-to-date on the continuously evolving adaptations that the wedding industry has faced since March.

Facing the prospect of rescheduling their big day, many couples have opted to instead host smaller, more intimate wedding ceremonies with only their nearest and dearest. Similar to an elopement, these smaller ceremonies typically include a ceremony with fewer guests, and may also include an abbreviated version of a reception. State and local regulations and recommendations should help guide what types of events can be planned.

We have had the chance to photograph small weddings and elopements for couples both prior to COVID-19 and during the pandemic, so we understand that these kinds of weddings can pose multiple challenges for the couple, their guests, and the wedding vendors. Below we’ve compiled a brief guide that specifically addresses some of the questions you may have about wedding photography if you are planning a smaller ceremony.

Can we host our wedding at our home?

If you’re planning your wedding ceremony and don’t know where to start, Redfin compiled a resource of 20 tips from wedding planners and photographers across North America (including ourselves), to help you plan the small wedding of your dreams. Check out 20 Expert Tips to Create an Intimate Backyard Wedding.

How much wedding photography coverage do we need for a small wedding or elopement?

There is no set rule for hourly coverage, however, we’ve found that 4-6 hours to be the sweet spot for smaller weddings or elopments. Many factors determine how much coverage you will need. Here’s a checklist to help determine how much photography coverage you need:

-Will you want getting ready photos? 
-How long will your ceremony be?
-Will you be incorporating multiple locations for couple’s portraits?
-How many guests will be in attendance? 
-Will you have a first dance, toasts, or other traditions during your reception? 

We offer elopement photography collections that include 4 hours of coverage, but if you’re looking for something more customized to suit your unique needs, get in touch here to inquire how we can build a personalized wedding photography package just for you!

How will our photographer deliver the final images?

It is important to ask your wedding photographer how they intend on delivering the final photographs. An online gallery and a USB are fairly common methods for delivery, but keep in mind that you’ll be excited to share your celebration with many family and friends after the big day, many of whom might not have had the opportunity to make it to your wedding. We deliver all of our weddings in both a password protected online gallery as well as on a USB. The online gallery displays all of your wedding photos in a beautiful and intuitive interface, and is a visual narrative of the big day. Guests also have the opportunity to purchase prints or digital downloads.

Should we live-stream the wedding for the guests who couldn’t make it?

This might be a thoughtful integration for any wedding during the time of COVID-19, allowing guests considered high-risk who are not able to celebrate in person the opportunity to celebrate virtually. If this is something that you’re considering, it is important to appoint a guest who can be trusted with maintaining the live-stream with as few disruptions to the big day as possible.

Tip: remind the wedding guest in charge of the live-stream to coordinate with the other vendors to avoid setting up a tripod which might interfere with the photographer or videographer from capturing important moments.

How can we promote and maintain safety at our wedding?

First and foremost, have a discussion with your wedding venue about the steps that they’re taking to maintain safety. If you haven’t hired a planner, or don’t intend to due to the smaller size of your wedding, you may want to reconsider that. A wedding planner is more than just day-of coordination. Planners are truly heroes in the industry, and they’re often thinking steps ahead of every other vendor you’ll hire. If you hire a good planner, they will be up-to-date on the newest regulations, have had experience handling hundreds of different scenarios you probably haven’t even thought about, and have years of relationship building with various vendors and venues. You’ll want them in your corner to guide you through this process.

Seating

Due to current social distancing recommendations, nearly every element of the big day will have to be adjusted to accommodate safety restrictions which are required, sometimes by law, to prevent the spread of COVID-19. Venues require a certain distance between chairs during a ceremony and tables during the reception. Some couples seat their guests in clusters during the ceremony, only allowing those who are quarantining together to sit with each other while maintaining the legal requirement between those clusters.

Be sure to check CDC and local recommendations for hosting a safe event. Your wedding venue or your wedding planner will be your best resource to address the specific rules that will affect your ceremony.

Masks & Hand Sanitizer

Some couples have opted to purchase masks for all their guests, or have had custom-made monogrammed masks for each member of their bridal party. The options are limitless and can be a thoughtful way to add personalized details to an unfavorable situation. With whatever you choose to do, it is important to follow venue and state regulations regarding wearing masks at a wedding. I’ve seen, in lieu of traditional wedding favors, miniature spray hand sanitizers encouraging all guests to keep their hands clean even when soap and hot water are not immediately available. These are great gift ideas for guests that will also encourage them to stay safe and practice healthy habits during your special day.

Digital Registry

Consider a digital registry where your guests can purchase gifts and have them delivered to your home. A number of online retailers have adapted their platforms for this experience, and it’s a great way to limit the amount of contact you have with your guests and the surfaces they come into contact with. On the plus side, it also means you won’t have to worry about how you’ll get all the gifts home afterward.

We are having an outdoor ceremony and reception, what should we do about the weather?

It will be smart to hire professionals who have worked under a variety of weather conditions. Having started our business in New England, we have had to learn how to adapt quickly to fast changing weather conditions. Wedding professionals who are accustomed to these challenges provide a skillset of flexibility and guidance in any situation.

During this time, the best we can do is work with what we have. Don’t be afraid to lean into the non-traditional. This is the perfect time to explore unique options that can truly highlight your personality as a couple. Don’t want a reception? Don’t have one! Not a dancer? Don’t feel pressure to have a first dance! Being surrounded by only your closest friends and family means you can center the people and things that matter the most to you.

However you choose to celebrate your big day, remember that communication is paramount. Stay up to date with your wedding vendors, family, and guests and be sure to set expectations from the get-go, as well as keeping an open ear for their expectations as well. 

When planning a smaller wedding, the details matter more than ever. One detail you should not overlook is choosing an experienced wedding photographer.

If you have any questions, please don’t hesitate to contact us. In the meantime, click here to see more wedding resources.

Palm Springs and Boston wedding photographer Todd Danforth Photography is an LGBTQ+ and POC-owned wedding photography team specializing in capturing joyful and candid moments. As storytellers and craftspeople, we believe in the power of visual narratives. Our mission is to create honest and authentic photographs you can share with your loved ones for generations to come.