Candid vs Traditional Wedding Photography: What You Need to Know

Merrygohearts Weddings
Jun 28
3 min read

So… you’re planning your wedding and suddenly you hear the question

“Do you want candid or traditional wedding photography?”

And you smile and nod like you totally know what that means…while quietly Googling it later.. (don’t worry, we’ve all been there).

Let’s break it down for you without the jargon, without the confusion, and definitely without boring you to sleep. This is your no-fluff guide to understanding candid vs. traditional wedding photography, so you know exactly what to expect, what to book, and what will look fab in your wedding album (and on your Instagram feed).

Traditional Wedding Photography: Posed, Polished, Picture-Perfect

This one’s the OG. The classic. The “smile and look slightly to the left” kind of photography.

Traditional wedding photography is structured, composed, and honestly… kind of iconic. Think family portraits, group shots, the couple holding hands under a floral arch with the photographer saying “just one more for safety.”

This is the style your parents absolutely want in the wedding album, the timeless, frame-it-on-the-wall kind of photo. It's all about grace, symmetry, and ensuring not a single person (or earring) is out of place.

Pros?

Everyone looks great.
You won’t miss any key moments.
Ajji gets her proper group photo.

Best for: Family ceremonies, large group photos, classic wedding vibes, and couples who want a regal, elegant touch.

Candid Wedding Photography: Real, Raw, and Ridiculously Beautiful

Now enter the cool cousin: candid wedding photography

This is the "we didn’t even know we were being photographed" style. It’s all about those unfiltered, blink-and-you-miss-it moments, your best friend wiping a happy tear, your partner stealing a look during the pheras, or your aunty trying (and failing) to catch a flying laddu.

Candid photography captures the vibe. The emotions. The behind-the-scenes magic you didn’t even know was happening. It’s what makes your wedding album feel like a love story, not just an event.

Pros?

-Emotion-packed.

-Super Instagrammable.

-Great for awkward people who don’t know how to pose (hello..? most of us).

Best for: Dance floor madness, quiet hugs, stolen glances, baraat chaos, and anyone who says, “I want my photos to feel real.”

So… What Should You Choose?

Here’s the truth: you don’t have to choose just one.

Most modern couples opt for a blend of both candid and traditional wedding photography, and honestly, it’s the best of both worlds. You get the structured family portraits (hi, mom!) and the sweet, spontaneous moments that feel like a rom-com montage.

Picture this:

A gorgeous, posed photo with your parents you’ll frame forever.
A candid snap of your partner making a goofy face to make you laugh mid-ceremony.
Your whole crew dancing like no one’s watching (even though we definitely are..with cameras).

This mix gives you a rich, authentic, and emotion-packed wedding album that feels like you, not some Pinterest board clone.

Here’s How to Decide What Works for You:

1. Know Your Vibe: Love dramatic, regal shots? Go heavy on traditional. Want it to feel like a Netflix special? Go candid. Can’t decide? Mix it up!

2. Talk to Your Photographer: A great wedding photographer will listen to your story, understand your vibe, and recommend what’ll work best for your day.

3. Think Long-Term: What kind of photos do you want to look back on in 10 years? Think heart first, aesthetics second.

The Bottom Line

Your wedding day is your story. Whether you want it to look like a royal affair or a fun, messy, emotional rollercoaster (or both), the right weddingphotography style will make all the difference.

At Merrygohearts, we do both; with love, laughter, and zero awkward posing (unless you want it..don’t worry, we don’t judge). We’re here to capture the grand rituals, the tiny glances, and yes… that one uncle who thinks he’s the DJ now.

Reach out to us at Merrygohearts. We’ll bring the lenses, the good lighting, and just enough direction to make your wedding album unforgettable.

No stress. No fake smiles. Just real love, beautifully shot.