How the 2026 Wedding Trends Will Shape Your Photos

With the release of Hitched ’s 2026 Wedding Trends Report, many couples are wondering how these shifts in style, fashion and decor might influence their wedding photographs. As a documentary wedding photographer based in South Wales, I’ve already started seeing some of these trends emerging and they’re incredibly beautiful to capture.

Here’s a warm and practical guide to how the 2026 trends will shape the moments, details and imagery that become your final gallery.

The Key Trends from Hitched

Hitched have identified six major trend areas that will influence the 2026 season:

• Hyperpersonalised details

• Statement fashion

• Regency romance and old money aesthetics

• After party energy

• Dramatic venues

• Curated tablescapes and pastel florals

Each of these trends has a direct impact on your imagery and the way your story is told.

1. Personalisation Creates Emotional, Story-Driven Images

With searches rising for audio guest books, handwritten letters and illustrated stationery, weddings are becoming deeply story-led. These elements create emotional layers in your photographs.

As your photographer, I’ll spend time capturing:

• Little details that reflect your personalities

• Letters and gifts exchanged in the morning

• Guests interacting with personalised touches

• Objects that hold sentimental meaning

These are the images that often become the ones couples treasure most. Personalisation means your gallery looks unmistakably yours.

2. Statement Bridal Fashion Adds Movement and Impact

Bold silhouettes, bubble hems, Basque waist dresses and dramatic veils all offer stunning photographic opportunities. These shapes create lines, textures and movement that elevate your portraits.

From behind the lens, fashion trends can:

• Create beautiful motion in walking shots

• Catch natural light in interesting ways

• Add character to editorial style portraits

• Transform simple locations into striking scenes

Veils in particular, which are doubling in search interest, photograph with incredible softness and drama. They add a romantic layer to any moment.

3. The Bridgerton Revival Adds Romance to the Atmosphere

Old money aesthetics, pastel colour palettes and heritage-inspired styling all create a timeless feel in your imagery. This trend isn’t about staging or recreating a period look. Instead, it’s about choosing elegant textures, soft tones and spaces that feel rich in character.

In photography, this looks like:

• Soft, flattering light

• Gentle movement

• Atmospheric backdrops

• Layers of colour and detail

• A sense of calm luxury

If you’re drawn to this trend, we’ll lean into the romantic sides of your venue and the quieter moments of your day.

4. After Party Trends Bring Energy and Playfulness

One of the most joyful parts of the 2026 report is the rise of evening-focused celebrations. Couples are choosing:

• Fun after-party dresses

• Second looks

• Food trucks

• Retro sheet cakes

• DJ moments and upbeat playlists

These create some of the most authentic and lively photographs of the whole day. It’s in the evening that people relax, laugh, dance, let go and forget about the camera entirely.

This trend means your final gallery will have:

• High energy dance floor shots

• Candid interactions

• Playful portraits

• Colour and creativity

• A gentle shift from refined to relaxed

Evening imagery tells a completely different part of your story, and it rounds out your gallery beautifully.

5. Elegant Venues Shape the Light and Mood

Stately homes, vineyards and dramatic interiors are all on the rise for 2026, and each one influences your images differently.

Stately homes create:

• Dramatic corridors

• Architectural lines

• Atmospheric rooms

• Opportunities for editorial style portraits

Vineyards offer:

• Soft natural light

• Open landscapes

• Golden hour moments

Draped interiors add:

• Beautiful softness

• Texture

• Warmth and romance

Venue trends play a huge role in shaping the visual tone of your gallery.

6. Statement Table Styling Elevates Your Reception

Serpentine tables, personalised place settings and pastel blooms all bring a curated, polished feel to your reception photographs.

For your images, this means:

• More detail-rich storytelling

• A refined, elegant look

• Soft colours that photograph beautifully

• Natural, social guest interactions

Curved table layouts in particular create visually interesting compositions and relaxed movement through your reception.

Should You Follow Trends or Ignore Them?

This is the question I hear most often. My answer is always the same. Let trends inspire you, but never feel pressured by them. The most meaningful images come from moments that feel true to who you are.

Beautiful trends can guide your styling, but your love story is the real focus.

How 2026 Trends Align With My Photography Style

If you love:

• Soft natural light

• Warmth and emotion

• Candid storytelling

• Romantic editorial moments

• Honest portraits

• Gentle documentary style

Then the 2026 trend landscape is a perfect match. These trends celebrate personality, connection, movement and beauty, and those are exactly the elements I look for through the lens.

Planning a 2026 Wedding?

If these trends have sparked ideas for your day, I’d love to talk about capturing your story. My diary for 2026 is now open, and peak summer weekends will book quickly.

You can explore my wedding packages, browse recent galleries or get in touch to check your date.

Your story is entirely your own. The trends simply help shape the way we tell it.