5 Reasons Why Getting Ready Photos Are Just as Important as Ceremony Photos

When you start planning your wedding timeline, it’s super tempting to think the “real” photos happen once you walk down the aisle. I get it — the ceremony and reception seem like the obvious highlights.

But here’s the thing: some of the most genuine, emotional, and personal moments happen long before the ceremony ever starts. That’s why I always tell my couples: don’t skip getting ready photos.

Here’s why:

1. Your Wedding Story Deserves a Beginning

Think about your favorite movies or books — they don’t just start with the big climax, right? They take you on a journey, and your wedding day is no different.

When you look back on your photos, you’re going to want the whole story, not just the part where you exchange vows. The morning of your wedding is when the excitement starts to bubble, when the dress is hanging up untouched, the rings are polished and waiting, and your best friends are by your side, just as pumped as you are.

Those moments set the stage for everything else — and trust me, you’ll be so happy you have photos that capture the “before” just as beautifully as the “I do.”

2. The Best Candid Moments Happen When You’re Getting Ready

The getting ready part of your day is one of the rare times when it’s just you, your closest people, and zero pressure.

You’re surrounded by the people who’ve been with you through everything — your family, your best friends, your ride-or-die crew — and the vibe is always a mix of laughter, nerves, excitement, and pure love.

These are the photos that usually end up meaning the most. Your mom helping you into your dress. Your best friend zipping you up, or fixing your tie. Your dad seeing you in your outfit for the first time and getting a little choked up.

Those aren’t moments you can stage or recreate. They’re real, they’re raw, and they’re priceless.

3. It’s the Only Time the Day Feels Calm

Weddings go by in the blink of an eye — once the ceremony kicks off, it’s go-go-go until the lights come on at the end of the night.

But the morning? That’s the quiet before the celebration. It’s the time when the anticipation is building, your makeup is fresh, your hair’s perfect, and you’re soaking up every second before the day speeds up.

Getting ready photos let you freeze those peaceful, meaningful moments. They capture the emotion of “right before everything changes.” It’s a part of the day that most couples forget — but the photos bring it back in an instant.

4. You’ve Spent Time on the Details — Let Them Shine!

Let’s be honest, you’ve probably put a lot of thought (and money) into the little things: your dress, your shoes, your jewelry, your invitation suite, your flowers, maybe even a family heirloom or two.

These details are part of your story, too! Getting ready is the perfect window for your photographer to document them before the day gets busy.

Later on, when you flip through your album, these photos help remind you of all the care and love you put into each piece — even the ones you didn’t notice or forgot about in the moment.

5. The Emotions Are 100% Real

Once the day starts rolling, you’ll be surrounded by guests, pulled in every direction, and smiling for formal portraits. But during the getting ready part, the emotions are raw and unfiltered.

This is when the nerves hit. The excitement builds. The happy tears sneak up on you. It’s a special kind of energy that only happens once, and it’s often the most emotional part of the day for parents and your wedding party, too.

Photos from this part of the day hold so much more meaning than people realize — until they see them.

Final Thought:

If you’re thinking about skipping getting ready photos to save time or money, I get it. But I promise you, this part of the day is worth documenting. These are the photos that will tell the full story of your wedding — the ones you’ll look back on and say, “I forgot about that moment, but I’m so glad it was captured.”