The world of weddings is constantly evolving, and 2025 is shaping up to be a year of fresh ideas, bold choices, and meaningful celebrations. If you’re planning your big day for next year, you’ll want to know which trends are making a statement - and which ones are on their way out.
As an Essex wedding photographer, I get to see first-hand how wedding trends unfold, from styling choices to photography preferences. Here’s what’s in and what’s out for 2025 weddings, plus tips to make your day truly unforgettable!
1. Intimate & Intentional Weddings
Bigger isn’t always better! More couples are opting for smaller, more meaningful weddings where they can truly connect with their guests. Micro weddings and elopements are still on the rise, focusing on personal touches rather than guest list size.
Photography Tip: Intimate weddings allow for more candid, heartfelt moments - perfect for a documentary-style wedding photography approach.
2. Unique & Non-Traditional Venues
While classic manor houses and country estates remain popular, 2025 is the year of unexpected venues. Think converted barns, glasshouses, private gardens, and even industrial spaces. Outdoor celebrations with eco-conscious themes will also be a huge hit.
Top Essex wedding venues:
- Great Lodge, Great Bardfield – A vineyard setting with rustic charm.
- Crondon Park – A stunning barn venue for countryside weddings.
- Quendon Hall – Perfect for a grand, elegant wedding experience.
Photography Tip: Certain venues allow for creative, storytelling-focused wedding photography - every backdrop tells a unique part of your love story.
3. Sustainable Weddings & Eco-Friendly Choices
Sustainability is no longer just a trend - it’s a movement. Couples are making eco-conscious choices, from hiring local caterers to using seasonal flowers and opting for digital invitations over printed ones.
Photography Tip: I love capturing nature-inspired weddings, whether it’s wildflower bouquets, sustainable décor, or an outdoor ceremony surrounded by greenery.
4. Documentary-Style Wedding Photography
Stiff, posed wedding photos? Not in 2025! More couples are choosing natural, candid photography that captures the real moments of their wedding day. Documentary-style photography allows your photos to tell the full story - from emotional vows to the wild dance floor moves!
If you're looking for an Essex wedding photographer who specialises in capturing genuine, unscripted moments, I’d love to document your day!
5. Colourful Weddings & Bold Statements
Say goodbye to soft neutrals and hello to vibrant colour palettes! Expect to see rich jewel tones, burnt oranges, emerald greens, and even pastels with a pop of colour in everything from floral arrangements to bridesmaid dresses.
Photography Tip: Bold colours make wedding photos pop! If you’re using striking colours in your décor or outfits, they’ll bring a unique energy to your wedding gallery.
1. Overly Staged & Posed Photography
Say goodbye to overly traditional, staged poses that feel forced. Candid, natural photography is taking over, allowing couples to feel relaxed in front of the camera while creating authentic memories.
Alternative: My approach to wedding photography in Essex is all about capturing real, fleeting moments—not forcing stiff poses!
2. Matching Bridesmaids Dresses
The days of identical bridesmaid dresses are numbered! Instead, mix-and-match styles, textures, and even colours are taking over. This trend allows bridesmaids to feel comfortable while creating a beautifully cohesive, yet unique look.
Photography Tip: This trend adds visual interest to bridal party photos, making them feel more dynamic and stylish.
3. Traditional Guestbooks
Couples are moving away from standard guestbooks and choosing creative alternatives, such as audio guestbooks, polaroid stations, and video messages. These modern options feel more interactive and personal.
Alternative: I love capturing guests leaving heartfelt messages, whether through video or fun, interactive setups.
4. Standard Wedding Cakes
The classic three-tiered white cake is being swapped out for unique, modern dessert tables featuring donut walls, macarons, and even mini cakes for each guest. Couples want something fun, visually stunning, and deliciously different!
Photography Tip: Dessert tables make for stunning detail shots and can add a lot of character to your wedding album.
Ultimately, the biggest wedding trend for 2025 is personalisation. Couples are making choices that reflect their personalities, values, and love stories, rather than following outdated traditions. Whether it’s eco-friendly choices, unique venues, or documentary-style wedding photography, the focus is on real, meaningful moments.
If you’re planning a 2025 wedding and want a Maldon wedding photographer or an Essex wedding photographer who can capture your day naturally and beautifully, I’d love to chat!
📅 Now booking for 2025 & 2026 weddings! Secure your date today.