I think wedding season is getting hotter

After another summer photographing weddings across London and beyond, I've noticed something. Couples spend months worrying about the weather... but it rarely ends up being the thing they remember most.

8/26/20264 min read

wedding guests sitting in the sun waiting for the ceremony to begin

I don't know whether it's just me getting older...

...but wedding season genuinely seems to be getting hotter every year.

This summer has brought some fantastic weddings, but it's also brought some pretty serious temperatures. There have been weekends where guests have been searching for shade before they've even found the bar. I've seen bridesmaids armed with handheld fans, grooms quietly loosening their ties the second the ceremony is over, and photographers (that's me) keeping one eye on the couple and the other on whether the cameras are about to overheat.

Don't get me wrong... I love photographing weddings in the sunshine. Give me blue skies over a washout any day. But after a few weekends in temperatures well into the thirties, I won't pretend I wasn't quite pleased to see the forecast settling down again.

As we head towards the end of August, it feels like we're getting back to what I'd call proper wedding weather. Warm enough for everyone to enjoy being outside, but comfortable enough that nobody spends half the drinks reception trying to find the nearest patch of shade. Personally, I think this is one of the nicest times of year to get married.

Everyone Worries About the Weather

One thing I've noticed over the years is just how much couples worry about the weather. A week before the wedding, it's all anyone wants to talk about. Three days before, they're checking the forecast every few hours. By the morning itself, many have convinced themselves that if the weather isn't perfect, somehow the day won't be either.

The reality is usually very different.

I've photographed weddings in blazing sunshine, torrential rain, strong winds and just about everything in between. Every wedding has thrown up something unexpected, but I've never come away thinking the weather was the thing that made the day memorable.

Smiling bride in white fur shrug and groom in blue suit walking outdoors under a clear umbrella on their wedding day.

Joyful bride and groom celebrating while walking down a rustic outdoor aisle runner at a garden wedding.

what couples actually remember

SEEing each other for the first time

laughing through the speeches

grandparents on the dancefloor

kids wearing themselves out

That moment while it all finally sinks in

Why I Love This Time of Year

That's one of the reasons I enjoy this time of year so much. The light becomes softer, the evenings are cooler and everyone just seems a little more relaxed. Couples aren't rushing through portraits because they're too hot, guests are happy to spend longer outside, and as the sun starts to drop the atmosphere changes completely.

As a photographer, it makes my job easier. More importantly, it helps everyone enjoy the day that little bit more.

A glowing tipi wedding reception tent at night with warm fairy lights under a dramatic dark cloudy sky.

Better portraits

Softer light and more comfortable temperatures mean we can take relaxed photographs without anyone feeling rushed.

More time outside

Guests tend to linger for longer during the drinks reception instead of escaping indoors to cool down.

A more relaxed day

When everyone's comfortable, it shows. The smiles are more natural, people stay outside chatting for longer and the whole day feels just that little bit calmer.

Stop Refreshing the Weather App

If you're getting married over the next few weeks, here's my advice: stop refreshing the weather app.

You can't control the forecast, but you can control how much you enjoy your wedding day.

In twenty years' time, you won't remember whether it was 19 degrees or 29. You'll remember how it felt to be surrounded by your favourite people, celebrating one of the biggest days of your life.

That's what I'll be looking for with my camera.

dding guest on telephone after wedding ceremony

Planning an autumn wedding?

Whether the forecast says sunshine, showers or something in between, your wedding day will still be full of moments worth remembering. And those are the moments I love to photograph.