Why You Should Consider a Pre or Post-Wedding Portrait Session

Weddings can feel like a whirlwind. Between getting ready, sharing your vows, and celebrating with everyone you love, your day fills up fast. That’s one reason some couples are choosing to do a pre- or post-wedding portrait session—a relaxed, intentional photo shoot on a separate day from the wedding.

As a Vermont wedding and elopement photographer, I’ve seen how powerful this can be for couples who want to slow down, get creative, and be fully present on their wedding day. If you’re thinking about ways to simplify your timeline and elevate your photo experience, here are some big reasons to consider a separate portrait session:

1. Spend More Time with Loved Ones on the Wedding Day

When you schedule your wedding portraits on a different day, you gain time back during your actual celebration. You won’t have to step away for photos right after the ceremony or miss the cocktail hour. Instead, you get to stay in the moment and celebrate with the people who matter most.

2. Enjoy a More Relaxed Wedding Timeline

Doing portraits ahead of time or afterward means there’s less pressure on the wedding day. You can get ready without rushing, move through the day at your own pace, and not worry if things run a little late. A relaxed wedding timeline leads to a much more enjoyable experience overall.

3. Explore a More Adventurous or Scenic Location

With a separate portrait session, you’re not limited to your wedding venue. Want to hike to a mountaintop overlook, wander through a mossy forest, or visit the lake where you got engaged? We can choose a location that feels meaningful or epic—or both. The possibilities are limitless!

4. Get Better Light and More Creative Freedom

We can plan the session around the best lighting—golden hour, sunrise, or even blue hour—without being tied to your wedding schedule. That gives us more room for creativity and more time to create intentional, beautiful images that feel like you.

5. Rewear Your Wedding Attire (Yes, Please)

A post-wedding session is also a fun reason to dress up again. You can relive the excitement of your wedding day without any of the pressure. It’s a second chance to celebrate in a more intimate, laid-back way—and you’ll have a whole new set of portraits to love.

6. It’s a Great Backup Plan for Weather or Timing

If weather becomes a factor on your wedding day or things just feel too hectic, having a separate portrait session gives you flexibility and peace of mind. You’ll still walk away with stunning couple photos no matter what!

Why a Pre or Post-Wedding Portrait Session Might Be Right for You

Whether it’s before the wedding or after the celebration has wrapped, setting aside dedicated time for portraits on a separate day gives you the space to slow down and focus on each other—without the pressure of a full wedding timeline. It’s a chance to create intentional, beautiful photos in a way that feels relaxed and meaningful!

You might love this option if:

• You want to be fully present with your guests on the wedding day

• You’re eloping or having a micro wedding and want to add more photo coverage on another day

• Your venue doesn’t offer the scenic locations you have in mind

• You want to explore a different, more scenic spot—like a favorite trail, mountaintop, lake, or overlook

• You’re worried about the weather or want a flexible backup plan for couples' portraits

• You love the idea of dressing up in your wedding attire again (or getting a first look in early!)

A separate portrait session lets you slow down, breathe, and enjoy the experience without any timeline stress. Whether it’s the excitement of the days leading up to your wedding or the quiet magic afterward, it’s a beautiful way to celebrate your connection and capture it in a way that’s totally true to you.

If you're planning your wedding or elopement in Vermont (or beyond) and love this idea, I’d love to help you make it happen! Inquire today!