It wouldn’t be a wedding without a couple to tie the knot! Enjoy our top couple shots for our Wedding Photography Awards, from the romantic to the comedic to everything in between.
The story behind this photo: “Jess and Jamie travelled from Singapore to elope in Glencoe in winter. The couple was dreaming about the trip to Scotland for so long! They were so happy and grateful for being there together. This picture was taken on the road of Glen Etive. Winter conditions created an amazing opportunity to capture beautiful images, which was very exciting for all of us that day. We wanted to capture these beautiful and genuine moments and the newlyweds just expressed that by starting to run for a while to release their energy and emotions. It was so lucky we managed to document that!”
Why we chose this photo as our overall winner: We love the natural documentary style, set against the snowy peaks of the Scottish Highlands. The dark and subdued, wintry tones perfectly fit the setting and season and add a sense of drama. Yet there is a real sense of lightness and freedom in the couple’s joy and freedom. The bride’s expression is particularly striking – we love her excitement and laughter, and the way her hair is blowing in the wind.
Read on for our list of honourable mentions, whose submissions simply blew us away!
The story behind this photo: “I am always a sucker for a good bath. I am always looking to shoot something different and my couples are always up for anything.”
Why we shortlisted this photo: This is a prize-worthy couple shot – both artistic and aesthetic, yet candid and humorous. We love its composition and symmetry.
The story behind this photo: “Tabitha and Jed eloped with just their closest family members by their side on a small island on the west coast of Scotland which they’ve been coming to for ages for holidays. We went for some photos after the ceremony and they really wanted to go for a little paddle in one of the slate quarries. They went in, it started to rain heavily, they looked at each other, Jed took off his jacket, threw it back to the shore, and the paddle became a swim. It was the most exhilarating moment. Then we just walked back to their cottage and you should have seen their family’s faces when they came back!”
Why we shortlisted this photo: This photo perfectly captures the couple’s joy and exhilaration in the moment. We love to see them laughing and joyfully embracing the moment.
The story behind this photo: “During the ceremony we looked out of the window and snow started to fall. By the end of the ceremony it looked like a winter wonderland outside. Thankfully Raychel and Callum were as excited as I was to go and take some pictures in it…”
Why we shortlisted this photo: This is a breathtaking, magical photo. It transports you to another place and time. We love its cool, clean tones, and the luminous effect of the light on the bride’s flowing veil. The couple’s blurry reflection in the frozen water is also very striking.
The story behind this photo: “I wanted to make it look like a Rembrandt painting – the grandeur of the venue and this couple deserved it!”
Why we shortlisted this photo: The artistry of this couple shot beautifully echoes the art hanging on the walls of the venue itself. We love the moody, dramatic lighting.
The story behind this photo: “The story behind this photo: “I love Stapleford Park. There are so many opportunities to take stunning photos outdoors and indoors. My aim is to take a special and unique wow shot for all couples on their wedding day. When I saw Charlotte’s wedding dress I knew straightaway where we needed to go to take this shot for the couple.”
Why we shortlisted this photo: We love the unusual perspective of this shot, with the couple smiling up from below. We also love the shape the bride’s dress makes on the floor.
The story behind this photo: “Rebecca and Adam relaxing on a vintage sofa, at Rushpool Hall in Saltburn by the Sea.”
Why we shortlisted this photo: This is a heart-warming, candid shot. We love to see the couple laughing together and enjoying each other’s company in such a relaxed and informal way.
The story behind this photo: “Drummer Luke and photographer Kirsty celebrated their love with a weekend long, mini music festival wedding. I wanted to make a unique portrait for them against the festival tents. Using a hand-made multi-coloured neon sign and some creative slow shutter speed, I created heart-shaped light trails around them. The evening was warm and balmy and as the music filled the air, Luke and Kirsty say it was one of the most special memories of their wedding.”
Why we shortlisted this photo: This photo is a perfect balance of dreamy and romantic, and vibrant and colourful. A wonderful couple shot, full of love, joy and celebration.
The story behind this photo: “A fantastically happy couple at the wonderful Babington House. I had to shoot from low perspective to capture the epic feel of all the lanterns.”
Why we shortlisted this photo: We love to see such a joyful couple, smiling together and embracing. The lanterns hanging against the black sky create a lovely, dreamy atmosphere.
The story behind this photo: “Manvi (the bride) is a doctor and Conor (the groom) is a GP, and they met at medical college and fell in love at first sight. Conor always wanted to have an Indian-styled wedding and went to India with Manvi to do all the shopping for their wedding. They had their beautiful wedding in Larchfield Estate in Northern Ireland.”
Why we shortlisted this photo: This is a beautiful, vibrant photo. We love to see the colours and patterns of the couple’s dress set against the natural foliage backdrop.
The story behind this photo: “Bride and groom are both endurance athletes with a great sense of humour and wanted their wedding photos to reflect their passion for running and fun!”
Why we shortlisted this photo: We love how this photo embraces the couple’s passion for running and their fun-loving, adventurous spirit. It is a refreshingly unique shot.
The story behind this photo: “Found a cool spot and captured a cool moment.”
Why we shortlisted this photo: This is definitely a cool moment! It’s a classic couple’s shot with the yellow wisteria hanging down and framing the bride and groom in a romantic arch. But what makes it are the couple’s happy expressions. A perfectly captured snapshot.
There you have our best couple shots of 2022! We’re following up with the rest of the dream team, so don’t miss our next article featuring the best group photos of the year.