Should You Do Getting Ready Photos?

In my opinion, yes — getting ready photos are absolutely worth it.

Unless that part of the day truly doesn’t matter to you, I almost always recommend including it.

The way I look at a wedding gallery is that it should feel like the full story of the day, not just the ceremony and portraits. The early part of the day matters too, and it often includes some really meaningful moments.

Getting ready coverage is usually when I photograph things like your details, the dress before you put it on, invitations, jewelry, shoes, and other pieces that help tell the story of your day. If those things are already done by the time I arrive, we miss the chance to capture them in a more intentional way.

It’s also when some of the best candid moments happen — everyone hanging out, getting dressed, helping each other, and just settling into the day. Those quieter moments often add so much depth to the final gallery.

For me, prep photos help make the gallery feel complete. They capture what the day really looked and felt like from the very beginning.

At the end of the day, it always comes back to what matters most to you. But if you want your gallery to tell the full story, getting ready photos are usually a big part of that.

Explore more from the Wedding Insider Guide for simple, helpful wedding planning advice from a photographer with over a decade of experience capturing New Jersey weddings. And if you’re looking for candid, intentional coverage for your own day, I’d love to connect.