As a wedding photographer, I know that children are the true treasures of any shot. But they require special preparation and thoughtful organization — otherwise, the celebration can be disrupted, and your album might miss those genuine, atmospheric moments that little ones create so spontaneously.
1. To Invite or Not to Invite: From the Perspective of Photos and Atmosphere
If children are part of your immediate family — for example, your own kids or those from previous relationships — their presence at the wedding is a given. In other cases, it’s worth deciding on the format in advance:
- an adults-only wedding;
- a wedding where all guests’ children are welcome;
- or a compromise — inviting only the closest little ones.
Photography with children can be wonderfully lively and heartwarming, especially when they’re over the age of 5–7. At that stage, they understand what’s happening, join in the festive spirit, and happily take part in the day. Younger kids, under 3–4 years old, require more attention and care — and they don’t always manage to sit through long ceremonies.
2. Preparation: How to Plan Everything in Advance
I highly recommend including the children’s names in the invitations — it makes them feel like full participants in the celebration. And if you plan to involve them in the wedding program (for example, carrying the rings or scattering petals), be sure to hold a rehearsal — especially with the little ones. This will help avoid stress and unpredictable situations on the wedding day.
3. What to Assign to Children — and How It Enhances Your Photos
Simple, clear tasks turn children into active participants and give you the chance to capture the most genuine emotions. Here are a few ideas:
- scattering petals during the ceremony;
- helping with the dress train;
- carrying the rings or holding the ring box;
- handing out programs, flags, or bubbles;
- taking part in a small surprise for the bride and groom.
All of these moments look wonderful in photos — they are emotional, lively, and full of warmth.
4. Space and Activities for Children
For a photographer, it’s important that children are occupied and feel comfortable. This allows you to capture not only touching moments but also to avoid tantrums or fatigue in the shots.
It’s a good idea to organize a separate kids’ corner with:
- coloring books, crayons, and storybooks;
- bubbles, building blocks, and board games;
- pillows and blankets for resting.
If there are many young guests, consider hiring an entertainer or a nanny. This gives parents a chance to relax and allows the photographer to work calmly.
5. Menu and “Emergency Kit”
It’s important to coordinate a children’s menu: simple, tasty food that kids understand and enjoy. Fruits, mini pizzas, toast, or pasta are a safe and versatile choice.
I also recommend preparing a small emergency kit: wet wipes, water, a change of clothes, sunscreen (if it’s summer), or insect repellent (if outdoors).
6. What Works Especially Well on Camera
Here are scenes that work particularly well with children:
- girls walking down the aisle with petals;
- a little “page” carrying the rings;
- hugs with the bride and groom;
- playtime in the kids’ area;
- touching family portraits.
These moments come out especially lively, genuine, and timeless.
Children at Weddings Through a Photographer’s Eyes: How to Organize Everything and What to Keep in Mind
7. Conclusion
If you want to have children at your wedding, prepare in advance. Organization, attention to detail, and a little care will turn the little ones into a true highlight of the celebration. For the photographer, it’s a chance to capture genuine emotions and provide you with photos that will bring smiles for years to come.
And if you decide to have an adults-only wedding, that’s perfectly fine too. The key is to be honest with yourself and your guests, and not be afraid to set your own rules.
Vasily Matyukhin — a wedding photographer with over 10 years of experience
I work in Minsk, throughout Belarus, and across Europe. I specialize in emotional documentary-style photography with elements of light staging that help preserve the naturalness and atmosphere of genuine moments. My goal is not just to capture events, but to convey the mood of your day, preserving sincere emotions, details, and meaningful glances in each frame. An individual approach, clear organization, and a high level of post-processing are the foundation of every project.
Check out the portfolio or submit a request — I’ll get in touch with you shortly.
