Bridal Portraits: Should You Go Solo or Include Your Partner?
ESTIMATED READ TIME: 6 MINUTES
Bridal portraits are a timeless way to honor your journey to the altar. Whether you dream of solo shots bathed in golden light or intimate captures showcasing the love you share with your partner, a bridal portrait session beautifully preserves this once-in-a-lifetime chapter of your story.
If you’re planning your wedding and exploring bridal photoshoot ideas, one of the biggest decisions is whether to do your session solo or invite your partner along. Each option brings its own magic, and the best choice depends on what type of memories you want to create.
Let’s explore the benefits of both options so you can decide what’s right for you.
What Is a Bridal Portrait Session?
A bridal portrait session is a special photoshoot held before the wedding day, traditionally centered around the bride. It’s an opportunity to capture the full wedding attire, complete with the gown, hair, makeup, florals, and accessories.
However, this session isn’t limited to brides. It can feature either partner, regardless of gender. Think of it as a dress rehearsal, combining the excitement of trying on your wedding look with the added bonus of stunning, magazine-worthy photos.
Today, many couples are modernizing this tradition by including the partner in the session. This gives them a chance to get comfortable in front of the camera together and get some formal shots out of the way so they can be more present on their wedding day.
In Utah, it’s fairly common for bridal portraits to be printed and displayed at the wedding reception.
Bridal Session
Starting at $225
- Session typically lasts 60 minutes
- 50-100+ edited images
- $100 non-refundable deposit to book
- Remainder due the day before the session
- Travel fees applicable if 35+ miles from West Jordan
- Discounted rate available if adding on to wedding package
5 Beautiful Reasons to Do a Solo Bridal Portrait Session
1. Celebrate Your Bridal Glow
A solo bridal portrait session gives you uninterrupted time to bask in your bridal beauty. You’ve spent so much time selecting the perfect outfit, dreaming up your makeup and hairstyle, and curating every detail of your look. This session lets you see it all come together in a relaxed setting.
These portraits celebrate you as a bride. The elegance. The anticipation. The empowerment. You’ll walk away with timeless, editorial-quality images that honor this moment in your life.
2. Reduce Wedding-Day Stress
Let’s be real… wedding days are busy! A bridal session done in advance means fewer things to worry about on the big day. You’ll already have beautiful shots of your gown, bouquet, veil, and other details without needing to squeeze them in between events.
By giving yourself space to breathe, pose, and have fun in a relaxed atmosphere, you’ll enjoy a much more fulfilling photography experience.
3. Create a First Look Surprise
Planning a dramatic aisle reveal or emotional first look on your wedding day? Keeping your bridal portrait session solo means your partner won’t see your full look until the big moment. That kind of anticipation adds emotion and authenticity to your wedding photos.
Plus, you’ll already know how stunning your look is on camera, so you’ll walk into that first look with complete confidence.
4. Unleash Your Creativity
Solo sessions allow for more creative freedom when it comes to posed photos, lighting, and styling. Want something whimsical and romantic? Bold and editorial? Classic and timeless? We can fully focus on capturing your vision and pushing artistic boundaries.
As your photographer, I love tailoring each bridal session to reflect your personality. We can play with movement, textures, and dreamy locations to create images that are uniquely you.
5. Perfect Trial Run for Hair & Makeup
A bridal portrait session doubles as the ultimate beauty test run. You’ll see exactly how your hair and makeup photograph and catch any adjustments needed before the big day. You’ll also get the chance to practice walking, sitting, and posing in your dress so you feel confident and comfortable in every moment of your wedding.
5 Romantic Reasons to Include Your Partner
1. Capture Your Connection
Weddings are about two people and nothing celebrates that better than portraits that showcase your chemistry and bond. Including your partner in your bridal photoshoot gives you stunning, emotional images that reflect your love story before you officially say “I do.”
These images often feel more intimate and relaxed than wedding-day portraits, capturing your relationship in a way that’s deeply personal.
2. Get Comfortable Together on Camera
Feeling a bit camera shy? Including your partner helps both of you ease into the process and get used to being photographed as a couple. You’ll learn how to pose naturally, understand what angles work best, and gain confidence ahead of the big day.
This is especially helpful if you didn’t do an engagement session or if you want extra practice before wedding day portraits.
3. Add Variety to Your Wedding Gallery
While solo bridal shots are a dream, adding your partner means a more dynamic gallery. You’ll walk away with a mix of individual bridal portraits and couple images ranging from close-ups to candid moments. These extra portraits enrich your album and add context to your love story.
4. Share a Meaningful Experience Together
Wedding planning can be a whirlwind, and a bridal portrait session with your partner is a rare chance to slow down and soak in the excitement. You’ll laugh, cuddle, and connect without distractions or time constraints. It’s a beautiful way to reflect on your upcoming vows and savor a special pre-wedding memory.
5. Get More from Your Wedding Attire
You spent months dreaming about your gown, and your partner probably spent a good chunk on their outfit too! A joint bridal session gives you the chance to really show off your style in a variety of locations and settings. These portraits often feel more relaxed and fashion-forward than wedding-day shots, because there’s no pressure, timeline, or crowd watching.
Popular Utah Locations for Bridal Portraits
Where you choose to take your bridal photos can help you decide whether to include your partner or not. Some locations work beautifully for solo portraits, while others are perfect for capturing romantic moments together.
Utah State Capitol Building
The elegant architecture creates a timeless backdrop, perfect for showcasing your wedding attire.
Tunnel Springs Park
With rolling hills and golden grasses, this spot offers a dreamy, natural setting just outside Salt Lake City.
Little Sahara Sand Dunes
Bold bridal looks stand out against the unique, ethereal landscape of the sand dunes.
Studio Rentals
Ideal for winter months, these controlled environments are great for styled and polished bridal shoots. Studios are also a great option to try to keep your wedding attire as clean as possible before the big day.
Why I’m Passionate About Bridal Portraits in Salt Lake City, UT
No matter if you choose a solo or shared session, your bridal portrait session should feel like you. It’s more than a photoshoot; it’s a celebration of your relationship and your journey into marriage. It’s a moment to pause, feel radiant, and be present in this exciting chapter.
As a Utah-based wedding and portrait photographer, bridal photography is where my heart truly lies. I believe in creating an experience that makes you feel confident, comfortable, and completely seen. I take time to understand your style, your story, and your vision so I can bring it to life in a way that feels effortless, elegant, and deeply personal.
Whether you’re looking for soft, romantic light or something moody and bold, I use a mix of creativity, technical skill, and heartfelt connection to make your bridal photos unforgettable.
Choosing me means working with someone who:
- Sees beauty in the in-between moments.
- Cares about the details that matter to you.
- Makes the process fun, not stressful.
- Understands lighting, posing, and storytelling on a deep level.
Ready to Book Your Bridal Portrait Session?
Let’s bring your dream bridal photoshoot to life! I’m here to help you plan a session that’s uniquely you. Ready to get started? Reach out to me today to book a session. If you book a package with me as your wedding photographer, you’ll receive a discounted bridal session offering.
Your love story is one of a kind, and it deserves to be captured beautifully. Let’s create something unforgettable together!
