Why a Bridal Session is a Must-Have Before Your Wedding
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When planning your wedding, certain traditions and ideas can elevate your experience—and a bridal session is one of them! In Utah, bridal sessions are a cherished part of wedding preparations, offering a unique way to capture stunning portraits before your big day. Whether you’re having a large Salt Lake City wedding or a small LDS temple ceremony, here’s why bridal sessions should be a must on your list.
What is a Bridal Session?
A bridal session is a pre-wedding photoshoot where the bride, and sometimes the couple, can take formal portraits before the wedding day. In Utah, bridal sessions are especially popular because they allow couples to focus on capturing stunning images without the time constraints surrounding the wedding day.
Who Can Do a Bridal Session?
The bride and groom! Bridal sessions are versatile and can be tailored to your needs. Some options include:
Solo Portraits: Focused on just the bride, showcasing her dress, veil, bouquet, and other bridal details.
Couple Portraits: Both the bride and groom can join, creating a relaxed environment to celebrate your love ahead of the wedding.
First Look Moments: Many couples use bridal sessions to capture the emotional first look, away from the wedding day chaos.
Bridal Session
Starting at $225
- Session typically lasts 60 minutes
- 70+ professionally edited images
- $100 non-refundable deposit to book
- Remainder due the day before the session
- Discounted rate available if adding on to wedding package
Why Bridal Sessions Are a Game-Changer
Bridal sessions are a beloved tradition for many brides because they give you the chance to capture stunning, timeless images without the time crunch of the wedding day. Whether you’re planning a traditional church ceremony, a modern outdoor celebration, or an LDS temple wedding, a bridal session ensures you get those iconic portraits you’ll treasure forever.
For brides having an LDS temple wedding, this session can be especially valuable. Since temple ceremonies are sacred and private, the timeline often doesn’t leave much opportunity for extended portraits in your wedding dress. A bridal session gives you the perfect chance to get extra use out of your gown, capturing the beauty and details you’ve been dreaming of.
Beyond the practical perks, a bridal session is a chance to slow down, enjoy the moment, and create unforgettable memories leading up to your big day.
Benefits of a Bridal Session
Stress-Free Wedding Day
Your wedding day is full of emotion and activity. By scheduling a separate session, you free up time to enjoy your day without rushing through portraits.Perfectly Timed Photos
Adding a bridal session to your pre-wedding schedule lets you capture stunning images in the best light. Whether it’s a golden-hour sunset or the soft glow of early morning, these moments perfectly highlight your bridal look. With no wedding day rush, you’ll have more time to pose, try different angles, and enjoy the experience..A Test Run for Your Look
Scheduling a trial run is the perfect opportunity to see how your hair, makeup, and dress photograph in various lighting and angles. This allows you to ensure everything looks exactly how you envisioned it. If any adjustments are needed—whether it’s changing the hairstyle, touching up makeup, or altering the fit of your dress—you’ll have enough time to make those tweaks before the big day, helping you feel confident and picture-perfect.Display Photos at Your Wedding
Many couples love using their bridal session photos in creative ways, such as featuring them on their wedding invitations, incorporating them into reception decor like photo displays or table centerpieces, or even designing personalized guest books that showcase their favorite moments from the session.Iconic Utah Backdrops
Utah offers stunning spots for bridal sessions, like the Salt Flats, Big Cottonwood Canyon, downtown Salt Lake City, or the gardens near the LDS temple. Unless you’re marrying at one of these locations, it’s rare to get photos of your wedding dress there. A bridal session lets you showcase your gown in these beautiful settings, creating unforgettable memories beyond your wedding venue.
Frequently Asked Questions
When Should I Schedule a Bridal Session?
Ideally, 4-8 weeks before your wedding. This gives you time to prepare and ensures any prints or canvases will be ready for your big day.
What Should I Wear?
Bring your wedding dress, veil, shoes, and any special accessories you plan to wear. If you’re doing a couple’s session, coordinate your outfits to match the wedding theme.
What Happens If It Rains?
Don’t worry! We’ll have a backup plan, whether it’s rescheduling or choosing an indoor location. Salt Lake City and surrounding areas have plenty of great indoor options, including studios and historic venues.
How Long Will the Session Take?
A typical session lasts around 1-2 hours, depending on the locations and specific shots you want to capture. This allows enough time for outfit changes, setting adjustments, and exploring creative ideas without feeling rushed. If we’re working with multiple venues, we’ll plan out an efficient schedule to maximize your time and get the best results.
How to Book Your Utah Bridal Session
A bridal session is so much more than just capturing photos—it’s a meaningful experience that adds to the magic of your wedding journey. As a Utah-based photographer, I’ll work with you to find the perfect location, guide you through effortless posing, and create timeless images you’ll cherish for a lifetime.
Ready to book your bridal session? Let’s bring your vision to life! We can discuss your timeline, ideal locations, and everything you need to make your session unforgettable. Contact me to get started today.
