Why Shooting Film for Weddings is Fun, Romantic, Nostalgic, and Timeless

As a hybrid wedding photographer, I get the privilege of shooting weddings with both digital and film cameras. And I gotta tell you—there’s something truly magical about the process of shooting with film, especially on a day as special as a wedding. Film isn’t just about vintage vibes; it’s about creating a feeling. A vibe that digital just can’t quite replicate. If you’re wondering why I love shooting weddings on 35mm and 120 film, here’s why I think it’s fun, romantic, nostalgic, and, yes, totally timeless.
 

The Fun of It

Let’s be real: shooting on film is a bit like being a mad scientist with a dash of mystery. Every shot is intentional and a little more calculated. There’s no instant review of your image, no deleting to “get it right.” You have to trust your skills, your eye, and the fact that you’ve got a roll of film that’s ready to tell a story.

But that’s where the fun comes in! The unpredictable nature of film keeps me on my toes. There’s something deeply satisfying about having to slow down and think carefully about every click of the shutter. I get to be more present with my couple, focusing on the intimate moments rather than rushing through a long list of shots. It’s playful, it’s creative, and it makes capturing those magical wedding moments all the more rewarding.

The Romance of It All

Film photography has an inherent warmth that digital simply can't replicate. The soft grain, the way colors blend in a gentle way—it creates a dreamlike, romantic feel. Think of it like the difference between watching a movie in high definition vs. a vintage film. The romantic soft focus and subtle imperfections are what make film feel so personal and special. Each image tells a story and feels like a love letter.
On a wedding day, emotions are running high, and film amplifies those beautiful moments with its soft, nostalgic quality. When you flip through your wedding album years later, it won’t just feel like a set of images; it will feel like a tangible reminder of the love and emotion that made that day unforgettable. It’s almost like having a beautiful keepsake that will never lose its magic.
 

The Nostalgia Factor

There’s something deeply nostalgic about film. Maybe it's the process—the anticipation as the film develops, or the sound of the shutter, which has a distinct, satisfying click. For couples getting married today, shooting on film is like borrowing a piece of the past and making it your own. It connects the present to the past, whether that’s because your parents had film photos from their wedding or because film evokes a sense of timelessness.

Every image shot on film holds a bit of history. There’s a warmth to the photos, an organic texture, that digital photos often lack. And those imperfections? They’re not mistakes; they’re part of the magic. Film has a way of preserving those imperfect, beautiful moments—the slight grain, the soft light, the gentle blur—that make your wedding album feel like it’s a cherished heirloom, not just a collection of photos.

The Timelessness

This is where film really shines. Trends in photography come and go, but the classic feel of film is forever. It’s been used for weddings for decades, and it continues to withstand the test of time. I’ve had couples tell me that they wanted their wedding photos to feel like they could’ve been taken in any era—timeless and ageless, and film is the perfect medium to achieve that.

When you look at film images—whether they’re from 1970 or 2024—there’s something inherently classic about them. No matter how much time passes, the photos never look dated. There’s no “tech upgrade” that makes film look old-fashioned. The richness of the colors, the dynamic range, the ability to capture light—it all feels like it was meant to last forever. And that’s exactly what you want for your wedding day: photos that will stand the test of time and keep their charm, no matter what decade you’re in.

The Best of Both Worlds: Hybrid Photography

 

One of the things I love about being a hybrid wedding photographer is that I get to give my couples the best of both worlds. Film captures moments with an emotional depth and beauty that can’t be replicated, but I also pair it with digital photography for quick, crisp shots, especially in fast-moving situations. The combination of both mediums means that we don’t lose any moments, but we get to infuse the wedding day with that extra layer of magic.
When it comes down to it, shooting weddings on film is about celebrating the moment in its purest, most authentic form. It’s not about perfection; it’s about capturing something real, something that will feel just as meaningful decades from now as it does today. And that’s why I can’t get enough of it.
So, if you’re thinking about how to make your wedding photos stand out, maybe it’s time to embrace the magic of film. It’s not just about looking back; it’s about creating something timeless that will always be a part of your love story. Trust me, it’s totally worth it!