Group shots are a great way to capture the overall theme and atmosphere of a wedding, featuring the entire party. Here are our top picks for our Wedding Photography Awards.
OVERALL WINNER: Ajie Jones Photography | Adrian Williams-Jones
The story behind this photo: “Andy and Alyssa didn’t want any standard pictures. I shot Alyssa’s sister’s wedding just before lockdown, and was the photographer for six other couples who were guests at the wedding. So as you can see from the picture we all had a lot of fun. Venue was Bishton Hall in Stafford, and it was a festival vibe wedding.
Why we chose this photo as our overall winner: We love the warmth and sunniness of this photo. From the pale blue suits and yellow sunflower dresses, to the backdrop of the ancient Greek temple, to the bright lighting, everything about the image screams fun. The poses of the wedding party are posed and theatrical, yet fun and light-hearted. There is a loose symmetry to the composition which is very effective – it holds everything together without feeling forced.
Read on for our list of honourable mentions, whose submissions simply blew us away!
Alexa Poppe Wedding Photography | Alexa Poppe
The story behind this photo: “Matt the groom had some special Cuban cigars saved for his special day. He wanted me to capture the moment when he smoked them with his ushers. The evening atmosphere and backlit courtyard was perfect for it to show off the smoke and create a different kind of group shot.”
Why we shortlisted this photo: We love an unusual group shot, and this one is no exception. The chill poses of the men, and the effect of the smoke, create a very striking image.
Andy Sidders Photography | Andy Sidders
The story behind this photo: “Matt and his groomsmen looking cool, calm and collected before travelling via helicopter to his wedding at Stowe House.”
Why we shortlisted this photo: What a cool, modern group shot – we love its angles and edges. The upward looking perspective adds to the effect.
Chloe Palmer Photography | Chloe Palmer
The story behind this photo: “A fun group shot of Ben and his wedding crew.”
Why we shortlisted this photo: We love the buzz of action captured in this photo as the wedding party happily make their preparations. It has a lovely candid feel to it.
Danielle Richardson Photography | Danielle Richardson
The story behind this photo: “Sunset on the way back from the shot!”
Why we shortlisted this photo: Golden hour photos are always magical! The sun’s rays beautifully illuminate the figures as they walk back through the fields of wheat.
Derek Anson Photography | Derek Anson
The story behind this photo: “The bride and the bridesmaids. When taking formal group shots, I encourage genuine laughs with creative prompts and suggestions.”
Why we shortlisted this photo: The girls’ colourful dresses and laughing expressions caught our eye. An uplifting, refreshing twist on a classic bridal group shot.
Flisher Photography Ltd | Luke Flisher
The story behind this photo: “The couple wanted some non-traditional group shots with their wedding party.”
Why we shortlisted this photo: We love to see the grooms and guests enjoying themselves so casually – chatting, drinking, and just having a good laugh! A lovely light-hearted moment.
Michael Newington Gray Photography | Michael Newington Gray Photography
The story behind this photo: “Rain forced the garden group shots indoors, so I spied this sofa earlier and wanted to use it anyway, for a more editorial inspired shot.”
Why we shortlisted this photo: We love the drama of this editorial shot. The intense frontal gazes of the wedding party, and muted colour palette, make for a very striking image.
Paul Roland Williams | Paul Roland Williams
The story behind this photo: “This was taken a little later in the day which made for a nice relaxed vibe to this group shot.”
Why we shortlisted this photo: The late afternoon light gives this photo such a warm, uplifting quality. We love the group’s casual poses and candid expressions.
Queen Bea Photography | Genevieve Hawks
The story behind this photo: “One of the reasons I love this photo so much is THE VIEW! I’ve never taken a group photo in such a stunning location before, and I think that, and the sense of fun in it, is what makes it one of my favourite group shots of the year. The location is on the cliffs in Devon at Wurzell Weddings.”
Why we shortlisted this photo: We love the sense of space created by the breathtaking natural landscape, and the relaxed poses of the guests themselves. A memorable group shot!
Simon Murray Photography | Simon Murray
The story behind this photo: “The wedding was shot in Leeds and the bride was, well, a bit late. I saw the sun coming through the mist and therefore an opportunity to get my groomsmen shot. Scots in the mist.”
Why we shortlisted this photo: The choice to shoot in black and white creates a moody atmosphere, perfect for such a misty scene. We love the groomsmen’s striking poses.
Teri V Photography | Teri Vincent
The story behind this photo: “Found a secret snooker room in the basement of the hotel. Gathered my lights and the full bridal party for this cool group shot.”
Why we shortlisted this photo: This is such a unique and creative group shot. We love its intensity and drama, as well as the candid poses of the wedding party in action.
There you have our best group shots of 2022! Up next: the best artistic photos, featuring the most aesthetic, beautifully shot, perfectly posed images from our most creative photographers.
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