Top 2024-2025 Wedding Photography Trends Couples in the PNW Definitely Don’t Want to Miss
Wedding photography is constantly evolving, and as a wedding photographer based in the beautiful Pacific Northwest (PNW), I’ve noticed some exciting trends emerging for 2024. Couples are embracing fresh styles and innovative techniques to capture their special day in truly unique ways. If you're getting married in 2024, here are the wedding photography trends you won't want to miss, especially if you're planning your wedding in this stunning region.
1. Editorial-Style Wedding Photos: Capture Your Day Like a Magazine Spread
In 2024, many couples are opting for editorial-style wedding photography, which gives their wedding photos a high-end, magazine-like feel. This trend is all about dramatic lighting, bold poses, and creating timeless, fashion-forward images. If you're hosting your wedding in iconic PNW locations like the Columbia River Gorge or Mount Rainier, an editorial shoot will perfectly complement the majestic landscapes.
Why it’s trending: Couples are drawn to images that feel sophisticated and artistic, ensuring their wedding photos stand out for years to come.
2. Golden Hour & Sunset Shots: Embracing the Magic of PNW Light
The Pacific Northwest is known for its ethereal light during golden hour, and in 2024, couples are making sure this magical time of day is part of their photography schedule. Golden hour photos, taken just before sunset, offer a soft, warm glow that creates incredibly romantic and breathtaking images.
Why it’s trending: Golden hour shots not only flatter skin tones but also highlight the natural beauty of the PNW’s scenic backdrops, from the Oregon coast to the lush evergreen forests.
3. Documentary-Style Photography: Raw, Real, and Unscripted
While posed photos will always have their place, many 2024 couples are favoring a documentary approach to their wedding photography. This style focuses on capturing genuine, unscripted moments that tell the story of the day, from teary-eyed first looks to spontaneous laughter during the reception.
Why it’s trending: In a world of curated social media posts, couples are craving authenticity. Documentary-style wedding photos allow them to relive the real emotions and connections from their day.
4. Eco-Friendly & Nature-Infused Wedding Photography
Sustainability is a huge priority for many couples in the PNW, and this extends to their wedding photography. In 2024, couples are increasingly choosing outdoor, nature-infused weddings that reflect their eco-conscious values. Whether it's exchanging vows in a forest, by a waterfall, or on a farm, photographers are capturing the natural beauty of these settings in ways that highlight the couple’s connection to the environment.
Why it’s trending: PNW couples are passionate about sustainability, and showcasing their wedding's natural elements is a beautiful way to reflect their love for the Earth.
5. Moody, Dark Tones with Rich Contrasts
In 2024, moody, dramatic photography styles are making a strong comeback, especially in the PNW. Known for its misty mornings and overcast skies, the region is the perfect setting for rich, dark tones with high contrast. This trend emphasizes deep colors, creating an atmospheric and intimate feel that’s perfect for the Pacific Northwest’s landscape.
Why it’s trending: Couples want photos that evoke emotion and drama, and the PNW’s natural surroundings provide the perfect backdrop for this aesthetic.
6. Personalized Photo Booths: The New Interactive Trend
Photo booths have been a wedding staple for years, but in 2024, they’re getting a major upgrade. Personalized photo booths that match the couple's wedding theme and offer customized backdrops are all the rage. These interactive stations give guests the opportunity to take fun, candid shots while giving couples a unique keepsake of their big day.
Why it’s trending: Couples are looking for ways to make their wedding more personal and interactive, and custom photo booths offer a fun, memorable experience for guests.
7. Cinematic Videography: Beyond Just Photography
While this blog focuses on photography, it’s impossible to ignore the growing trend of cinematic wedding videography in 2024. Many PNW couples are choosing to combine their wedding photos with professionally filmed, cinematic wedding videos. These videos capture not just still moments but the movement and emotion of the day, providing a complete visual story.
Why it’s trending: A cinematic wedding video paired with stunning photography offers couples a way to relive their day from multiple perspectives.
8. Digital & Film Hybrid Photography
2024 is seeing a resurgence of film photography for weddings, with couples requesting a mix of both digital and film. The nostalgic charm of film photos paired with the convenience of digital images offers the best of both worlds. In the scenic PNW, film photography adds a timeless quality to wedding images, making those misty mountain and coastline shots feel even more romantic.
Why it’s trending: Couples love the idea of receiving both the crisp, edited digital images and the raw, grainy beauty of film photography.
9. Intimate Elopements & Adventure Weddings
Elopements and intimate weddings in remote locations continue to grow in popularity for 2024, especially in the PNW. Adventure weddings, where couples hike to a secluded spot for their ceremony, are on the rise. These settings allow photographers to capture breathtaking, once-in-a-lifetime moments in nature.
Why it’s trending: More couples are choosing smaller, more intimate celebrations that focus on their love for adventure and the outdoors, especially in places like Olympic National Park or Crater Lake.
Capture Your 2024 Wedding with a PNW Photographer Who Knows the Trends
As a wedding photographer in the Pacific Northwest, I specialize in capturing these top 2024 photography trends while embracing the natural beauty of the region. Whether you’re looking for moody, cinematic shots or want to embrace an editorial style for your wedding, I’ll work with you to make sure every moment is captured perfectly.
