Indoor vs Outdoor Wedding Photography - All You Need to Know
- Shawn Eastman
- May 20
- 5 min read
Why the Setting of Your Wedding Photos Matters
One of the biggest questions I get asked by couples during our planning chats is this:
"Do you think indoor or outdoor wedding photos are better?"
And truthfully - it’s a great question. The location and setting of your wedding photos can have a huge impact on the final look and feel of your entire gallery. Lighting, atmosphere, background, even the mood - all of it can shift dramatically depending on whether you’re tying the knot under fairy lights in a barn or saying your vows in a meadow surrounded by sheep.
As a professional wedding photographer with decades of experience capturing weddings all across Wales & the UK (from cosy retreats on the west Welsh coast to luxury hotels in Herefordshire), I’ve seen the best - and the trickiest - sides of both indoor and outdoor wedding photography.
So in this guide, I’m diving into everything you need to know about indoor vs outdoor wedding photography - the pros, cons, lighting tips, how to prepare, what to expect, and ultimately, how to make the best decision for you and your day.
Whether you're dreaming of golden-hour portraits on the lawn or imagining candle-lit images with all the drama of a romantic novel, let’s unpack all the considerations to help you feel confident in your choice.
Table of Contents
Quick Comparison: Indoor vs Outdoor Wedding Photography
Here’s a quick visual breakdown - but don’t worry, I’ll go into much more detail below!
UK Weather: The Biggest Outdoor Factor
Let’s not beat around the bush - we live in the UK. Which means weather unpredictability is a given. One minute you’re basking in golden hour, the next you're legging it inside with a veil full of hailstones.
Outdoor wedding photos are stunning when the conditions align - soft overcast skies, golden hour sunbeams, or even light drizzle that adds a cinematic flair. But the downside? There are no guarantees. Even in July, I’ve had weddings with four seasons in one day.
Top Tip: Always have a wet weather backup plan for outdoor photos. Your photographer should scout sheltered spots, porches, trees, or be ready with transparent umbrellas that still let in lovely light.
Lighting: The Secret Sauce to Great Wedding Photos
Lighting is everything in photography. It’s what gives your photos depth, emotion, softness, or drama.
Indoor Wedding Lighting Pros
More consistent and controllable (ideal for winter weddings or after dark)
Easier to work with if you're in a beautifully lit church or venue with big windows
Creative use of flash or ambient light to create atmosphere
Indoor Lighting Challenges
Dark venues = higher ISO = more grainy images (unless your photographer is a wizard with lighting)
Some artificial lights (like coloured up-lighting or harsh spotlights) can cause odd colour casts
Outdoor Wedding Lighting Pros
Natural light = soft, flattering skin tones and dreamy textures
Ideal during golden hour (about 1 hour before sunset)
More vibrant backdrops and spacious compositions
Outdoor Lighting Challenges
Midday sun can be harsh, cause squinting, and cast shadows under eyes
Constantly changing clouds and light levels can make consistency tricky
My take? I love outdoor light - but I also carry pro lighting gear and know how to shoot in any environment. That means whether we’re under chandeliers or chasing a sunset over the Brecon Beacons, I’ve got you covered.
Location, Location, Location
The setting can completely change the mood of your wedding photos.
Here's a quick look at the types of locations and what they tend to offer:
Indoor Wedding Locations (UK Favourites)
Manor Houses: Rich, textured interiors and soft window light.
Historic Churches: Timeless ambience and natural grandeur.
Barns: Rustic charm with romantic lighting possibilities.
City Venues: Chic, modern, and often weatherproof!
Outdoor Wedding Locations (UK Favourites)
Gardens and Estates: Think rolling hills, wisteria archways, and stately backdrops.
Beaches: Wind in your hair, natural light bouncing off the sea.
Woodlands: Magical, earthy vibes with dappled lighting.
Countryside Fields: Minimalist beauty and wide, open skies.
Need more inspiration? Check out Hitched's "The 50 Best Wedding Venues in the UK".
What Type of Wedding Photography Suits You?
Let’s be honest - there’s no “right” or “wrong” answer here. It comes down to your vision.
Indoor might be best for you if:
You’ve chosen a venue with gorgeous interior details or historic character
You're planning a winter wedding or expect evening shots to be key
You want creative, editorial-style lighting and drama in your images
Outdoor might be better if:
You adore natural backdrops like trees, hills, or the coast
You’re hoping for that soft, glowing golden hour look
You want more movement, space and freedom in your portraits
As your photographer, it’s my job to adapt to whatever your day brings - light or dark, indoor or out, sunshine or sideways rain. I bring the skills, the gear, and the experience to make it all work beautifully for you.
Can You Have the Best of Both Worlds?
Absolutely. In fact, many weddings do exactly that!
You might have an indoor ceremony followed by outdoor drinks and portraits. Or maybe your whole day is inside, but we sneak out for sunset couple shots. Or you’re getting married outside and having your reception indoors.
I often encourage couples to be flexible - let’s chase the best light, embrace the weather as part of your story, and make sure you get a stunning variety in your final gallery.
Pro tip: Always build a little buffer time into your timeline to sneak off for outdoor portraits if the weather plays ball. It’s always worth it.
What’s Best For Your Story?
When comparing indoor vs outdoor wedding photography, remember - this isn’t about which is better in some generic way. It’s about what best reflects your personalities, your venue, your vibe, and the type of atmosphere you want your wedding photos to hold forever.
The most important thing? Choose a photographer who knows how to handle both - who can see the beauty in a shaft of window light just as much as in a glowing sunset - and who you trust to tell your story in all its wonderful, unique, perfectly imperfect glory.
