How to Pick Photos for Your Wedding Album (Expert Guide)
Sitting comfortably? Have a glass of wine or a cup of tea handy? Great stuff, this is a longer blog but a good one. Great advice for current couples and couples who are still in the planning stages.
Let me start by saying this: you are not expected to know how to design a wedding album. That’s my job.
I’ve explained this process hundreds of times over email, WhatsApp, and Messenger, so it made sense to finally put it all in one place — with examples — so you can enjoy choosing your album instead of dreading it.
One thing I’ve learned over the years is this: the longer you leave choosing your album photos, the harder it becomes. When you’re still buzzing from the wedding, everything feels easier. Months later, it suddenly feels impossible. It’s procrastination — sometimes the easiest tasks feel like a mission the longer you leave them.
So my first piece of advice is simple:
👉 Choose your album photos while the buzz is still on.
First things first: think in stories, not photos
From your wedding, you might receive 1,000+ images. Trying to pick your favourites by scrolling and overthinking every photo is a fast route to madness.
Instead, I design albums using pages and stories.
Each album spread is two pages facing each other — I call that a story.
A 30-page album = 15 stories
A 40-page album = 20 stories
Once you think in stories, the whole process becomes much easier.
I’ve included lot’s of examples of album pages. It might be a bit odd looking at them as they are digital versions. Imagine looking down at the open album on a table with a left page and a right page with a subtle spine in the middle.
How a wedding day usually breaks down
This isn’t a rulebook — it’s a guide. Every wedding is different, and I’ll help tailor this to yours.
Story 0 – Optional details page
I just like throwing a spanner in the works. Most album begin with the preps of the bride or groom but I love adding a details page. I take a macro photograph of the engagement ring inside the bouquet of flowers and I like to pair it with a picture of your invitation. Totally not necessary but it’s a great way to begin the album. Get me in a good mood (when am I not!?) and I’ll probably throw this into your album for free.
📸 An example story of my details pages from Jenny & Eamon’s gorgeous Redcastle wedding. (Open album with left and right page.)
Story 1 – Groom prep
Bad news, lads… from all those cracking photos, you’re probably getting about six images in the album. That’s just how it goes.
You can add more stories for groom prep (and some couples do), just know this is out of the norm and usually means extra pages at an additional cost.
📸 An example story of groom preps from Aideen & Lee’s beautiful Castle Leslie wedding..
Stories 2 & 3 – Bride prep
This is where things get busy: PJs, champagne, hair, makeup, details, nerves, laughter.
Some couples love seeing lots of prep. Some prefer less. There’s no right or wrong — just remember that more prep stories means fewer stories later in the day, or more extra expense.
📸 An example story of bride preps from Orlagh & Jordan’s gorgeous Lough Erne wedding..
📸 An example story of bride preps from Catherine’s Roe Valley Resort wedding.
Story 4 – Getting into the dress
A full story just for this moment. Always worth it.
These are beautiful moments to have in your album. (This is usually the point where the groom is scratching his head thinking, how come my photos didn’t make the cut? The truth is, no matter how nice the groom photos are, the bride photos will always take up more space in the album.)
📸 [dress / veil / buttoning-up spreads]
Story 5 – First look & family at home
First looks, hugs, and a few family photos before heading to the ceremony.
At this point, you’re already at 10 pages, which is completely normal.
📸 An example story of a first look from Emma & Davog’s stunning Redcastle wedding.
📸 An example story of a first look from Rikita & Jordan’s beautiful Redcastle Hotel wedding.
How big should our wedding album be?
Story 6 – Groom at the ceremony
The groom, all suited and booted, with family and guests arriving. A great part of the day to remember.
It’s also the last chance for the groom to make a runner.
Don’t worry, brides — I’m there to make sure he goes nowhere 🙂
📸 An example story of the groom before the ceremony from Sarah-Jayne & Adam’s big day. 📍St. Mary's Church, Limavady
Story 7 – Bride’s arrival
Car window shots, stepping out, the walk to the ceremony — all fantastic moments.
There will be loads more images living in your digital files. The best ones go into this story.
📸 An example story of the bride’s arrival from Aimee & Paul’s gorgeous Lusty Beg wedding. 📍St. Mary's Church, Altinure, Park
Story 8 – Walking down the aisle
This story is always different. Some couples like to include the bridesmaids. Some go with just the bride and her daddy. I think less is more but most couples go for something like below.
📸 An example story of the bride walking down the aisle from Tylor & Jamie’s beautiful Killyhevlin wedding. 📍St. Patrick’s Church, Claudy, County Derry
Story 9 – Ceremony & vows
The emotion, the reactions, and the moments you didn’t even realise were happening.
Usually includes shots of your speakers, bridal party, and important family members. If you have children at your wedding, be prepared for them to steal the show with a candid moment.
The easy way to choose your album photos
Story 10 – Signing the register
A nice group photo with your celebrant and witnesses, sometimes with parents included. Often paired with detail shots of hands signing.
Story 11 – Walking back up the aisle
Usually one big image with a couple of smaller ones. This is where you throw your hands in the air and think we did it, while I do my best impression of speed-walking backwards. If I fall over, I promise it’s just to make you laugh. Confetti chaos encouraged — but don’t tell the minister I said that 😉
Most couples skip the handshakes. If you include them, they’ll need their own story — and the page numbers can climb very quickly.
Try to keep the most important stories in your album. If you don’t mind the extra expense, include them — it’s another lovely part of the day. Plus, you’ll be able to identify who clattered the groom in fake tan and makeup.
(Pro tip: bring a second shirt. This happens a lot.)
Story 12 – Bride’s family formals
Usually one story, unless you have a very big family.
Immediate family, grandparents (if you’re lucky enough to have them), plus extra combinations like bride with mum, bride with dad, etc. These extra images don’t need to go into the album, but they’re perfect for framed gifts.
Story 13 – Groom’s family formals
Exactly the same as above.
Tip: Try to keep the bride’s and groom’s family stories balanced. If there are twenty photos of the bride’s family and two of the groom’s… cue the family drammmmmmm-a. (You definitely read that the second way.)
📸 An example story of the the groom’s family formals from Orlagh & Jordan’s stunning wedding inside the church after the wedding. 📍St. Mary’s Church, Dunnamore, Cookstown
Story 14 – Bride & groom portraits in the church
These are great but not always necessary to include in the album. These usually end up in the family homes. A bit more classical and mums and dads will gush about them. Makes a fab present.
📸 An example story of the portraits taken from Orlagh & Jordan’s stunning wedding inside the church after the wedding. Sometimes this is across two stories with the bride getting a story and the couple getting another. 📍St. Mary’s Church, Dunnamore, Cookstown
Story 15 – Bride portraits in the church
Some of my signature images and personal favourites.
The album won’t miss them if you leave them out, but they’re gorgeous — so why not include them? Think of these as bonus pages.
📸 An example story of the portraits taken from Rikita & Jordan’s stunning wedding inside the church after the wedding. Sometimes this is across two stories with the bride getting a story and the couple getting another. 📍St. Mary’s Church, Limavady.
Story 16 – Bridal party
Usually one formal and one fun shot.
I always say: less is more.
This is one of the hardest parts to choose from because you’ll have loads of great images. Be ruthless and pick the best — you’ll always have the rest digitally.
📸 An example story of the bridal party portraits taken from Shannon & Mark’s stunning Roe Park Resort wedding. 📍Roe Park Resort, Limavady
Bonus Story – Bridesmaids
I almost always try to get the bridesmaids with the bride on her own. These aren’t popular for the album but they are always loved. They make great pictures for presents and for nice frames around your home.
If you are interested in having these in your album, here are three different spreads of the same photos to show you how you can personalise your design
This of course is done with the boys as well. Lovely to have, but remember: extra stories = extra pages, and these images are often perfect as gifts or standalone prints.
📸 An example story of the bridesmaids from Tylor & Jamie’s beautiful wedding. V1. 📍Killyhevlin Hotel, Enniskillen
📸 An example story of the bridesmaids from Tylor & Jamie’s beautiful wedding. V2. 📍Killyhevlin Hotel, Enniskillen
📸 An example story of the bridesmaids from Tylor & Jamie’s beautiful wedding. V3. 📍Killyhevlin Hotel, Enniskillen
📸 An example story of the bridesmaids from Tylor & Jamie’s beautiful wedding. V4. 📍Killyhevlin Hotel, Enniskillen
Bonus Story – Groomsmen
Same as before, I almost always try to get the groomsmen with the groom on his own. Again, these aren’t popular for the album but they are always well liked.
📸 An example story of the groomsmen from Jenny & Eamon’s fantastic wedding. 📍The Redcastle Hotel, Donegal
Story 17 – Bride & groom portraits
This could be two images or eight — it depends on how you want your album to feel.
It’s tempting to add extra stories here. I wouldn’t bother unless you really want to. Unless, of course, you’ve won the Lotto and fancy a million extra pages.
📸 An example story of bride portraits from Shauneen & Emmett’s amazing day. 📍The Redcastle Hotel, Donegal
Story 18 – Venue arrival & cake cutting
Often includes a ballroom shot or a quiet moment together.
We’ll usually do a staged cake cut at this point. If I’m there later, I’ll also photograph the live cut — but couples generally prefer the staged version.
📸 An example story of the staged cutting of the cake from Naomi & Petie’s fab day. 📍Inishowen Gateway, Buncrana, Donegal
If your coverage ends here, this is often the end of your album — typically around 36 pages.
Story 19 – Speeches
One of the few sections where extra images really shine — laughs, reactions, top table moments, and guest candids.
Some couples actually prefer speech photos to video. No audio means you don’t have to relive the best man’s jokes that he found on the internet.
📸 An example story of the speeches from Naomi & Petie’s fab day. 📍Inishowen Gateway, Buncrana, Donegal
Story 20 – First dance
Usually one full page story, bringing us neatly to a 40-page album.
How big should your own album be?
30 pages (15 stories) is the norm
40 pages is large
Some couples have ordered 100-page albums
You’ll always have an agreed number of pages included in your package, and if you decide to add more, extra pages can be added at an additional cost.
No pressure. No surprises.
The easy way to choose your album photos
Here’s how I guide every couple through it:
Decide how many stories you want
Choose photos story by story
Send your selections via the online gallery
I design your album digitally
You can add or remove pages at this stage
We confirm the cover and any parent albums
Job done
And if at any point you think, “I haven’t a clue what I’m doing” — that’s completely normal.
👉 That’s where I come in.
I’ll guide you, advise you, and help you shape an album that genuinely tells the story of your day — without stress, overwhelm, or second-guessing.
Final word
Do this while the buzz is still there. It makes everything easier, quicker, and far more enjoyable.
And remember: you’re never left to figure this out on your own — I’m with you every step of the way.
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