How to Get The Best Wedding Speech Photos – Tips from Your Scottish Wedding Photographer

If there’s a moment of your wedding day that I can’t help but get excited about as a wedding photographer, it’s the speeches. There’s nothing better than hearing a tear-jerking toast from a parent or a hilarious story from your best man and seeing the range of emotions among your guests. Your wedding speeches offer the perfect opportunity for brilliant photos of the way your guests react, the looks you share as newlyweds and the laughter and love that fills the room.

As your wedding photographer, it’s my job to capture these moments, but there are a few things you can do to make sure those photos are as amazing as possible. Here are my top tips for getting the best wedding speech photos, so you can relive and enjoy those memories for years to come.

A little planning can go a long way when it comes to wedding speech photos. While I’ll always do my best to work with the space, it helps to think about where you’re sitting and how the room is laid out.

Try to ensure that your top table is positioned in a way that allows for good sight lines between you and your guests. Ideally, I want to see your reactions as the speakers share their stories and that’s easier when everyone’s not sitting too far apart.

If you’re unsure, don’t worry! I’m always happy to help guide you on the best seating arrangements to make sure I can capture all the right moments.

I completely understand that wedding speeches can be nerve-wracking and they can sometimes feel like the ‘getting it over with’ part of the day, but I urge you to slow down and really take it in. When you rush through, it’s easy to miss the little moments that make these speeches so special.

Let the words soak in, allow yourself to be fully present and don’t be afraid to get a little emotional! The best speech photos happen when you’re relaxed and absorbed in the moment.

I can’t stress this enough: don’t hold back! If something makes you laugh, laugh! If you get choked up, let the tears flow. Sometimes, couples get nervous about showing too much emotion in front of their guests, but I promise you that those raw reactions are the ones you’ll treasure most when looking back on your photos.

While the speeches are happening, one of the most beautiful moments for me to capture is the way you both react to the words being said as newlyweds. Whether it’s a little look between the two of you or a quiet moment when you glance at each other, these lovely interactions that add so much sentiment to your wedding photos.

I also recommend being mindful of sharing those looks throughout the speeches. It could be a smile or even a wee hand squeeze – a small, shared moment between you both can speak volumes and will make for unforgettable shots.

The best speeches often bring out strong reactions from your guests and I’ll make sure to capture those moments too. When you look back on your wedding gallery, you’ll find that it wasn’t just about what was being said in your speeches but the way your loved ones reacted. Whether it’s a teary eye, a laugh shared between your friends or a look of shock during a punchline, these reactions are part of what makes your wedding day ‘yours’.

I always try to get good shots of your guests’ reactions to the speeches – and while I’m focused on you both as bride and groom, those guest shots are a key part of telling your story. So don’t be afraid to take a second and enjoy your guests’ reactions too!

My job is to blend into the background and capture everything as it unfolds naturally. So don’t worry about me snapping away – just remember to focus on each other, your guests and the special words being spoken.

You don’t need to be concerned about posing upright or ‘looking perfect’ during your wedding speeches. Let the range of emotions come and trust that I’ll be there to capture them in a way that tells your story. Remember this is your day, so enjoy every second of it!

I’ve watched couples laugh until they cry, parents beam with pride and guests showing so much love during wedding speeches. My advice to you? Slow down, embrace your emotions, try your best to be present and really soak it all in. Your wedding speeches will pass in the blink of an eye, however your photos will help you relive them for years to come.

If you’ve got any questions or want to chat more about your wedding photos, don’t hesitate to get in touch with me. I’d love to hear all about your plans!