Why You Should Do Day After Wedding Portraits
Wedding portraits are a vital part of your big day, but have you ever thought about doing day after wedding portraits instead? It might sound a little out of the box, but hear me out: you don’t have to squeeze everything into your wedding timeline! Taking portraits the next day gives you room to breathe—and results in authentic, candid photos that feel more like you.
This is where “day after” sessions come in.
You’ll get dressed up again in your wedding outfits and head somewhere beautiful with your photographer—maybe even a totally different setting than your wedding venue. As a Vancouver photographer and Victoria photographer, I’ve worked with couples who chose to do their portraits at the beach, in the forest, or even on mountaintops the next day. That freedom opens up a whole new creative world!
Why Consider Day After Wedding Portraits?
1. Spend More Time With Friends & Family
Your Vancouver wedding or Victoria wedding will go by in a flash. If you leave during the celebration to take portraits, you might miss key moments with your guests. Day after wedding portraits let you stay present and enjoy every part of the day. That post-ceremony champagne toast? You’ll be there for it.
2. A More Relaxed Timeline
Wedding days can be packed and rushed, especially with a traditional schedule. Doing your portraits the day after helps reduce stress. You won’t have to worry about being late for dinner or rushing through your couple portraits. You’ll have more time for candid photography that feels natural and relaxed—and way more enjoyable!
3. Location Freedom
The biggest perk of day after wedding portraits? Flexibility in choosing your location. Your wedding might take place at a rustic barn, but you’ve always dreamed of coastal portraits along Vancouver Island’s shoreline. When you separate your portraits from your actual elopement or wedding day, you can explore multiple locations and get completely different vibes. As a Victoria photographer, I love helping couples find dreamy portrait spots that feel adventurous and true to them—whether that’s deep in the forest or along the cliffs of a destination elopement.
4. More Time for Candid, Timeless Photography
On your actual wedding day, you’ll already be doing formal portraits with your family and bridal party. Doing even more photos can start to feel overwhelming. That’s why day after portraits can be a breath of fresh air. With no guests waiting and no tight timeline, you’ll feel way more relaxed. The result? Candid wedding photos that feel real and timeless photography that captures your relationship just as it is.
Bonus Ideas for Day After Wedding Portraits
Your day after session can be as adventurous or laid-back as you like. Some couples go barefoot on the beach, hike up to a mountaintop, or take a canoe out on the lake. Others rewear their wedding outfits for cozy photos in a cabin or along city streets. Whether you’re planning a destination elopement or a local Vancouver wedding, your day after session is all about celebrating your love in a unique, stress-free way.
Whether you’re planning an elopement on Vancouver Island or a full Victoria wedding, day after wedding portraits are an incredible way to extend your celebration and create even more meaningful memories. And as a Vancouver photographer and Victoria photographer, I’m here to help make those moments unforgettable—with photography that’s candid, authentic, and genuinely you.
Still have questions about day after wedding portraits?
Can you do bridal portraits after the wedding?
Yes, you absolutely can—and many couples love doing bridal or couple portraits after the wedding day! These are often called “day after wedding portraits” and give you the chance to get dressed up again and take stunning, stress-free photos without the tight timeline of your actual wedding day. It’s also perfect if you want photos in a different location than your wedding venue.
What do you call an event the day after a wedding?
The most common term is the “day-after brunch.” It’s a casual gathering for friends and family to reconnect, share stories from the wedding, and say proper goodbyes—especially if it was a destination wedding or elopement. Some also refer to it as a farewell brunch, post-wedding gathering, or recovery brunch (because let’s be real, it’s sometimes needed!).
How soon after a wedding do you get photos?
It depends on your photographer’s turnaround time, but typically, couples receive a sneak peek within a few days to a week after the wedding. The full gallery is usually delivered between 4–12 weeks depending on the photographer’s editing schedule. Some Vancouver photographers and Victoria photographers offer expedited delivery if requested!
What is the 30-5 minute rule for weddings?
The 30-5 rule is a planning tip for walking down the aisle. It means you want to start lining up your bridal party 30 minutes before the ceremony, and have everyone ready to walk 5 minutes before the actual start time. It helps keep things on track and avoids rushing or delays!
Do people take wedding photos after the wedding?
Yes! Couples often schedule day after wedding portraits, especially if they didn’t have much time on the actual wedding day or want photos in a different location. It’s also great for elopements where couples want to hike to a mountaintop or do beach portraits the next day in more relaxed settings. These sessions often feel more intimate and lead to beautiful, candid wedding photos.
What is the day after a wedding?
The day after a wedding is often a slower-paced day meant for recovery, reflection, and connecting with loved ones one last time before everyone heads home. Many couples use this time for day after wedding portraits, brunches, or just spending quiet time together after the whirlwind of their wedding or destination elopement.
Who pays for the day after wedding brunch?
Traditionally, the couple or the bride’s family hosts and pays for the brunch. However, it’s becoming more common for this to be a shared expense or for the groom’s family to offer to host. If you’re having a smaller Victoria wedding or elopement, you could also keep things super simple and meet friends for a casual breakfast or picnic.
What is day 2 of a wedding?
“Day 2” of a wedding is a trend that’s become popular, especially for destination weddings or multi-day cultural celebrations. It usually includes a relaxed celebration—like a brunch, beach day, BBQ, or second reception—and gives couples more time to connect with guests. It’s also a great opportunity for day after wedding portraits if you want to extend the photography experience!
What do you wear to day 2 of a wedding?
Day 2 is usually more laid-back, so your outfit should reflect that. Think cocktail dresses, sundresses, or nice casualwear depending on the event. Some couples even re-wear their wedding attire in a more casual way (like the bride wearing her dress with a denim jacket for candid photography sessions!). If there’s a theme or planned activities, check with the couple for any dress code notes.
More resources:
Want to add some spice to your wedding photos? Consider doing a champagne pop or a sparkler exit!
Having difficulty planning your elopements? Here’s my 5 phases of elopement planning broken down for you.
