When it comes to wedding photos, some couples are looking backwards to move forwards. According to the Hitched Wedding Trends Report, film wedding photography is set to be one of the key emerging trends for 2024 and 2025, alongside celebrant-led ceremonies and wedding saxophonists. With its soft grain, timeless colour palette and sense of nostalgia, film offers an alternative to the polished perfection of digital images. If you’re considering bringing a retro twist to your wedding album, here’s everything you need to know about film wedding photography.
What is film wedding photography?
Film wedding photography has nothing to do with wedding videography; instead it refers to still photos shot on old‑school negative film. Instead of a memory card, your photographer loads the camera with a light‑sensitive roll and exposes each frame to light when the shutter is pressed. Because film captures light differently, the resulting images often feel rawer and more natural than posed digital shots.
How film differs from digital
Film lovers rave about the distinctive look that can’t be replicated by even the best digital cameras. “Film has a classic look that just can’t be replicated by a digital camera,” explain photography duo Ivy and Pine; each film stock has its own colour palette and texture, giving images a nostalgic, timeless quality. Shooting on film also forces the photographer to slow down and be intentional; everything is more manual, and you have to wait for the film to be developed to see the results. Digital photographers can imitate the look with editing software, but true film provides a depth and warmth that many couples find irresistible.
Quality over quantity
If you’re used to receiving hundreds or even thousands of digital photos, be prepared for a different experience with film. A standard 35 mm roll only has enough capacity for around 36 pictures. As a result, film photographers save each frame for key moments throughout the day and may only bring one or two rolls as an add‑on to their digital package. You pay per roll, so the more film images you want, the higher the cost – but many couples feel the emotional value outweighs the expense.
Why couples love film
What makes film worth it? Ivy and Pine say the most important thing couples need to know is how much they’ll fall in love with the photos. There’s a feeling of romance and nostalgia that can’t be reproduced with any other medium. Film is less predictable than digital: you can’t check the screen after each shot, and light flares, leaks or even slight burns are common. Rather than flaws, these imperfections become part of the charm and character of your photos. Because film forces a slower pace, you’re likely to get fewer images, but each one feels more intentional. The grainy finish and retro look are perfect for anyone who loves a romantic, classic, timeless photograph.
Mixing film and digital
You don’t have to choose between film and digital; many photographers now offer a hybrid approach. If you want the best of both worlds, hire a photographer who shoots digital but offers rolls of film as an add‑on. This allows you to enjoy the reliability and quantity of digital images while adding a handful of dreamy film shots for texture and variety. Whether you commission film for the ceremony, portraits, or dance floor moments, it’s a wonderful way to create standout images without losing the convenience of digital.
How much does film wedding photography cost?
The price of film wedding photography varies depending on whether it’s an add‑on or the main service. As an add‑on to a digital package, film can start from around £150 per roll, with higher‑end photographers charging up to £500 per roll. If your photographer is shooting exclusively on film they will likely charge more to account for travel, shooting time and the fact they won’t take on other bookings. Remember that you pay per roll; if you want a whole album shot on film, the costs quickly add up. However, if you’re simply adding a nostalgic touch to a digital package, a single roll can be surprisingly affordable and priceless when you look back on the memories.
Tips for booking film wedding photography
Before booking a film photographer, ask how they integrate film into their workflow. Will they switch between digital and film cameras seamlessly? What moments do they recommend capturing on film? Discuss your expectations regarding the number of shots and turnaround time for developing film. Because film is less predictable and yields fewer images, planning which parts of the day you want on film will help you make the most of each frame. Finally, make sure you love the photographer’s film style – grain levels, colours and contrast can vary widely, so choose someone whose aesthetic matches your vision.
Final thoughts
Film wedding photography offers a nostalgic counterpoint to the crisp perfection of digital images. With its dreamy colours, grainy texture and romantic feel, film is capturing the hearts of modern couples and making a comeback for weddings in 2025. Whether you opt for an all‑film approach or sprinkle a few rolls into a digital package, embracing this vintage medium can elevate your wedding album and leave you with timeless photos you’ll treasure forever.