Black and White vs Colour Wedding Photos: Why Some Moments Shine in Monochrome
black and white wedding photography has a timeless power, but knowing when to use monochrome—and when to lean into colour—is a real art. Couples often ask us: do you deliver both? Why do some images just “work” better in black and white? Here’s the honest, practical guide to getting the best of both in your wedding gallery.
Want a quick answer from the team? Watch the video below for a straight-talking take on when we use black and white, why it matters, and how you get the best of both worlds in your wedding gallery.
Do You Get Both Black and White and Colour Wedding Photos?
Absolutely. Every couple receives a mix of black and white wedding photography and colour images. The majority of your gallery will be in colour, especially if you’re having a summer wedding with beautiful light and vibrant details. But we always deliver a curated set of black and white shots—often of the same moment—so you get the best of both worlds. This is a staple of our natural wedding photography approach, where the focus is on genuine moments and real emotion.
Best of Both
We shoot quickly and capture several frames of every key moment, so there’s often a colour and a black and white version of those emotional, storytelling shots. You’re never forced to choose just one style.
When Colour Wedding Photography Shines
Colour wedding photography is unbeatable for outdoor ceremonies, lush summer venues, and any day filled with vibrant flowers, blue skies, and bold details. Colour brings out the joy and energy of your day. If you’re drawn to a documentary feel, our reportage wedding photography style captures those spontaneous, true-to-life moments in full colour.
Lighting is crucial: soft, natural daylight—think golden hour or a bright, overcast afternoon—makes colours pop and skin tones glow. Indoors, big windows and open spaces help keep everything flattering and true-to-life.
It’s worth noting that even industry leaders like Vogue highlight how modern wedding photography is about balance—using colour for vibrancy and black and white for emotion.
Why Some Photos Are Just Better in Black and White
Black and white wedding photography shines in moments of pure emotion, dramatic lighting, and classic venues. If your wedding is in a historic manor, a candlelit church, or you’re planning a winter celebration, monochrome can add mood and atmosphere that colour sometimes misses. It’s perfect for low-light, high-contrast situations, or when you want to focus on a connection or expression without distraction.
Some of the world’s most iconic wedding images are black and white for a reason. Monochrome strips away distractions and puts the spotlight on light, shadow, and feeling. As The New York Times points out, many top photographers use black and white to overcome tricky lighting and create images that feel timeless, not trendy.
Editing Choices
We choose black and white for images where colour might distract from the subject—think tears, laughter, or dramatic light. It’s about telling your story in the most powerful way, not just applying a filter. You’ll see this in our combined wedding photography and videography galleries, where every image is hand-edited for impact.
How We Decide: The Art and Science of Black and White vs Colour
Our editing process is about more than ticking boxes. For every image, we ask: does colour add to the story, or does black and white bring out more emotion? Sometimes, the answer is both. For couples who want a seamless experience, we’re always happy to show you full galleries so you can see how both styles work together.
Tip
If your venue is low-light or historic, ask to see full galleries from similar weddings. You’ll get a sense of how we use both colour and black and white to tell the whole story.
Frequently Asked Questions: Black and White Wedding Photography
- Will I get both black and white and colour photos? Yes—your gallery will include a mix, with key moments often delivered in both styles.
- Can I request more black and white images? Absolutely—just let us know your preference and we’ll tailor the edit.
- What if my venue is dark or has tricky lighting? We have years of experience with every type of venue—see our full galleries for examples.
- Do you use filters or presets? No, we hand-edit every image for the best result—no one-size-fits-all filters here.
- Can I see a full wedding gallery? Of course, just ask—we’re happy to share real examples.
What Couples Say;
“Zion and I just wanted to take a moment to express our deepest gratitude for the genuinely incredible job you did capturing our wedding day. The photos are absolutely stunning, perfectly encapsulating the emotions and memories of the day. We couldn’t be happier with the results.
Thank you for making us feel so comfortable in front of the camera (as we’re both usually awkward!) and for going above and beyond to ensure that every special moment was captured.
We are so thankful and will 100% be leaving a 5* review.
Many many thanks,
Amy and Zion”
You can see more feedback from real couples on our Google Reviews or by following us on Instagram for the latest galleries and stories.
Get in Touch
If you want to discuss black and white wedding photography, see a full gallery, or chat about your vision, contact us for a no-pressure conversation. You’ll also find more inspiration and real wedding stories on our Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, and YouTube channels.
black and white wedding photography isn’t about picking sides—it’s about using the right style for the right moment. With a thoughtful mix of monochrome and colour, your story shines from every angle.