Film wedding photography

35mm film wedding photographer in the UK

The first time I used my old film camera at a wedding was for Olivia & Declan’s Scottish-Chinese celebrations in Edinburgh. The couple, passionate about analogue photography, asked if I could capture a few images on a 35mm film. I thoroughly enjoyed the process and decided to include film wedding photography in my packages.

Chinese bride and Scottish groom posing for analogue photos in Edinburgh.

Analogue photography isn’t always picture-perfect, but that’s actually an advantage over digital. Some shots might turn out a bit blurry or overexposed, and that’s part of the charm. Unlike the flawless look of digital pictures, analogue photos have a unique, authentic, and nostalgic vibe. In today’s world filled with AI-generated content, it’s becoming challenging to distinguish what’s real and what’s not. Film photography stands out by embracing its imperfections, reminding us of the real and raw beauty in moments captured on film. The process of developing film adds to the whole experience, making it more genuine and connected to the memories being preserved.

Film wedding photographer

For the last couple of years I’ve seen an increase of enquiries from couples looking specifically for a film wedding photographer. For many couples, the allure of analogue photography lies in its ability to create timeless, natural images that feel deeply personal. Rich tones, grain and subtle imperfections of 35mm film ( and medium format ) add an authenticity bringing a sense of warmth and depth that resonates on an emotional level. Film also allows more intentional approach to photography, ensuring that every frame is thoughtfully composed. This results in a beautifully curated collection of images that capture the essence of the wedding day, completely unique to each couple’s story.

Wedding florist decorating an arch for a wedding at Colstoun House.
Portrait of Lucy taken with 35mm film camera, captured by a photographer Anna Urban.
Wedding florals captured on analogue camera.

Analogue cameras I use at weddings

I work with a selection of film cameras, including the Nikon F100 and F80, the fully manual Praktica MTL, and the compact Olympus XA4 point-and-shoot. I carefully choose when and where to use film, favoring natural light for portraits, details, and candid moments. While I love the unique depth and character that film brings, I typically avoid using it with flash at winter weddings. My favourite film stocks for wedding photography are Kodak Gold and Portra 400, or Ilford HP5 for black and white photos.

Bride wearing Rue de Seine veil.
Wedding ceremony the Royal Botanic Garden in Edinburgh.
Hannah and Nick saying their vows on the hill in edinburgh, Scotland.

Film Wedding Photography Cost

Curious about the cost of a film wedding photographer in the UK? Pricing varies depending on the photographer’s experience and expenses. My rate for analogue coverage is similar to digital coverage, with a full-day package priced at £2,450 across London and the UK. For weddings in Europe, an additional travel fee of £400 applies. I also offer analogue-only coverage.

Below a mix of analogue images from different weddings in Scotland.

Get in touch to enquire about film wedding photography in the UK & Europe.

Film wedding photographer Anna urban captures sweet moment between NYC bride and her husband.
Wedding guests wearing purple dress captured by scotland based photographer.
East Lothian wedding couple posing for their wedding photos.
Katie and Leon posing for a photo captured by film wedding photographer from London.
Analogue photography of wedding flowers at a wedding in Scotland.
Wedding meal photographer by analogue film wedding photographer in the UK.

Read more about film wedding photography in New York Times.