Groom prep usually gets a fraction of the photo time bride prep does, but it’s often where some of the most genuine, unscripted moments of the morning happen.
Here’s what I’m looking for in the hour or two before a groom heads to the ceremony, and a few things that help it run smoothly.
The energy is different
Bride prep tends to be quieter: hair and makeup, a slow build. Groom prep is usually louder, faster, and a lot funnier. There's background noise, someone's always misplaced a shoe, and the nerves show up as jokes rather than tears. I love photographing it for exactly that reason.
The little rituals
A father helping with cufflinks. A best man double-checking the rings for the fifth time. Someone pouring an early drink "for the nerves." These small, ordinary moments are some of my favourites. They're unguarded in a way that's hard to recreate later in the day.
The nerves show differently
Where brides often go quiet, grooms tend to get chatty, fidgety, or suddenly very interested in their phone. I keep half an eye out for that one quiet moment, usually right before everyone leaves for the ceremony, when it all becomes real for a second.
What helps on the day
A few small things make a big difference to how this part of the morning photographs:
Get ready in a room with good natural light: avoid dark hotel rooms if you can
Put the suit, shoes and accessories on last
Have your groomsmen ready and dressed a little earlier than you
Keep a clear corner of the room free of bags and coffee cups
Have something to toast with, even if it's just for the photo
Details worth having out for photos
Bride prep usually has the flowers, the dress and the rings ready to photograph. Groom prep has its own details, and having them in one place saves time:
Watch, cufflinks and any rings or tie bar
The invitation or the day's order of events
Shoes, belt and a buttonhole if you're wearing one
Cologne, and anything with a story behind it, a gift, an heirloom, a note
Why it matters
These photos rarely make the highlight reel everyone expects, but they're often the ones that mean the most a few years down the line, a reminder of the people who were there with you before any of it began.
How much time to allow
You don't need long. Around 30 to 45 minutes of groom prep is plenty to catch the details, the getting-dressed moments and a few relaxed frames with your groomsmen, without anyone standing around waiting. If I'm photographing both getting-ready locations on my own, I'll usually start with the groom and move across, so it helps to be close to ready when I arrive.
FAQ
How long does groom prep take to photograph?
Usually 30 to 45 minutes is enough for the details, getting dressed and a few frames with the groomsmen. I'll confirm exact timings when we plan your run sheet.
Should the groomsmen be ready before me?
Yes, it helps if they're dressed and ready a little earlier, so the focus can be on you getting the final pieces on rather than chasing missing shoes and ties.
What details should I have ready?
Gather your watch, cufflinks, rings, shoes, buttonhole, cologne and the invitation in one spot before I arrive. It saves time and makes for lovely, unhurried detail photos.
Do we need a second photographer to cover both preps?
Not always. I can often photograph both by starting with the groom and moving across, but if getting-ready coverage matters a lot to you, a second shooter means both sides are covered at once. Happy to talk through what's worth it for your day.
Planning your morning timeline? I'm always happy to talk through what works best for getting ready photos.
You can see how these morning moments come together across my wedding portfolio. It's also worth deciding whether to do a first look before the ceremony, and you can always get in touch to map out your timeline together.