3 Ways to Bring
Film Photography Into Your Wedding

There's something undeniably special about analogue photography .

From the soft colours and beautiful grain to the anticipation of seeing your photographs for the first time, film captures weddings in a way that feels authentic, timeless, and full of emotion.

While digital photography remains an essential part of most weddings, more couples are looking for ways to include analogue photography in their celebrations. Whether it's through a professional film photographer, disposable cameras on the tables, or documenting the honeymoon, film adds a unique layer of storytelling that simply can't be recreated.

Here are three simple ways to bring film photography into your wedding day.

1. Hire a Film Wedding Photographer 

One of the easiest ways to include film in your wedding is to hire a photographer who shoots on 35mm or medium format film alongside digital photography.

Unlike digital, where hundreds of images can be captured in minutes, every frame on film is carefully considered. The photographer takes time to compose each image, resulting in photographs that feel thoughtful, intentional, and full of genuine emotion.

Film is also known for its beautiful colour rendition, natural skin tones, and soft, timeless aesthetic. Many wedding photographers now combine digital and film coverage, giving couples the convenience of digital alongside the character and authenticity of analogue photography.

Looking for inspiration? Take a look at the J&A Photography portfolio to see examples of film photography and get an idea of how film can beautifully capture a wedding day.

The image was shot on Kodak Gold 200
(Photos taken by @jandastudiosheffield)

A few things to consider when choosing a film wedding photographer

If you're thinking about having your wedding photographed on film, don't be afraid to ask a few questions before booking.

Ask what type of film they shoot. Some photographers work primarily with 35mm film, while others use medium format. There isn't necessarily a "better" option, they simply create different looks and offer different approaches to photographing a wedding.

Ask to see examples of their film work. Instagram is a great place for inspiration, but it's worth asking to see a wider selection of the photographer's film photography. This gives you a better idea of their style, consistency, and how they use film throughout different parts of a wedding day.

And perhaps most importantly, choose a photographer whose style you genuinely love. Film isn't a magic filter. The photographer's eye, composition, lighting and ability to capture real moments will always matter more than the camera they're using.

Understand why film photography costs more.

Film photography usually comes at a higher cost than digital photography, and it's worth understanding why.

Unlike digital, every roll of film needs to be purchased, carefully stored, professionally developed, and scanned before the images can be delivered. Film photographers also shoot more intentionally, making every frame count.

While it may be an additional investment, many couples feel the timeless look and unique character of film make it a worthwhile part of their wedding photography.

Be prepared to wait for your photographs

One of the joys of film photography is that it can't be viewed instantly.

Unlike digital images that can often be previewed immediately, film needs to be professionally developed and scanned before you can see the final photographs. This means you'll usually wait a little longer to receive your film images, but many couples find that the anticipation makes seeing them for the first time even more special.

If you're booking a photographer who shoots both digital and film, ask how they'll deliver each part of your gallery so you know what to expect.

Consider adding black and white film

You can also ask your photographer about including both colour and black and white film in your wedding photography.

Colour film can beautifully capture the atmosphere of the day, while black and white film creates something completely different. Films such as Ilford HP5 Plus 400 are popular for documentary-style photography, producing beautiful contrast and timeless images that work particularly well for emotional moments, portraits and candid photographs.

Having both gives your wedding gallery another layer of variety while keeping the authentic character of film.

2. Give Your Guests Disposable Cameras

Some of the best photographs from a wedding are the ones nobody planned.

Placing disposable cameras on reception tables gives guests the opportunity to capture the day from their own perspective. From laughter during the speeches to dance floor celebrations and late-night moments that your photographer may not see, these candid photographs often become some of the most treasured memories.

There's no pressure to get the perfect shot. Guests simply point, shoot, and enjoy themselves, making the experience fun for everyone involved.

A few tips for using disposable cameras at your wedding

You don't need one camera on every table. A smaller number of cameras that guests can pass around can work just as well. You could also give a few cameras to members of the wedding party and ask them to keep them moving throughout the day.

Remember that disposable cameras have a limited number of exposures, so encourage guests to think before pressing the shutter. And don't forget about the flash, it's particularly useful indoors and during evening receptions, where there may not be enough available light.

What happens after the wedding?

Once the celebrations are over, collect all the cameras and send them to a professional film lab for developing and scanning, like J&A Film Lab. 

This is where the fun really begins.

You never quite know what you're going to get. There might be beautifully composed photographs, completely unexpected moments, photographs of people you didn't even realise were at the party, and plenty of wonderfully imperfect shots.

If you're new to disposable cameras, it's also worth checking that the film has been used correctly before sending it for processing. We've previously covered some of the most common reasons disposable camera film can come back blank, along with tips to avoid losing those precious photographs.

Feel free to check out our previous blog, Why Your Disposable Camera Film Is Blank + Tips, which you might find helpful if you're new to using disposable cameras.

At J&A Studio, we develop and scan disposable cameras and 35mm film, helping you turn those unexpected wedding moments into photographs you can actually keep and share.

You don't necessarily have to buy disposable cameras either. Reusable 35mm film cameras can also be rented for events, giving guests the same analogue experience while offering a more reusable option.

A great example of capturing the fun, candid moments of a wedding day naturally on film.
The image was shot on Lomography 800 - 35mm film
(Photos taken by @jandastudiosheffield)

3. Continue the Story on Your Honeymoon

Your wedding day may only last one day, but your story certainly doesn't end there.

Taking a 35mm film camera on your honeymoon is a wonderful way to continue documenting the beginning of married life. Whether you're exploring a city, relaxing on the beach, or hiking through the countryside, film encourages you to slow down and capture moments that matter rather than photographing everything.

Without the temptation to constantly check a screen, every photograph feels more intentional. Months or even years later, those rolls of film become more than holiday photographs, they become part of your wedding story.

The image was shot on Kodak Gold 200
(Photos taken by @dianas_vibes)

Choosing the right film for your honeymoon

The film you choose can make a big difference depending on where you're travelling.

If you're heading somewhere bright and sunny, a colour film such as Kodak Gold 200 can be a great choice. Its warm tones work beautifully for holidays, beaches, architecture and sunny outdoor photographs.

For something more flexible, ISO 400 film like Kodak Ultramax 400 - 35mm Film can be a good all-round choice when you're moving between bright outdoor locations and darker interiors. If you're expecting to photograph more during evenings or in lower light, an ISO 800 film like Kodak Portra 800 - 35mm Film can give you more flexibility.

And don't be afraid to take more than one type of film. You might shoot colour film throughout most of your honeymoon and then load a roll of Ilford HP5 Plus 400 when you want something completely different. Black and white film can create beautiful, atmospheric photographs with strong contrast and timeless grain.

Taking film somewhere hot?

If your honeymoon involves hot temperatures and strong sunlight, there are a few things worth remembering.

Don't leave your film in a hot car. Keep unused rolls somewhere cool and away from direct sunlight. If you're flying, keep unprocessed film in your hand luggage and ask airport security about a hand inspection where possible.

And don't forget to take a few extra rolls. You don't want to reach the perfect location and realise you've run out of film.

If you're heading somewhere particularly sunny, our guide How to Take Better 35mm Film Photos in Harsh Sun: 3 Simple Tips covers a few simple techniques for getting better results in strong light.

One of the best things about shooting film on your honeymoon is the anticipation when you finally get home. Instead of instantly scrolling through hundreds of photographs, you have a roll of film waiting to be developed.

From the excitement of the ceremony to the adventure of your honeymoon, film creates a collection of memories that feel connected, authentic, and beautifully timeless.

Final Thoughts

Film photography has become much more than a trend. It's a way of slowing down, appreciating the moment, and creating photographs that stand the test of time.

Whether you choose to hire a film wedding photographer, leave disposable cameras for your guests, or take a roll of 35mm film on your honeymoon, every photograph tells a different part of your story.

At J&A Photography Studio, we love seeing the unique ways couples incorporate film into their weddings. As a professional film lab, we specialise in high-quality film developing and scanning, helping preserve every memory from the first look to the last dance and beyond.

If you're planning a wedding and thinking about adding film photography to your day, we'd love to help bring those memories to life.

All images featured in this blog are produced by J&A Studio - a professional photo studio and film lab, click here if you are looking for 35mm film developing from us.

Follow our Instagram if you love film photography and want to see the latest from our studio!