When it comes to planning a wedding, there’s a long list of boxes to check before you’re finally ready for the big day. While this can be a time-consuming and rather involved process, there are a few categories, like hiring a photographer, that are usually a must for any bride-to-be. It’s so important to capture the beautiful moments within your wedding day so you can look back at them for years to come.
In addition to photographing yourself and the groom, the wedding party, guests, decor and overall festivities, don’t forget to include your wedding ring as well! Nowadays, you can get beautiful and affordable engagement rings at just about any price point, so you’ll want to photograph it a few different ways. Here are 12 unique ways to capture your wedding ring on the big day.
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1. Getting Ready
The hair and makeup process is a great time to have a glass of bubbles, listen to music and spend some quality time with your bridesmaids. It’s also an opportunity to get some great candid photos for your wedding album. If your photographer will be around while you’re getting ready for the ceremony, ask them about taking photos of you while getting ready. Some photo ideas that showcase your wedding ring include shots of you fixing your hair or lipstick, putting on earrings or a hairpiece or you with your ring on while in your wedding day robe. This is also a great opportunity to showcase your ring off your finger with decor, wedding invitations, champagne or other bridal accessories.
2. With Your Bouquet
Photographing your ring with your bouquet and other wedding flowers offers an interesting opportunity to add some more natural beauty to your photos. Ring photos that incorporate florals add color and a great finishing touch to any shot. Consider having photos taken of your hands holding your bouquet or arranging other flowers. Your dress can serve as a bright and festive background.
3. Intimate Moments
Some parts of your wedding day are only about you and your partner. However, you might also want to have those moments captured to look back on after your wedding day. Another great way to showcase both of your rings is to have some photos taken during these special moments. You might think about inviting your photographer to capture the ring on your hand before or during a first look before the ceremony or the ring off your finger alongside your handwritten vows or a wedding day love letter. If you’ve put off buying wedding bands until now, check out our picture perfect selection of affordable wedding rings.
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4. With Your Maid of Honor or Bridesmaids
While photos with the entire wedding party are a must when it comes to the big day, don’t forget to get some shots with just your bridesmaids as well. In terms of showcasing your ring, some moments to capture could include you holding hands or hugging your maid of honor or helping a bridesmaid with her dress.
5. The First Dance
Your first dance as a married couple is one of the best parts of any wedding day. All eyes are on you and your partner as you dance to your chosen song and enjoy the reception. This is also a great photo op! Ask your photographer to get some close-up shots during your first dance. Some romantic photo ideas in this situation could include a close-up of your ring finger while your hands are intertwined or one of your hands around your partner’s neck while dancing. These shots will show more detail and the intimacy of the moment.
6. Add Some Bubbles
Who doesn’t love a wedding day glass of bubbly? In addition to being fun and festive, champagne is also a fantastic prop for photos. If you are interested in getting some fun candid ring shots while getting ready or at your reception, ask your photographer to take photos of you and your bridesmaids clinking champagne flutes or you toasting to your partner before cutting the cake. Your ring will look glamorous and super sparkly paired next to a fizzy glass of champagne!
7. Master the Flat Lay
If you really want to show off the details of your jewelry, you need to brainstorm some wedding ring flatlay ideas. A flat lay is essentially a stylized shot taken from directly above, arranging your rings alongside other significant details from the day. This is one of the best ways to contextualize your rings within the aesthetic of your wedding.
Gather items that tell a story: your save-the-dates, a silk ribbon that matches your bridesmaid dresses, your something blue, or even loose florals left over from the bouquet. Place the engagement ring and wedding bands on a textured surface. Think velvet ring boxes, a lace veil, or a rustic wooden table. The key here is balance. You don't want to clutter the frame. Let the rings be the hero of the shot.
8. The Art of the Stack
Why stop at just one ring? Ring stacking photo ideas are incredibly popular right now, especially if you have a bridal set that fits together like a puzzle. If you have an engagement ring and a wedding band (and maybe even an anniversary band you’re eyeing for the future), stack them up to show off the full look.
You can get creative here by mixing metals or textures. If your partner has a ring, stack theirs with yours on a piece of decor or hold them in your palm. Capturing the stack is a great way to symbolize the layers of your relationship and the commitment you’ve made.
9. Go Au Naturel
Sometimes the best lighting is outside. Outdoor ring photo ideas utilize natural light to make your stone truly sparkle. Nature provides some of the most stunning backdrops imaginable. Look for textures that contrast with the delicate nature of the jewelry, like a mossy rock, a piece of driftwood, or a vibrant green leaf.
If you’re having a beach wedding, rest the rings on a seashell or a piece of coral. For a garden wedding, balance the ring on a sturdy flower petal or a tree branch. Just be careful not to lose it! Natural light, especially during the golden hour (just before sunset), creates a warm, romantic glow that studio lighting just can't replicate.
10. Get Technical with Macros
To truly appreciate the craftsmanship of your ring, you need to get up close and personal. This is where macro ring photography tips come in handy. Macro photography is all about extreme close-ups that reveal details the naked eye might miss.
Ask your photographer if they have a macro lens. This allows them to capture the facets of the stone and the intricate details of the setting. If you’re taking these photos yourself with a smartphone, try using a clip-on macro lens attachment. Make sure your ring is spotlessly clean before these shots—smudges show up easily at this magnification!
11. Play with Perspective
Don't just shoot straight on. Exploring the best angles for ring photos can completely change the vibe of the picture. A side profile shot highlights the setting and the height of the stone, while a top-down view emphasizes the shape and cut.
Try shooting through objects, like a glass of water or a veil, to create a dreamy, soft-focus foreground. You can also play with reflections by placing the ring on a mirror or a dark, shiny surface. Changing the angle is an easy way to get creative wedding ring photos that feel artistic and unique.
12. Solo Engagement Shots
While the wedding day is about the union, don't forget to get some ring shot ideas with an engagement ring focused solely on that specific piece. After all, it started the whole journey! Capture the engagement ring on its own before the ceremony, perhaps resting on the ring bearer's pillow or tucked into the groom's boutonniere.
If you need more ring photo inspiration, scroll through Pinterest or Instagram and save the shots that catch your eye. Creating a mood board of creative wedding ring photos to share with your photographer ensures you’re both on the same page.
Memories to Last a Lifetime
Above all, it’s your day. As your wedding planner or others may have already told you, the day of the wedding can be a bit of a blur. Make sure you connect with your photographer before the big day to talk about the specific shots you’d like for them to capture throughout the day and night so that you can rest easy knowing you’ll have wonderful memories to view long after your wedding day has passed.