One of the perks of photographing weddings is getting to shoot in a variety of picturesque locations. Each brings its own charm and challenges, and few are as visually rewarding as a wedding by a lake. Lake weddings provide beautiful backdrops and ample opportunities to get creative. Whether you’re photographing an intimate lakeside elopement or a full celebration at a lakefront venue, you can expect to find a variety of spots to enhance your storytelling. In this guide, we’ll share practical tips and inspiring lake wedding photography ideas to help you prepare for the shoot and make the most of your time at the lake.
All of the images in this article are provided by the photographers at Wedding Maps and used with permission. Featured Photo above by Green Apple Weddings at Hidden Lake Lookout in Glacier National Park, Montana, USA.
Lake Wedding Photography, Part 1: Be Prepared
Let’s kick things off with some basic lake wedding photography tips to ensure that you’re ready to go before the shoot begins.
Know About Permits and/or Venue Rules
This might not be the most exciting part of lake wedding photography, but it could be one of the most important. Depending on the location, shooting at a lake may require a permit. National parks, state parks, and even certain lakeside recreation areas often have rules in place regarding photography.
If you’re shooting at a dedicated lakefront wedding venue, the rules are usually more straightforward, and permits (if needed) are often handled by the venue itself. That said, if you’re heading to a nearby lake after the ceremony, don’t assume you can just show up and shoot. Just for good measure, it’s worth checking the website of the managing agency (like the National Park Service or the state parks department), or better yet, call and ask what’s required.
Some areas also restrict drone usage, tripods, or off-path hiking, and violating these rules can get you and your couple in trouble. If a permit is required, be sure to factor that into your planning and timeline.
[Related Reading: Your 6-Step Guide to Photography Permits]
Scout Lake Wedding Photography Locations in Advance
Scouting is always a smart move, and it’s crucial for lake weddings. Lakes can look completely different depending on the time of day or the weather. If you’re in a mountainous area, the tall mountains can significantly affect when and where the sun is visible. Golden hour might shift dramatically if the sun dips behind a ridge earlier than expected.
Use tools like The Photographer’s Ephemeris or Sun Surveyor to preview the sun’s path. These apps let you simulate lighting conditions based on the time of year and location, helping you pick the best time of day for portraits.
You’ll also want to identify your best photo spots in advance, whether it’s a lakeside shot of the city skyline, a dramatic overlook, or a hidden cove that catches the best light at sunset. If you’re unfamiliar with the area, scout it in person the day before if possible, or arrive extra early to get your bearings.
Understand the Terrain
Some lakes are easy-access. You park, walk 30 feet, and boom, you’re at a photo-ready shoreline. Others? Not so much. A 20-minute uphill hike isn’t something you want to spring on your couple last-minute, especially if they’re in formalwear.
Know the physical layout of the location. Are the best spots a short walk or a strenuous trek? Will you be navigating slippery rocks, sandy beaches, or uneven paths? Share that information with your couple in advance so they know what to expect and can decide if they’re up for it.
If a little hiking is involved, it might mean bringing extra shoes for the couple, a towel for muddy feet, and a small pack for your essentials. The more you prepare logistically, the less you’ll have to stress creatively.
Lake Wedding Photography, Part 2: Photo Ideas
Once you’ve got the logistics handled, it’s time to think creatively. Here are several ideas to help you make the most of a lake setting and deliver an incredible gallery that doesn’t feel repetitive.
Start on the Shore
The shoreline is one of the easiest and most versatile backdrops for lake wedding photography. It offers a natural way to frame the couple within the landscape, especially with subtle use of leading lines like the water’s edge or rocks lining the coast.
You can start with simple walking shots. Have the couple stroll along the edge of the lake holding hands, looking at each other, or off into the distance. These shots are low-pressure, great for warming up the couple, and naturally suited to storytelling.
Look for Reflections
Still water makes for great reflections when you can find it. Reflections can add symmetry and dimension to your photos. Even when the lake surface isn’t perfectly smooth, partial reflections still work. Look for calm coves or spots shielded from wind, and shoot low and wide to emphasize the reflection in your frame.
You can also get creative. Use the reflection to show the couple while focusing on the landscape, or incorporate a reflection of the sky or treeline to balance the frame.
Get in the Water (Safely)
If your couple is up for it, shooting in the water can create some of the most memorable and dynamic lake wedding photos. Whether it’s just a few steps in or a full splash session, make sure you plan ahead.
Scout a safe entry point to avoid slippery rocks, strong currents, or sudden drop-offs. It’s also a good idea to ask the couple to bring a towel and change of clothes, or save this for the very end of the session if you only have one outfit to work with.
These shots can feel spontaneous and authentic, and they almost always get a great reaction from the couple. Just make sure everyone understands the plan in advance.
Use a Boat
Boats offer another built-in storytelling element that makes perfect sense in a lake setting. When shooting from the shore, use the boat as a compositional anchor or a storytelling frame. If you’re going to be on the boat with them (or shooting from another boat), get a plan together before setting sail. For example, a 70-200mm lens can help you compress the background and isolate your subjects if you’re shooting from a distance on land.
Sharing a boat ride with the couple will allow you to document the experience the way they will remember it, almost directly from their perspective. These close quarters also provide an opportunity to capture authentic, intimate moments. Throw in a bit of symmetry as illustrated in the image above and you have all of the ingredients for a portfolio-worthy lake wedding portrait.
Take to the Air
Drone photography offers one of the most unique ways to capture a lake wedding photography. From overhead, you can showcase the couple lying near the edge of the water or paddling a boat with a fresh perspective that’s impossible to get from the ground.
Again, make sure to check airspace regulations and park rules before flying. And practice flying your drone over water beforehand if you’re not already comfortable. During the shoot is not the time for trial runs.
Create Epic Environmental Portraits
If your couple chose a lake wedding for the scenery, don’t miss the opportunity to give them a few large-scale portraits that showcase the environment. These are the types of photos that end up framed on walls, not because of a perfectly posed couple, but because of the feeling and grandeur they convey.
Use a wide-angle lens, pull way back, and let the landscape dominate the frame. The couple can be centered, silhouetted, or placed off to the side to add scale and storytelling. Wait for dramatic light if you can, and don’t rush these. You’re going for timeless and cinematic here.
Use the Dock or Pier
Docks and piers are natural focal points at lakes and offer strong lines and structure for your compositions. They help break up the visual space, provide depth, and often lead directly to a great photo.
Use them for wide shots with the couple walking hand in hand, or move in closer for a more intimate portrait. Remember that you can make them a functional prop as well as a compositional tool.
Sunrise Vs Golden Hour Vs Sunset
Golden hour is one of the best times to shoot at the lake, thanks to its soft, directional light and warm tones. The glow off the water can add natural highlights and depth to your images, especially for portraits and wide scenic shots.
Keep in mind, if you’re near mountains or tall trees, golden hour may come earlier than expected. Like we mentioned earlier, use a sun-tracking app to plan accordingly.
You’ll also want to stick around after sunset. Blue hour offers rich colors and moody silhouettes that can elevate your gallery with minimal gear.
[Related Reading: Learn 5 Tips for Capturing Perfect Sunset Silhouettes]
Final Thoughts
As you can see through the examples above, lake weddings are packed with creative potential, but it helps to plan ahead. Know the rules, scout your locations, and set expectations with the couple upfront, especially if navigating terrain is involved. Once you’re dialed in logistically, you can focus on getting creative with reflections, boats, docks, and so on.
To that end, we’ll leave you with several more examples of lake wedding photography for your inspiration.
