Bringing a Documentary Approach to Photographing Indian Weddings in London & Afar
Hi, I’m Matt, and I photograph Indian weddings a little differently. For over a decade, I’ve had the joy of capturing amazing multi-day Indian celebrations from London to Italy and Turkey. From traditional to fusion to same-sex couples.
I use my documentary approach to focus on real moments of your celebrations as they naturally unfold without direction or interrupting the day, allowing you to maximise time with all of your favourite people. I’ll capture the fun, the tears, the laughs and the epic dance moves, while blending in as one of your guests.
I’ve found Indian weddings to be rich, colourful and chaotic. From high-energy dance floors to quiet moments between family members, I work to document the day honestly and unobtrusively.
My Documentary Approach to Indian Weddings
Documentary photography works particularly well for Indian weddings. There is just so much going on. From family connections, shared glances, laughter, emotion and tradition to uncle sipping the last drops of the whiskey bottle on the dance floor.
My approach is to observe rather than direct. Instead of staging moments, I focus on what’s really happening. This candid approach also allows you to maximise being in the moment during the celebrations (you won’t find me pulling you away from your guests or interrupting important moments), and when you receive the photos, they will be all the more meaningful and personal.
What to Expect:
- A calm, reassuring and unobtrusive presence from your photographer.
- Fun and emotion-filled photos, personal to your celebrations.
- Maximising time with friends and family.
What not to expect:
- Taken away from your guests for hours for photos.
- Told where to stand and directed how to react for your first look.
- Tripods tripping up guests during the ceremony or on the dance floor.
I do still take some couple portraits and family group photos. More about this in the FAQs below.
Understanding Indian Wedding Ceremonies
Indian weddings are made up of a series of meaningful ceremonies, each with its own rhythm, traditions and emotional moments. While every wedding is different, understanding how these ceremonies typically unfold helps me anticipate what’s happening, stay unobtrusive, and document each part of the day in a way that feels natural and respectful.
Below are some of the traditional ceremonies I’ve experienced across Hindu, Sikh, Muslim and mixed faith weddings.
Mehndi
A relaxed, social event where henna is applied to the hands and arms, often surrounded by close family and friends. It’s full of conversation, laughter and quieter moments that lend themselves naturally to documentary photography.
Haldi
A fun ceremony which involves applying a paste made from turmeric to the groom (and often the bride), usually in a relaxed, informal setting with close family. See an example of Haldi with Nupur and Mark in the photos below. Prepare to get a little messy during this one.
Sangeet
A lively celebration with music, dancing and performances, often bringing both families together before the wedding day. The energy shifts constantly, from planned performances to spontaneous moments, making it a rich part of the story to document.
Baraat
The groom’s procession to the ceremony, which is usually accompanied by music, dancing and a lot of excitement. It’s fast-moving and full of emotion and energy.
Milni
The formal meeting of the two families, with greetings and exchanges that symbolise unity (often with the sharing of flower necklaces). Although brief, it’s often emotionally significant and benefits from a calm, observant approach.
Mandap Ceremony
The main Hindu wedding ceremony takes place under the Mandap and includes a series of rituals, prayers and symbolic moments. Many of these moments happen in quick succession, so being familiar with the structure allows me to anticipate key points without disrupting the ceremony.
Anand Karaj
A Sikh tradition held in a Gurdwara and centres around the couple circling the Guru Granth Sahib. The ceremony is peaceful and deeply meaningful, and I work quietly and respectfully to document it without drawing attention.
Nikah
The Nikah is an intimate Muslim ceremony focused on consent, prayer and commitment. It often includes subtle, emotional moments that unfold quietly, making a documentary approach particularly well-suited.
Vidaai
The Vidaai marks the bride’s departure from her family and can be one of the most emotional moments of the wedding. It’s a time when reactions and relationships come to the forefront.
The Indian Wedding Party
Despite experiencing multiple bruised feet and one black eye (from an Auntie’s enthusiastic moves during Gallan Goodiyaan), the party remains one of my favourite parts of an Indian wedding. The energy, the colours, the epic dance moves, create such a high.
With a documentary approach, I focus on capturing the atmosphere as it naturally unfolds; the spontaneous dancing, shared laughter, the drummers and the groom’s dad and mum lifted up on people’s shoulders. Whereas during other parts of the day I may stay further back for quieter moments, during the party, I am right there in the middle of it.
Real Indian Wedding Stories
Indian Wedding Prices & Packages
While I am transparent with my rates on my wedding pricing page, I appreciate that these packages may not meet the specific needs of your celebrations.
If you drop me an email with the photography coverage you will require, I can provide you with a personalised quote.
Indian Wedding FAQs
What is candid/ documentary Indian wedding photography?
Candid/ documentary Indian wedding photography is all about capturing what actually happens on the day (the emotions, interactions and cultural rituals) without directing or staging people (with the exception of some couple portraits and family group photos). Indian weddings are rich in tradition and full of genuine moments, and a documentary approach lets those unfold naturally while I document them quietly and unobtrusively.
Have you photographed Hindu / Sikh / Muslim wedding ceremonies?
Yes. I’ve photographed weddings rooted in Hindu, Sikh and Muslim traditions, both in London and beyond. I’m familiar with the flow and significance of each ceremony, and I work respectfully and unobtrusively so that important moments are captured without interrupting the rituals.
Have you worked with large guest numbers?
Absolutely. The largest Indian wedding I’ve photographed had 800 people, and the largest ever was an Ethiopian wedding with 1,200 guests. With larger events, there is an option for me to bring a second or even third photographer, depending on your preferences. Any additional photographer will match my candid approach.
How long have you been photographing Indian weddings?
I’ve been photographing Indian weddings since I went full-time as a wedding photographer 12 years ago. Over that time, I’ve photographed a range of Indian and South Asian celebrations, from single-day weddings to multi-day events, and that experience has helped me understand the flow, pace and importance of each part of the day.
Do you photograph multi-day Indian weddings?
Yes, I regularly photograph multi-day Indian weddings. Many couples have events across Mehndi, Sangeet, wedding ceremony and reception, and I tailor coverage around your schedule so that every part of your celebration is documented in a way that feels relaxed and cohesive.
How many photographers are in your team?
Most of the weddings I shoot are covered by just me, which keeps things calm and unobtrusive. If you’d like broader coverage, for example, during simultaneous multi-location events or very large guest lists, I can arrange a second photographer to ensure all sides are captured.
Do you only photograph Indian weddings in London?
While I’m based in London and photograph many Indian weddings here, I also travel elsewhere in the UK and overseas for weddings. If you’re planning an Indian wedding outside London, you’re very welcome to get in touch and I can let you know availability and any additional costs that may be included.
Do you also take couple portraits and family group photos?
Yes. Alongside documentary coverage, I always allow time for couple portraits and family group photos. These are usually kept relaxed and efficient, so they don’t take over the day or pull you away from your guests for long. If you are under pressure to include a lot of group photos, I can provide a second photographer to ensure you don’t miss too much from the reception.
More Documentary Photos from Indian Weddings
