Worried about pictures

Could you look at coach the costs to take guests? Or is there somewhere not so beautiful nearer you can take group shots and just have photos of you and oh with immediate bridal party at the park while guests are given drinks at the reception venue? I don't think travelling 3 miles it of your way is much.

I don't think you can ask guests to travel 3 miles away just for photos. But you and the bridal party could go

It wouldn't be practical to transport everyone to the park and it would take up so much of your days time.

What's wrong with the church as the backdrop, then just the two of you split off on route to the reception to go to the park.

Then the rest of the shots all informal and relaxed (with drinks) at the reception when you arrive

What Bill says is exactly what I plan to do. Big group pics at the church and then me and OH stop off at some woodland while everyone is making their way to the reception venue and having drinks. Less hassle and means we get to spend as much time as possible actually doing the wedding stuff!

You can't really take all 80 people, but you could certainly go with your husband and a few other people you want there!

Alternatively, this is what I'm doing - having a 'first look' with my OH before the ceremony, and then family and wedding photos. Then the ceremony. This is an American thing I think, and I know a lot of people don't like the idea but I love it and it also makes the photos more practical... So means I won't mess my hair and makeup up before photos!

One of the 1st weddings we shot this happened. We all drove to a park nearby and we got some pictures there. I don't think it took that long and it did start to rain too. Nobody will really mind. If you are comfortable with them.

People do tend to get bored when it's time for the group pictures, we always try to do it as smoothly as possible. Have someone you know with a shot list shouting and getting everyone together, best man, brother e.t.c this helps it go smoothly.

My concern would be the amount of people and parking situation. You could make it more fun by bringing some beers and wine with you to keep people nicely oiled :-)

In terms of asking I think you should (it's your day), in terms of getting everyone there that may need planning.

Good luck.

I would do the formals at the church, if the church grounds are nice then the couple portraits can be done there as well, if not on route to your reception. I think trying to organise 80 to get them to the park will be too much time consuming.

Dont worry about your surrondings Photographers are amazing ... you could have your photos in a ditch and they'll make them look good! Just make sure you have fun, try not to stress too much!

Some photographers ? Just make sure they know what they are doing and have the experience.

Thanks everyone for your help! I think I have overthought this, the grounds of the church is small but we will all make do and me my husband and bridal party (bestmans etc) will go over to the park

Hi there, ask your photographer, what they see and what you see will be completely different.

Honestly, that's the best advice I can give.

How couples see their venue is far and away how we'll see it. For example I get might be asked to do a group shot in front of the doors of the church....but what I see is the blinding sun shining into their eyes making them squint / suffer and the oak tree putting half the group in the shadows.

Which will look awful. Any professional should be able to advise you properly.