TO VIEW CHURCH WEDDING PHOTOGRAPHY BY SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA WEDDING PHOTOGRAPHER, ALYN STAFFORD, CLICK HERE >>WEDDING PHOTOGRAPHY<<

While Southern California is home to many wedding venues and reception sites, one can't forget the time tested tradition of California wedding churches. Well, churches chapels in general. Regardless of your denomination (Catholic, Christian, SDA, LDS, Buddhist, Hindi, Baptist, etc), you will find many churches in Southern California that have very pleasing and beautiful backdrops as well as interiors that make your wedding photos shine!

However, while most of the churchs I have photographed in (see the partial list of churchs I have worked with below) Southern California have been liberal in how they deal with photographers, there are some tips for the bride and wedding photographer when it comes to shooting in a church.

Since I have photographed in different denomination and cultural churches, I have compiled a general list of tips that may help you when selecting a church or photographer. While every church is different, even within it's own sect, you should consult the church or chapel you plan on having your wedding at for their wedding photographer guidelines. Most will provide you with one, while others will just tell you verbally.

Wedding Church Policies and Photography Tips:

1. Work with a photographer who has experience working in low light situations. Most churches, especially Catholic Churches, have dark interiors. Flash photography is sometimes not allowed, so working with a photographer who has the equipment and experience will guarantee good photo results in the low light environment.
2. Check your churchs lighting policy. Flash photography is typically prohibited during the ceremony or prayer session, but this varies from church to church and may also depend on the priest.
3. Respect the "house rules". I have spoke with some church wedding coordinators and the stories they tell me about how some photographers pose brides on the alter is quite interesting.
4. Be prepared for a quick family photo session right after the ceremony. Churches tend to double and triple book weddings or baptisims. They may only give you 15 to 30 minutes to take your family photos after your ceremony. Be prepared to get the important family members for the portrait session.
5. Make sure your photographer has a coat jacket. Some Catholic churches I have worked in in San Diego have required me to wear a sport coat or suit coat. I was lucky to have one in my car.
6. Dress appropriately. Some churches may require a collared shirt. And keep your shirts tucked in. I can recall working with a videogropapher who was told by the priest to tuck his shirt in. Again, it all depends on the church, so it's best to just dress appropriately
7. Don't just focus on the alter for photographs. There are plenty of places around and in the church. A creative photographer will be able to spot them. You can view samples of my church wedding photography by clicking here.
8. Be prepared for anything. I have been in churches during wedding ceremonies when non-wedding guests have entered the church to pray. It happens, so just be prepared. It makes for some interesting photography.
9. Stay off the alter unless the priest says it's ok. And still approach with caution. Ceremonies in a church can be very quiet. You can hear a pin drop sometimes. Be aware of the silence and as a photographer, don't add to the noise by fiddling with your equipment.

Below is a partial list of wedding churches/chapels I have photographed in Southern California:

• First United Methodist Church of Ontario, Ontario, CA
• ST. Paul Lutheran Church, Montery Park CA
• Gethsamane Lutheran Church, Riverside, CA
• Golden Circle Wedding Chapel, Santa Ana
• Kingdom Hall of Jahovah Witness, Tustin, CA
• Hacienda Heights Assembly of God, Hacienda Heights
• St. Thomas Catholic Church, Riverside, CA
• LDS Redlands Temple, Redlands, CA
• St. Marthaís Catholic Church, Murietta, CA
• Methodist Church, Glendora CA
• St. Catherineís Catholic Church, Avalon, Catalina Island CA
• Chapel on Mirmar Marine Corps Air Station, San Diego
• St. Catherines of Alexandria, Riverside
• Azure Hills Church, Grand Terrace, CA
• Historic Church of Fullerton, Fullerton CA
• St. Paul the Apostle, Chino Hills CA
• High Desert Church, Victorville, CA
• St. Columban Catholic Church, Garden Grove, CA
• Our Lady of Guadalupe Catholic Church, LA Habra
• St. Matthew Catholic Church, Corona CA
• Emmanuel Faith Community Church, Escondido, CA
• Serbian Orthodox Church, San Marcos, CA

To see samples of my church wedding photography, Click Here Gallery