as we look toward 2025, there’s something refreshing happening in the wedding world. couples are choosing what genuinely resonates with them, leaning into ‘trends’ that feel meaningful and intentional. so, if you’re planning a wedding or an elopement for next year, here’s a little insider scoop from an experienced seattle wedding photographer on 2025 wedding trends i see emerging! hopefully, this will be the perfect inspiration for shaping a day that feels authentically you.

private vows

over the past few years, with elopements becoming more and more popular, so have private vows ahead of your wedding ceremony. honestly, it’s one of my absolute favorite wedding trends that i’ll definitely love seeing more of in 2025 (and beyond!). reading private vows to each other during a first look or a first touch allows you to really be in the moment together without distractions. it’s raw, real, and incredibly moving to witness and capture as your wedding photographer!

bold, colorful weddings

gone are the days when weddings were strictly pastel. we’re seeing couples bring personality to their decor with vibrant, bold color choices that feel full of life and energy. rich jewel tones, playful brights, and unexpected yet tasteful color combinations are adding a fresh twist to wedding aesthetics! it truly gives each celebration a unique personality.

p.s. if you’re after colorful florals in seattle, i highly recommend Nadira Design!

simple floral tablescapes

simple, loose flower arrangements on the table really create that almost effortless feeling of elegance. these tablescapes often feature wildflowers or single stems in cute vases, creating a natural, slightly rustic feel. the outcome looks stunning - you don’t need to have elaborate floral arrangements (unless you want to) to have a beautiful wedding day!

late-night flat lays

for couples who love a good detail shot, the late-night flat lay is having its moment. by the end of the night, the details tell a story of the day. whether it’s your lipstick-smudged glass, the piece of cake you didn’t get to finish before rushing to the dance floor to throw down by your favorite song, or well-loved invitations… these late-night flat lays capture the warmth and fun of the day in a unique, curated yet candid way.

direct flash and paparazzi-style candids

we’re seeing a throwback to those old-school, paparazzi-style candids with direct flash. it’s edgy, fun, and has that editorial feel to it as well. it can be moments on the dance floor, candids in between, or some of your couple’s portraits!

no wedding party

by going without a formal wedding party, couples get to include everyone in the celebration equally, sidestepping any potential hurt feelings. without the pressure of roles, guests can simply come as they are and enjoy the day without the added responsibilities and expectations.

plus, a wedding without a traditional party means the couple can focus even more on each other during the ceremony and photos. no need to coordinate matching outfits, schedules, or rehearsals, as well. it’s just a relaxed, intimate celebration with everyone they love.

for some, this also makes the day feel less like a production and more like a personal gathering. this kind of vibe is also why many people choose to elope or have a very intimate wedding.

vintage cakes

the vintage aesthetic is popping up in so many areas, and wedding cakes are no exception. couples are leaning into designs inspired by classic, even retro styles—think ornate piping, dainty flowers, or simple, single-tier cakes that feel timeless and very charming.

micro weddings and urban elopements instead of large weddings

the trend toward smaller, more personal gatherings isn’t going anywhere. many couples are choosing to elope or host a micro wedding, with a focus on fewer guests and meaningful experiences. in some cases, couples choose it to save a bit of money, but often, people decide to splurge on a day that celebrates their love story exactly how they want it!

urban elopements have also grown popular, especially for couples who love the vibe of a city backdrop, from rooftop ceremonies to chic city hall vows. you may often see couples going on hikes or celebrating on mountaintops, but you can have an amazing elopement right here in the city! i personally really enjoy these urban elopements, when after the ceremony, the couple goes out and has a drink in a cozy bar and then grab a pizza at their favorite spot. it can be so unique and customizable, and you can always find a place to hide from the rain unless, of course, you want to dance under it.:)

eloping first, reception later

one of the freshest trends for 2025 is the “elope now, celebrate later” approach. couples are opting to have a private, meaningful elopement and then host a larger reception later. it’s a way to honor both the intimacy of your love and the celebration with family and friends, giving you the best of both worlds.

unique personal touches

whether it’s custom cocktails, heirloom jewelry, guest books, photobooths, or including your pet in the ceremony, couples are bringing in elements that make the day undeniably them. focusing on what makes your relationship unique and bringing that into your day is what makes each wedding so personal and memorable.

film photography

and finally, film photography is making a big comeback. the timeless, soft quality of film photos adds a nostalgic touch that digital can’t always replicate. you have to be very intentional with each moment you capture as a photographer because you don’t get ‘unlimited shots’ like you would with a digital camera. i’m thrilled to see this shift because the film captures such raw, honest beauty—perfect for these personal and intimate celebrations.

outfit change for the reception

last but not least, my absolute favorite trend - bride changing the dress for the reception. as with the rest of the trends, you can see the pattern of couples making the whole day more intentional, and a second look for the reception can be a part of that! you start with a more traditional gown for the ceremony, then switch to something shorter, sparkly, or just easier to move in for the reception. plus, it’s also a great way to add more variety to your wedding photos!

any 2025 wedding trends caught your eye?

while trends can be fun and exciting, remember to stay true to who you are as a couple. pick and choose what speaks to you and leave the rest. after all, your wedding day is all about telling your story! and the best way to do that is to make sure it feels like you from start to finish.

if you’re still on the lookout for your seattle wedding photographer, you can learn more about our packages here!