Everybody knows a cathedral veil looks absolutely gorgeous flowing behind a bride as she walks down the wedding aisle. But here's what most brides don't realize: that's just the beginning of what you can do with one! In fact, some of the most spectacular cathedral veil wedding photos happen long after the ceremony is over

After more than 30 years of photographing weddings, I can tell you that some of my favorite cathedral veil wedding photos have absolutely nothing to do with the ceremony.

In fact, a cathedral veil is one of my favorite accessories to photograph. We can toss it into the air, photograph underneath it, create beautiful movement, and use it to frame your face. The possibilities are practically endless!

And here's the best part. You don't even have to wear it down the aisle! You can bring one just for your wedding portraits.

Sometimes, all we need is a few minutes, a little creativity, and an assistant who's willing to throw several feet of tulle into the air about 27 times. 😂

So, before you decide to skip the veil altogether, let me show you why I think every bride should consider one.

Cathedral Veil Wedding Photos: Let's Add a Little Drama!

One of my absolute favorite things to do with a cathedral veil is to send it flying through the air!

Of course, sometimes Mother Nature gives us the perfect breeze. However, when she doesn't cooperate, that's where my assistant comes in.

We carefully position the bride and groom, arrange the veil, and then give it a good toss. As a result, we can create these gorgeous, dramatic cathedral veil wedding photos with fabric floating beautifully through the air.

And let me tell you, it doesn't always happen on the first try! Sometimes the veil goes in the wrong direction. Other times, it lands directly on the groom's head. 😂

Fortunately, a little patience and a few extra tosses usually give us something spectacular.

The best part? These photographs look incredibly dramatic, but you don't have to do anything complicated. Just enjoy the moment while we take care of the rest!

Let's Have Some Fun With Sunset Lighting

If you've followed my photography for any length of time, you probably already know how much I love beautiful light!

However, when we combine that gorgeous golden-hour lighting with a long cathedral veil, things get even more interesting.

Because the fabric is sheer, sunlight can pass right through it. As a result, we can create beautiful shapes, soft textures, and dramatic silhouettes against the sky.

For example, I might have my assistant lift the veil above you while I photograph from underneath. Alternatively, we can let the fabric float naturally in the breeze.

And here's what I love most: we can create several completely different photographs without changing locations!

Sometimes, all it takes is a little fabric, the right light, and a photographer who isn't afraid to get down on the ground to find the perfect angle. 😂

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Beautiful Portraits From a Different Perspective

Here's another one of my favorite ways to create beautiful cathedral veil wedding photos: getting underneath the veil!

Instead of letting all that gorgeous fabric hang behind you, we can bring it forward and use it to frame your face.

Because cathedral veils are usually made from sheer fabric, light can pass right through them. As a result, we can create soft, beautiful portraits with a completely different look.

For example, I might ask you to look directly into my camera, gently touch your veil, or simply look down for a moment.

Additionally, we can experiment with different angles and lighting to create several unique portraits in just a few minutes.

And don't worry if you're not comfortable posing. That's my job! I'll guide you through everything so you can relax and enjoy yourself.

Sometimes, the simplest photographs end up being my absolute favorites!

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Kissing Under the Veil: Romantic Cathedral Veil Wedding Photos

Now, here's where we can have a little fun with your cathedral veil!

Instead of letting it trail behind you, we can bring the fabric over both you and your partner. Suddenly, we've created a beautiful little space for the two of you, right in the middle of your wedding day.

For example, I might ask you to share a kiss, lean your foreheads together, or whisper something funny to each other. As a result, we get those wonderful, natural expressions that I love photographing.

Additionally, the sheer fabric allows light to filter through, giving your photographs a soft, intimate look.

And don't worry! I'll make sure we arrange the veil so we can actually see your faces. After all, there's no point in creating a beautiful photograph if you're both completely buried under ten feet of tulle! 😂

Best of all, these cathedral veil wedding photos only take a few minutes to create. However, they add something completely different to your wedding gallery.

A Cathedral Veil Can Beautifully Frame Your Shoulders and Arms

Here's another reason I love cathedral veils: they're incredibly versatile when it comes to posing!

Most brides think their veil has to hang straight down their back. However, we can also bring that beautiful fabric forward and gently drape it around the shoulders and arms.

For example, if you prefer a little coverage around your upper arms, the veil creates a soft, sheer layer without hiding your gorgeous wedding dress.

Additionally, we can use the fabric to create beautiful lines, add movement, and frame your body in different ways.

As a photographer who specializes in posing brides of all shapes and sizes, I'm always paying attention to how fabric falls, how light shapes the body, and which angles look best.

But here's something I want every bride to know: you don't need to hide your body to look beautiful in your wedding photographs!

My job is to help you feel comfortable, confident, and absolutely gorgeous in front of my camera.

And sometimes, a cathedral veil gives us one more creative way to make that happe

Using Architecture to Create Stunning Cathedral Veil Wedding Photos

One of my favorite things about wedding photography is finding creative ways to use the surroundings. And when a bride brings a cathedral veil, I have even more to work with!

For example, beautiful archways, grand staircases, interesting doorways, and even modern buildings can become incredible backdrops for your wedding portraits.

However, it's not just about finding a pretty building. It's about using the lines, shapes, and textures around us to create something interesting.

Sometimes I'll have my assistant stretch the veil outward to follow the lines of the architecture. Other times, I'll let the fabric flow naturally to soften the harder edges of a building.

As a result, we can create dramatic cathedral veil wedding photos in places you might never have considered for portraits.

In fact, some of my favorite wedding photographs have been created in locations that didn't look particularly exciting at first glance.

You don't always need an extraordinary location. Sometimes, you just need to look at an ordinary location in an extraordinary way!

And that's where I get to have a little fun with my camera!

Don't Forget the View From Behind: Cathedral Veil Wedding Photos

Everybody loves a beautiful photograph of the front of their wedding dress. However, don't forget about the back!

Many wedding gowns have gorgeous lace, delicate buttons, embroidery, or dramatic trains. And when you add a cathedral veil, we have even more opportunities to show off those details.

For example, I might photograph you walking down a staircase, standing in a beautiful doorway, or looking out over a scenic location.

Additionally, we can spread the veil behind you to show its full length. As a result, the fabric becomes part of the composition rather than simply another accessory.

Sometimes I'll photograph from a higher angle. Other times, I'll get down low to emphasize the length of the veil and dress.

And here's a little secret: you don't always have to look at the camera to create an incredible bridal portrait!

In fact, some of my favorite cathedral veil wedding photos are taken when the bride is simply looking away, letting the dress, veil, and surroundings tell the story.

A Little Wind Can Be a Wonderful Thing

Most brides worry about wind on their wedding day. After all, nobody wants their hair blowing in every direction!

However, when it comes to cathedral veil wedding photos, a little wind can actually be a wonderful thing.

For example, a gentle breeze can lift the fabric, create beautiful movement, and give your portraits a completely different look.

And unlike the flying veil photographs we create with an assistant, these moments can happen naturally.

Sometimes I'll position you so the wind catches the veil from behind. Other times, I'll photograph from the side to capture the fabric floating through the air.

Of course, not every gust of wind is going to cooperate. Therefore, we might need to adjust your position or wait a few seconds for the perfect moment.

The trick is knowing when to work with the wind instead of fighting it!

As a result, we can create gorgeous, natural-looking portraits without having to do anything complicated.

And if the wind decides to disappear completely? Don't worry. I have a few tricks for that, too! 😂

You Don't Have to Wear It All Day!

Here's something I wish more brides knew: you don't have to wear a cathedral veil during your ceremony to have gorgeous cathedral veil wedding photos!

Seriously! You can purchase a cathedral veil just for your wedding portraits.

Maybe you love the dramatic look of a long veil, but you're worried about someone stepping on it. Or perhaps you simply don't want to manage several feet of fabric throughout your wedding day.

I completely understand!

Fortunately, you have options. For example, you can wear your cathedral veil during the ceremony and remove it afterward. Alternatively, you can skip wearing it down the aisle and bring it out specifically for your portraits.

Additionally, you can switch to a shorter veil, a beautiful hairpiece, or another accessory for your reception.

As a result, you get all those spectacular cathedral veil wedding photos without having to worry about dragging your veil around all evening.

And trust me, nobody wants to be managing ten feet of tulle while trying to do the Cupid Shuffle! 😂

So, if you've been debating whether a cathedral veil is worth purchasing, remember that you don't have to commit to wearing it for eight hours.

Sometimes, just 15 or 20 minutes of creative wedding portraits can make that veil worth every penny!

What to Look for When Buying a Cathedral Veil for Wedding Photos

Okay, so I've convinced you that you need a cathedral veil. Now, what should you look for when buying one?

The good news is that you don't have to spend a fortune to create gorgeous cathedral veil wedding photos!

In fact, some of the simplest veils photograph beautifully. However, there are a few things I recommend considering before making your purchase.

Choose a Soft, Lightweight Fabric

If you're dreaming of those beautiful flying veil photographs, pay attention to the fabric.

For example, soft, lightweight tulle can float beautifully through the air. Additionally, sheer fabric allows sunlight to pass through, which is perfect for those gorgeous sunset portraits.

On the other hand, heavier fabrics and elaborate embellishments may not float quite as easily.

Therefore, if dramatic veil photographs are important to you, I recommend choosing a veil with plenty of movement.

Make Sure Your Cathedral Veil Is Long Enough

Cathedral veils are typically around 108 to 120 inches long or longer, although measurements vary between designers.

Generally, the longer the veil, the more fabric we have to work with.

For example, a longer veil gives us more possibilities for tossing the fabric, spreading it across the ground, or creating beautiful shapes around you.

However, don't forget to consider your wedding dress and train length when choosing your veil.

Plain Tulle or Lace? Both Can Be Beautiful!

This really comes down to personal preference.

Personally, I love simple, sheer cathedral veils because they're incredibly versatile for photography.

For example, plain tulle looks gorgeous when we photograph through it or lift it against the sky.

However, lace-edged veils can also be beautiful, especially when we want to highlight the details of your wedding dress.

Ultimately, choose something that complements your gown and feels like you.

Choose a Cathedral Veil That Fits Your Style and Budget

Cathedral veils come in so many beautiful styles, from simple, flowing tulle to elaborate designs with gorgeous lace, pearls, and intricate embroidery.

And honestly? I love them all!

If you're still exploring styles, you can also browse bridal designers like Maggie Sottero for inspiration.

Whether you fall in love with a beautifully detailed designer veil or prefer something simple and understated, the most important thing is choosing one that complements your wedding dress and personal style.

Additionally, consider how you'd like your veil to look in your wedding photographs. For example, lightweight tulle creates beautiful movement, while intricate lace and embellishments can add stunning detail to your bridal portraits.

Ultimately, there's no single perfect cathedral veil. The best one is the one that makes you feel absolutely beautiful!

And trust me, once you bring it to your wedding, I'll have plenty of creative ideas for photographing it! 😂

Talk to Your Wedding Photographer About Your Cathedral Veil

If you're planning to bring a cathedral veil to your wedding, make sure you tell your photographer ahead of time!

Although some cathedral veil wedding photos happen spontaneously, others require a little planning.

For example, those gorgeous flying veil photographs often require an assistant, the right lighting, and enough time to get everything just right.

Additionally, your photographer may want to scout locations with beautiful architecture, interesting backgrounds, or gorgeous sunset lighting.

Therefore, I always recommend discussing your favorite veil photographs before the wedding day.

And don't worry if you've never posed for professional photographs before. That's what we're here for!

A little preparation goes a long way toward creating spectacular wedding photographs.

Ready to Create Your Own Gorgeous Cathedral Veil Wedding Photos?

So, have I convinced you to consider a cathedral veil yet? 😂

Whether you wear it down the aisle, bring it out just for portraits, or keep it on all day, a cathedral veil opens up so many creative possibilities.

From dramatic flying veil photographs to beautiful, intimate portraits, there's so much we can do with a few yards of gorgeous fabric!

I'm Edna, the photographer behind Square Eye Photography, and I've been photographing weddings throughout Los Angeles, Orange County, and beyond for more than 30 years.

One of my favorite things about wedding photography is finding creative ways to make each bride look and feel absolutely amazing.

And if you show up with a cathedral veil, believe me, I'm going to have some ideas! 😂

Planning your wedding? I'd love to hear about it!

Take a look at my wedding photography portfolio, explore more of my bridal posing tips, or reach out to see if I'm available for your wedding date.

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