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Diane Wu
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If you’re planning a lakeside wedding, you’re already off to a great start. Lakes offer a range of naturally beautiful backdrops and plenty of creative opportunities for portraits. Whether you’re getting married in the mountains, near a city waterfront, or at a quiet lakeside retreat, the lake setting can elevate your wedding photos with minimal effort. In this article, we’ve put together a collection of practical and creative lake wedding photography ideas to help you plan ahead and build an inspired moodboard to bring your vision to life.
All of the images in this article are provided by the photographers at Wedding Maps and used with permission. Featured Image by Green Apple Weddings at Hidden Lake Lookout in Glacier National Park, Montana, USA.
In Love and Adventure in Colorado, USA
A lakeside shoreline offers plenty of unique wedding photo opportunities. It’s a great place to capture both posed portraits and candid action. For example, you might opt to take a simple walk along the edge of the lake, or in some instances, take a seat and enjoy the view!
JCM Photography at Grand Teton National Park, Jenny Lake, Jackson, Wyoming, USA
Depending on the amount of shoreline that is accessible, you should also be able to find perfect spots for epic environmental portraits.
Jessie and Dallin at Tibble Fork, Utah, USA
In the lake wedding portrait above, the photographer has captured an epic backlit shot of a couple standing on the shore, but from this low angle, it almost looks like they’re standing on the water!
Authentic Collective in Dillon, Colorado, USA
If you have access to a boat, use it. Whether you’re paddling a canoe, sitting together in a rowboat, or striking a pose on the deck of a larger boat, boatside views will add a sense of story and adventure to your lake wedding photography.
Holding and Co. at Corona Lake, Corona, CA, USA
In addition to serving as great storytelling elements, boats offer a romantic setting with plenty of space for wide (from the exterior) or symmetrical (from the interior) shots, and they don’t require too much setup.
Katinov Photography at Utah Lake, Provo, Utah, USA
Calm lake water can act like a mirror, creating striking and often symmetrical images. For this type of shot, you’ll want to position yourselves near the water’s edge when it’s still (usually in the early morning or late evening), and let your photographer capture the quiet reflection beneath you.
Vows and Peaks at Telluride, Colorado, USA
Reflection shots also work well when you’re not in the actual reflection. In the image above, the couple is blocking the view of their reflection in the water, but the mirror image of the opposite shoreline, trees, and mountains make for a unique, almost surreal lakeside wedding portrait.
Dan Sauer at Lake Braies, Prags Dolomites, South Tyrol, Italy
In this portrait, the photographer has positioned the couple near the water and captured a unique angle of the mountain behind them. The mountain only appears in the frame through its reflection in the water. This example of lake wedding photography is as unique and creative as it is beautiful.
Party of Two at Lake Wylie, Fort Mill, SC, USA
Where there are boats, there are often docks! Docks can quickly boost the visual interest of your lake wedding photos in a number of ways. For instance, they offer a natural frame for your photos, as well as leading lines, clean backgrounds, and open space.
Gen Palmer at The Estate at Eagle Lake, Chesterfield, NJ, USA
Standing at the edge of the dock or walking down the center creates a classic lakeside moment with tons of compositional variety. You’ll love it!
SMJ Photography at Green Pond, NJ, USA
So far we’ve talked about being on or near the water, but what about going in it? Whether you’re dipping your toes, standing ankle-deep, or fully embracing the moment and wading in, water shots can be both playful and emotional. Just make sure to plan ahead if you want to keep your dress dry, or save this for a post-ceremony portrait session.
Milan Lazic at Michigan Lake, Chicago, IL, USA
We might not often associate lakefronts with city skylines, but some of the larger lakes, such as Lake Michigan, offer scenic city skylines directly next to the lake. For urban waterfront venues, whether it’s Chicago or some place smaller, the key is to position yourself with the city skyline across the lake as your backdrop. Photographers typically scout for these positions in advance, but there’s no harm in researching locations in advance to find unique angles and epic views that other photographers and couples have previously taken advantage of.
We, The Light Photography at Buena Vista, CO, USA
Be sure to ask your photographer if drone shots are an option. A top-down view of you lying on a dock, paddling a canoe, or standing by the shoreline will give a fresh perspective to your lake wedding photography. At the lake, these shots are great for using negative space to draw attention to stars of the show, namely the newlyweds.
In Love and Adventure at Public Lands, CO, USA
For a more candid, contemplative vibe, include a few shots where you’re both looking out over the lake instead of at the camera. You often see these poses used for outdoor or travel photos, and that criteria aligns perfectly with lake wedding photography. This pose creates a sense of wonder and looking ahead, while also giving your photographer a chance to capture more of the surroundings.
Holding and Co. at Lake Gregory, Crestline, CA, USA
Speaking of surroundings, wide angle shots where you appear small in frame with the lake and landscape around you can feel cinematic and timeless. Photographers often refer to these shots as epic environmental portraits. They emphasize the grand scale of the setting and create a dramatic, wall-worthy image for your album or home.
Vow of the Wild in Colorado, USA
On the topic of album or wall art, epic environmental portraits work best when printed large; otherwise, you (the couple) might be too small to identify in the frame.
Laura Skebba Photography at Silver Lake State Park, Mears, MI , USA
Everyone knows and loves golden hour for portraits. The soft, warm light just before sunset is incredibly flattering and makes everything, including the couple and the location, look wonderful on camera. This holds true for both close-up and wide angle portraits.
1836 Photographie at Lago Vista, Texas, USA
Golden hour by the water gives your photos a relaxed, romantic look without trying too hard.
Scenic Vows at Lake McDonald, Glacier National Park, Montana, USA
Just because the sun has dipped below the horizon doesn’t mean the camera should be packed away. String lights, lanterns, or even reflections from the moon or nearby buildings can create a moody, romantic setting for final portraits before the reception.
Jeff Tisman at The Ashford Estate, Alentown, NJ, USA
And let’s not forget about silhouettes! These photos don’t rely on smiles or poses. Instead, they tell a story through shape, light, and mood. Whether your photographer uses the last remnants of natural light after sunset or breaks out an off-camera flash to outline your figures against the water, your lakeside silhouette portraits will likely prove to be some of the most striking images from your wedding day.
Pro Tip: Share these ideas with your photographer in advance and use them to guide your shot list or inspiration board. You don’t need to do them all—just choose the ones that reflect your personalities and the overall vibe of your day.
Here are several more examples of the lake wedding photography ideas discussed above for your inspiration.
Katinov Photography at Bonneville Salt Flats, Salt Lake CIty, Utah, USA
Sokol & Co. at Bowman Lake, Glacier National Park, USA
Sokol & Co. at Bowman Lake, Glacier National Park, USA
Photo by SMJ Photography at Green Pond, NJ, USA
Andreas Pollok at La Villa, Starnberger See (Lake Starnberger), Germany
Party of Two at Lake Norman, Huntersville, NC, USA
Andy Sidders at Trent Park, Barnet, UK
Authentic Collective at Crested Butte, Colorado, USA
Charles Moll at Hyalite Reservoir, Bozeman, Montana, USA
Dan Sauer at Moraine Lake, Banff National Park, Alberta, Canada
Francis Sylvest at Crested Butte, Colorado, USA
Green Apple Weddings at Sun Point, Glacier National Park, Montana, USA
Ibay Photography
Jake Timms Photography at Lochearnhead, Balquhidder, Scotland, UK
Larsen Photo Co. at Roosevelt National Forest, Boulder, CO, USA
Larsen Photo Co. at Roosevelt National Forest, Boulder, CO, USA
Andreas Pollok at Vitznauer Hof, Vitznau, Switzerland
Scenic Vows at Knik Glacier, Alaska, USA
Vow of the Wild in Colorado, USA
We, The Light Photography at Dillon, CO, USA
Jeff Tisman at Bonnet Island Estate, Manahawkin, NJ, USA
Nemanja Zdravkovic at Michigan Lake near Lincoln Zoo Park, Chicago, Illinois, USA
PMC Photography at Convict Lake, California, USA
Stefano Ferrier at Sneem, Hotel Kerry, Ireland
Katinov Photography at Utah Lake, Provo, Utah, USA
The post 12 Lake Wedding Photography Ideas to Inspire Your Perfect Day appeared first on Wedding Maps.
All of the images in this article are provided by the photographers at Wedding Maps and used with permission. Featured Image by Green Apple Weddings at Hidden Lake Lookout in Glacier National Park, Montana, USA.
1. Lake Wedding Photography on the Shoreline
In Love and Adventure in Colorado, USA
A lakeside shoreline offers plenty of unique wedding photo opportunities. It’s a great place to capture both posed portraits and candid action. For example, you might opt to take a simple walk along the edge of the lake, or in some instances, take a seat and enjoy the view!
JCM Photography at Grand Teton National Park, Jenny Lake, Jackson, Wyoming, USA
Depending on the amount of shoreline that is accessible, you should also be able to find perfect spots for epic environmental portraits.
Jessie and Dallin at Tibble Fork, Utah, USA
In the lake wedding portrait above, the photographer has captured an epic backlit shot of a couple standing on the shore, but from this low angle, it almost looks like they’re standing on the water!
2. In or On a Boat
Authentic Collective in Dillon, Colorado, USA
If you have access to a boat, use it. Whether you’re paddling a canoe, sitting together in a rowboat, or striking a pose on the deck of a larger boat, boatside views will add a sense of story and adventure to your lake wedding photography.
Holding and Co. at Corona Lake, Corona, CA, USA
In addition to serving as great storytelling elements, boats offer a romantic setting with plenty of space for wide (from the exterior) or symmetrical (from the interior) shots, and they don’t require too much setup.
3. Lake Wedding Photography Reflections in Still Water
Katinov Photography at Utah Lake, Provo, Utah, USA
Calm lake water can act like a mirror, creating striking and often symmetrical images. For this type of shot, you’ll want to position yourselves near the water’s edge when it’s still (usually in the early morning or late evening), and let your photographer capture the quiet reflection beneath you.
Vows and Peaks at Telluride, Colorado, USA
Reflection shots also work well when you’re not in the actual reflection. In the image above, the couple is blocking the view of their reflection in the water, but the mirror image of the opposite shoreline, trees, and mountains make for a unique, almost surreal lakeside wedding portrait.
Dan Sauer at Lake Braies, Prags Dolomites, South Tyrol, Italy
In this portrait, the photographer has positioned the couple near the water and captured a unique angle of the mountain behind them. The mountain only appears in the frame through its reflection in the water. This example of lake wedding photography is as unique and creative as it is beautiful.
4. On the Dock
Party of Two at Lake Wylie, Fort Mill, SC, USA
Where there are boats, there are often docks! Docks can quickly boost the visual interest of your lake wedding photos in a number of ways. For instance, they offer a natural frame for your photos, as well as leading lines, clean backgrounds, and open space.
Gen Palmer at The Estate at Eagle Lake, Chesterfield, NJ, USA
Standing at the edge of the dock or walking down the center creates a classic lakeside moment with tons of compositional variety. You’ll love it!
5. In the Water
SMJ Photography at Green Pond, NJ, USA
So far we’ve talked about being on or near the water, but what about going in it? Whether you’re dipping your toes, standing ankle-deep, or fully embracing the moment and wading in, water shots can be both playful and emotional. Just make sure to plan ahead if you want to keep your dress dry, or save this for a post-ceremony portrait session.
6. City Skyline Over the Lake
Milan Lazic at Michigan Lake, Chicago, IL, USA
We might not often associate lakefronts with city skylines, but some of the larger lakes, such as Lake Michigan, offer scenic city skylines directly next to the lake. For urban waterfront venues, whether it’s Chicago or some place smaller, the key is to position yourself with the city skyline across the lake as your backdrop. Photographers typically scout for these positions in advance, but there’s no harm in researching locations in advance to find unique angles and epic views that other photographers and couples have previously taken advantage of.
7. Top-Down Lake Wedding Photography
We, The Light Photography at Buena Vista, CO, USA
Be sure to ask your photographer if drone shots are an option. A top-down view of you lying on a dock, paddling a canoe, or standing by the shoreline will give a fresh perspective to your lake wedding photography. At the lake, these shots are great for using negative space to draw attention to stars of the show, namely the newlyweds.
8. Looking Away Together
In Love and Adventure at Public Lands, CO, USA
For a more candid, contemplative vibe, include a few shots where you’re both looking out over the lake instead of at the camera. You often see these poses used for outdoor or travel photos, and that criteria aligns perfectly with lake wedding photography. This pose creates a sense of wonder and looking ahead, while also giving your photographer a chance to capture more of the surroundings.
9. Tiny Couple, Epic Landscape
Holding and Co. at Lake Gregory, Crestline, CA, USA
Speaking of surroundings, wide angle shots where you appear small in frame with the lake and landscape around you can feel cinematic and timeless. Photographers often refer to these shots as epic environmental portraits. They emphasize the grand scale of the setting and create a dramatic, wall-worthy image for your album or home.
Vow of the Wild in Colorado, USA
On the topic of album or wall art, epic environmental portraits work best when printed large; otherwise, you (the couple) might be too small to identify in the frame.
10. Golden Hour
Laura Skebba Photography at Silver Lake State Park, Mears, MI , USA
Everyone knows and loves golden hour for portraits. The soft, warm light just before sunset is incredibly flattering and makes everything, including the couple and the location, look wonderful on camera. This holds true for both close-up and wide angle portraits.
1836 Photographie at Lago Vista, Texas, USA
Golden hour by the water gives your photos a relaxed, romantic look without trying too hard.
11. Lake Wedding Photography After Sunset
Scenic Vows at Lake McDonald, Glacier National Park, Montana, USA
Just because the sun has dipped below the horizon doesn’t mean the camera should be packed away. String lights, lanterns, or even reflections from the moon or nearby buildings can create a moody, romantic setting for final portraits before the reception.
12. Silhouettes
Jeff Tisman at The Ashford Estate, Alentown, NJ, USA
And let’s not forget about silhouettes! These photos don’t rely on smiles or poses. Instead, they tell a story through shape, light, and mood. Whether your photographer uses the last remnants of natural light after sunset or breaks out an off-camera flash to outline your figures against the water, your lakeside silhouette portraits will likely prove to be some of the most striking images from your wedding day.
Pro Tip: Share these ideas with your photographer in advance and use them to guide your shot list or inspiration board. You don’t need to do them all—just choose the ones that reflect your personalities and the overall vibe of your day.
More Lake Wedding Photography Inspiration
Here are several more examples of the lake wedding photography ideas discussed above for your inspiration.
Katinov Photography at Bonneville Salt Flats, Salt Lake CIty, Utah, USA
Sokol & Co. at Bowman Lake, Glacier National Park, USA
Sokol & Co. at Bowman Lake, Glacier National Park, USA
Photo by SMJ Photography at Green Pond, NJ, USA
Andreas Pollok at La Villa, Starnberger See (Lake Starnberger), Germany
Party of Two at Lake Norman, Huntersville, NC, USA
Andy Sidders at Trent Park, Barnet, UK
Authentic Collective at Crested Butte, Colorado, USA
Charles Moll at Hyalite Reservoir, Bozeman, Montana, USA
Dan Sauer at Moraine Lake, Banff National Park, Alberta, Canada
Francis Sylvest at Crested Butte, Colorado, USA
Green Apple Weddings at Sun Point, Glacier National Park, Montana, USA
Ibay Photography
Jake Timms Photography at Lochearnhead, Balquhidder, Scotland, UK
Larsen Photo Co. at Roosevelt National Forest, Boulder, CO, USA
Larsen Photo Co. at Roosevelt National Forest, Boulder, CO, USA
Andreas Pollok at Vitznauer Hof, Vitznau, Switzerland
Scenic Vows at Knik Glacier, Alaska, USA
Vow of the Wild in Colorado, USA
We, The Light Photography at Dillon, CO, USA
Jeff Tisman at Bonnet Island Estate, Manahawkin, NJ, USA
Nemanja Zdravkovic at Michigan Lake near Lincoln Zoo Park, Chicago, Illinois, USA
PMC Photography at Convict Lake, California, USA
Stefano Ferrier at Sneem, Hotel Kerry, Ireland
Katinov Photography at Utah Lake, Provo, Utah, USA
The post 12 Lake Wedding Photography Ideas to Inspire Your Perfect Day appeared first on Wedding Maps.