Why You Should Do a Day-After Wedding Session

Gianna Connelly
Mar 27
3 min read

What Is a Day-After Wedding Session?

A day-after wedding session is exactly what it sounds like—a relaxed, post-wedding photoshoot that takes place the next day (or even a few days later). Unlike the whirlwind of your wedding day, this session allows you to take stunning, intimate, and stress-free portraits without the pressure of a tight timeline.

While your wedding day is full of magic, emotions, and unforgettable moments, sometimes the schedule doesn’t allow for as many couple portraits as you'd like. A day-after session gives you another chance to soak in that "just married" feeling while capturing beautiful, meaningful photos.

Why Should You Consider a Day-After Wedding Session?

1. Less Stress, More Time for Stunning Photos

On your wedding day, you’re juggling a packed schedule—getting ready, the ceremony, family portraits, the reception, and everything in between. With a day-after session, you’re free from the stress of keeping guests waiting or rushing to the next event. This extra time allows for:

More creative, intimate shots without the pressure of a timeline.
Exploring scenic locations that weren’t feasible on the wedding day.
Golden hour or sunrise portraits with perfect lighting.

2. Wear Your Wedding Attire Again

You spent months (or even years) picking out the perfect dress and suit—why wear them only once? A day-after session lets you:

Capture more dreamy, editorial-style shots in your wedding attire.
Embrace a more adventurous side—whether that means barefoot waterside portraits, mountaintop photos, or even getting a little messy in a field of wildflowers.
Avoid the worry of keeping your dress pristine since the wedding is over!

3. The Opportunity for an Epic Location

Sometimes, your dream photo location doesn’t fit into the wedding day timeline. A day-after session allows you to:

Travel to a breathtaking spot without worrying about time constraints.
Choose a location with sentimental value—like where you got engaged or your favorite hiking trail.
Capture destination wedding vibes, even if your venue didn’t allow for it.

4. More Natural, Candid Moments

Without the excitement and nerves of your wedding day, a day-after session lets you fully relax. This means:

Genuine, effortless photos that truly reflect your love.
More time for storytelling shots—think slow dancing in a meadow, walking hand-in-hand through your favorite part of town, or laughing together over breakfast in a cozy Airbnb.
The chance to include pets, hobbies, or fun elements that weren’t part of the wedding day.

How to Plan Your Day-After Session

Choose a Meaningful Location

Pick a spot that reflects your relationship—whether it’s a scenic overlook, a favorite coffee shop, or even your backyard. If you had a destination wedding, this is a great opportunity to take advantage of local scenery.

Time It Right

Golden hour (sunrise or sunset) is ideal for dreamy, soft lighting. If you’re feeling adventurous, a sunrise session means fewer crowds and peaceful, intimate vibes.

Consider Professional Hair & Makeup

Since you won’t have the full wedding-day rush, you can opt for a more natural or slightly different look. Some brides choose a soft, romantic style, while others go bold and playful.

Embrace the Adventure

A day-after session is the perfect time to get creative. Run through a river bed or into a lake, twirl in an open field, or share a quiet moment by a campfire. The key is to focus on you two—no expectations, no stress, just love.

Is a Day-After Session Right for You?

If you want more relaxed, creative, and intimate wedding portraits without the time constraints of your big day, a day-after session is absolutely worth considering. It’s a chance to soak in the joy of being newlyweds, wear your wedding attire again, and create breathtaking images you’ll cherish forever.