No photography allowed of ceremony....

[breal101]

I've done a few weddings in the past, the last one about 12 years ago. I never had this situation before, the church policy is no photography allowed during the ceremony. I'm planning on faking a few shots with the B&G and the priest in the 20 minutes the church allows after the ceremony. Since my business is commercial advertising I'm no stranger to faking shots. Also maybe getting the bridal party in position as well as some formals with the party in front of the sanctuary. My question is just how common this policy is and how do you deal with it?

[SuzyView]

Always here in the Catholic churches, and that is fine. The Priest allows us to shoot the couple and party gathering in the front, then we take the flashes off and use our fast lenses. It's not bad if you know what you are doing. I actually expect not to use flash as I am distracted when I attend weddings where photographers flash during the ceremony.

[JeffreyG]

Originally Posted by SuzyView

Always here in the Catholic churches, and that is fine. The Priest allows us to shoot the couple and party gathering in the front, then we take the flashes off and use our fast lenses. It's not bad if you know what you are doing. I actually expect not to use flash as I am distracted when I attend weddings where photographers flash during the ceremony.

OP said 'no photography' which is not typical and of course there is no work around that obeys this rule in any way and still yields up pictures.

Since it is the church's rule, you can only make the best of it with staged shots before or after the ceremony. If there is any way to get the officiant to stick around then shooting after the ceremony as this will allow you to watch the ceremony first and then stage it from memory.

[hawk911]

my last wedding the pastor said I couldn't move during the ceremony, which was limiting enough. NO photographs would be worse.

[cdifoto]

It's so common that I've yet to run into it.

[SuzyView]

Sorry, I didn't catch that no photography was allowed. I never had to shoot a wedding that didn't allow any during the ceremony in a chapel, but in the wedding shoots I do (LDS Temple ones) no one even goes into the temple with a camera. We only shoot after wedding portraits outside. So, this is normal for me. I shoot mostly LDS outside after the ceremony is over and then the reception.

[JeffreyG]

Originally Posted by cdifoto

It's so common that I've yet to run into it.

I've heard of 'no flash' and 'no moving around' but I have to admit that 'no photography' is the most restrictive.

[breal101]

The church sent a letter outlining the policy, no photography at all during the ceremony. They don't allow cell phone pictures or P&S from the guests, anyone doing it is first warned and then removed if they do it again. I know, it sounds strange to me too, but there's not much I can do except stage something afterward. Just wanted to know if it was uncommon and so far I guess it is.

[cdifoto]

You just do what you can and it's on the couple to be satisfied with it. It''s not your fault that they chose that church. Just make sure the couple are fully aware of this rule. Discuss it with them in advance so there are no surprises.

[Yeoer]

I've had no video allowed before which is fine because i take stills... but that's because the church... get this... doesn't want any silly happenings sent into the tv shows... 100% honest.

Usually its just no flash photography during the service, no shots while the couple sign the register (you pose them after) and keep movement to a minium.

[JeffreyG]

Originally Posted by Yeoer

I've had no video allowed before which is fine because i take stills... but that's because the church... get this... doesn't want any silly happenings sent into the tv shows... 100% honest.

Their officiant must be a real ham.

[Optiq]

That kind of thing shouldn't be tolerated by the folks who hired the church. They should find another church. If enough folks did that, the problem would go away. Either way it doesn't seem like it should be the photographers problem. It's between the wedding party and the church.

[breal101]

Originally Posted by cdifoto

You just do what you can and it's on the couple to be satisfied with it. It''s not your fault that they chose that church. Just make sure the couple are fully aware of this rule. Discuss it with them in advance so there are no surprises.

The bride is the one who first told me about the policy, she isn't happy about it but there isn't anything to do now. The bride is a family member and I know her as not being overly emotional so it should work out OK. She was opposed to staging the shots at first until I explained that we have family out of the country who won't know the difference and will appreciate the pictures.

[SuzyView]

I think that is a good compromise, staging. It's done all the time, as things are missed during the ceremony shots. But in some chapels, even staging is not allowed, especially in the sanctuary.

[JeffreyG]

Originally Posted by Optiq

That kind of thing shouldn't be tolerated by the folks who hired the church. They should find another church. If enough folks did that, the problem would go away. Either way it doesn't seem like it should be the photographers problem. It's between the wedding party and the church.

Well, most people don't 'hire' a church like they are picking out a caterer or photographer. They live their lives within their religion and then one day they get married at the church that they attend normally.