Enjoy our selection of the most artistic shots for our Wedding Photography Awards. It’s all about the aesthetic and creativity – from colours and lighting, to composition and perspective.

OVERALL WINNER: Cotswold Weddings | Jane & Oli

Photo © Cotswold Weddings | See their Bridebook profile

The story behind this photo: “We’re always looking for new angles! Jane had to climb on top of a wardrobe to capture this shot of Emily checking her makeup and getting ready before heading off to Stone Barn to marry Dan.”

Why we chose this photo as our overall winner: A beautiful and unique bridal prep shot. We love the use of framing and perspective, which tells the story of the bride getting ready and suggests what is next to come. We look through the dress hanger, at the bride looking at her reflection in the mirror, through to the window behind her, itself framed by the dress hanger. We also love the photographer’s determination – literally climbing on top of a wardrobe!

Aby-Joanne Photography | Abigail Thompson

Photo © Aby-Joanne Photography | See their Bridebook profile

The story behind this photo: “The last shot of the night. We wanted to create a silhouette but it just wasn’t working how I envisioned. Then I gave the flash to the groom and told him to hold it low and point it at the bush and the flash created this incredible heart shape behind them. It was one of those once in a lifetime shots!”

Why we shortlisted this photo: What a dreamy and romantic shot! We love the effect of the flash against the bushes, with the natural heart shape behind the couple.

Ashley Hemsley Photography | Ashley Hemsley

Photo © Ashley Hemsley Photography | See their Bridebook profile

The story behind this photo: “Sometimes less light at weddings creates some stunning silhouette scenes at dusk.”

Why we shortlisted this photo: A beautiful silhouette shot. We love how the geometric shapes of the archway divide and frame the colourful dusk sky.

Emd Media Photography and Videography | Eddie McDowell

Photo © Emd Media Photography & Videography | See their Bridebook profile

The story behind this photo: “Taken during the couple’s Belfast tour of the Titanic Belfast.’

Why we shortlisted this photo: We love this modern, urban shot, with its clean geometric shapes and bright lighting. These elements contrast nicely with the bride’s light, flowing veil.

Jervis Wedding Photography | Judith Jervis

Photo © Jervis Wedding Photography | See their Bridebook profile

The story behind this photo: “I had my husband Paul on the phone on the other side of the bridge to give instructions and stay out of shot.”

Why we shortlisted this photo: We love how the bridge frames the couple like a window, while the water reflects them like a mirror. An artful, well-considered composition and perspective.

John Hope Photography | John Hope

Photo © John Hope Photography | See their Bridebook profile

The story behind this photo: “This was shot in the big glasshouse at The Royal Botanic Gardens of Kew. I had the idea to try and make the couple look like they were lost in the undergrowth. I had to find framing that removed everything manmade. It took ages but was worth it!”

Why we shortlisted this photo: We love the effect of this couple’s shot, with its striking composition and use of scaling. There is an illusory, otherworldly quality to it.

John O’Neill Sperrins Photography | John O’Neill

Photo © John O’Neill Sperrins Photography | See their Bridebook profile

The story behind this photo: “Oonagh ONeill’s wedding day (my daughter). Even though there were other photographers shooting on the day (day off!!!), I had to capture one of my own style of wedding shots on the day too.”

Why we shortlisted this photo: An awe-inspiring, ethereal shot, backlit with an off-camera flash to illuminate the bride’s veil. We love how the veil holds the light, almost like a stained glass window. The symmetry is also very effective, with the sweeping stairs and paintings perfectly framing the bride. Including the intricate ceiling adds to the effect.

Lauren Mitchell Photography | Lauren Mitchell

Photo © Lauren Mitchell Photography | See their Bridebook profile

The story behind this photo: “Bridal prep – keeping it natural and unposed but showing the reality of the morning from a different perspective.”

Why we shortlisted this photo: We love this unusual perspective of the bridal prep, with its clever use of verticals and framing. The use of black and white elevates this candid shot.

Mark Battista Photography | Mark Battista

Photo © Mark Battista Photography | See their Bridebook profile

The story behind this photo: “I was photographing details when I saw the reflection of the flower girl running around outside. I just managed to click the moment that she was perfectly framed.”

Why we shortlisted this photo: We love to see a natural, candid moment captured in such an artistic way. The use of angles, framing and perspective here is very well considered.

The Unscripted | Lucy Millet

Photo © The Unscripted | See their Bridebook profile

The story behind this photo: “I love creating artistic images and playing with mirrors and reflections. Catherine and Greg were there for it and allowed me to get as creative as I wanted at their wedding!”

Why we shortlisted this photo: A very striking and artistic shot. We love the doubling of reflections, and the way the blurring of the foreground draws the eye through the image.

Paul Roland Williams | Paul Roland Williams

Photo © Paul Roland Williams | See their Bridebook profile

The story behind this photo: “The bride and groom were walking from their ceremony in Bath back to the hotel they were staying in. I knew they’d be walking past this shop and had already decided earlier that I would try and dive in and get this shot of them framed by the mannequins’ legs as they went by. Sometimes creativity is planned as much as it is spontaneous.”

Why we shortlisted this photo: This is such an interesting and unique composition. We love how the static framing by the mannequins’ legs frames such a candid, dynamic moment.

Tom Cullen Photography | Tom Cullen

Photo © Tom Cullen Photography | See their Bridebook profile

The story behind this photo: “I got creative at night with some lights and fractals.”

Why we shortlisted this photo: The play on light here is very striking. It gives the image an abstract, artistic quality, and contrasts beautifully with the darkness of the night sky.

There you have our best artistic shots of 2022! As a contrasting follow-up, next in the series is best candid photos – those natural, unposed, spontaneous, caught-off-guard snapshots.