Best Themed Weddings of 2022

We’re wrapping up our 2022 Wedding Photography Awards with our final category: themed weddings. From the decorations to the food, to the music and the activities, enjoy our selection of the best unique and creative themed weddings of the year, where couples are free to truly express their personalities and share their interests with their guests.

OVERALL WINNER: Tom Cullen Photography | Tom Cullen 

The story behind this photo: “May the force be with them! Meela and Maciek tied the knot at The Secret Garden in Kent. They had an incredible day and rocked their couple shots in the autumn sunshine. Their details really reflected their personalities, with a lightsaber bouquet, Nordic gnomes and a visit from Marduk their gorgeous Elf Hound!

Why we chose this photo as our overall winner: This is what the best themed weddings are all about – celebrating your love for your partner alongside your shared interests. This image is full of personality and individuality, as well as artistry. We particularly love the clever use of props to structure the composition, with the vertical lighsaber perfectly dividing the shot of the couple’s profiles. And the Darth Vader mask is something else – a bold, striking choice!

Read on for our list of honourable mentions, whose submissions simply blew us away!

AJTImages | Alex Taylor

The story behind this photo: “The couple loved Beauty and the Beast and wanted to incorporate it into their photos.”

Why we shortlisted this photo: This photo truly captures that Disney magic with its artistic use of lighting! We love how perfectly it creates that iconic dance scene.

Bolla Bello Photography | Bolanle Bello 

The story behind this photo: “The bride’s dad surprised the couple with a Chewbacca mask as he was asked to give his opening speech. The couple are movie heads and were pleasantly surprised and joyful to see the dad embrace their love for movies on their special day.”

Why we shortlisted this photo: The Chewbacca mask transforms an otherwise classic wedding speech photo into something truly unique and special, not to mention funny!

Dave Edward Photography | Dave Edward

The story behind this photo: “A movie-themed wedding and this was the couple’s take on The Hangover”.

Why we shortlisted this photo: A playful, candid image, which speaks for itself! We love to see the groomsmen having so much fun posing and playing out their roles.

Jennifer West Photography | Jennifer West

The story behind this photo: “Drummer Luke and photographer Kirsty celebrated their love with a weekend-long, mini music festival wedding. I wanted to make a unique portrait for them against the festival tents. Using a hand-made multi-coloured neon sign and some creative slow shutter speed, I created heart-shaped light trails around them. The evening was warm and balmy and as the music filled the air, Luke and Kirsty say it was one of the most special memories of their wedding.”

Why we shortlisted this photo: This photo is a perfect balance of dreamy and romantic, and unique and colourful. A vibrant themed wedding, full of love, joy and celebration.

John Mason Photography | John Mason

The story behind this photo: “This was a football-themed family wedding.”

Why we shortlisted this photo: This is a brilliant action shot of an alternative wedding. We love to see the bride’s determined look as she prepares the football, while her dad blows the whistle.

Lemon Feather Photography | Cemanthe McKenzie 

The story behind this photo: “I love bouncy castles at weddings, and Anna and Joe’s big bouncy slide was no exception! The theme of their wedding was “Cake Fest” and the whole day was about fun and joy.”

Why we shortlisted this photo: We think “Cake Fest” should be the theme of every wedding! We love the energy and sense of exhilaration here, and the bright party colours.

Michelle Charnock Photographer | Michelle Charnock 

The story behind this photo: “I adored this wedding party. The couple were so free spirited and full of love for each other and their families. They’re probably one of the coolest couples I’ve ever captured and I think this captures a lot of what they’re about.”

Why we shortlisted this photo: What a vibrant and energetic shot! We love the pops or orange and eclectic, retro theme, which perfectly matches the couple’s fun, alternative pose.

Peter Rollings Photography | Peter Rollings 

The story behind this photo: “Chris and Claire are avid VW campers, and wanted to theme this throughout their day. This was the perfect summer wedding, with this image reflecting their love of their Volkswagen Jammin.”

Why we shortlisted this photo: We love the perspective and dynamism of this photo, with the Volkswagen head on in motion, and the couple embracing in the front window.

S.G Mark Photography | Stephanie Mark

The story behind this photo: “Jules and Garry wanted to feel like they were in a regency drama for their wedding photos. During their wedding at Auchen Castle in the Scottish Borders, we took advantage of moody skies and dramatic lighting to make their dreams come true.”

Why we shortlisted this photo: We love the composition of this photo, with the swing and riverside setting. The moody sepia hues add a timelessness in keeping with the theme.

The Bearded Man Photography | Paul Stevenson 

The story behind this photo: “A Cornish festival wedding at Kudva, a remote campsite on the coast.”

Why we shortlisted this photo: We love to see such the couple having so much fun with their wedding, from the bride’s pink hair against the pink smoke bomb, to the groom’s sunglasses and glittery gold trousers. Their playful personalities really shine through!

Twigs Branch Photography | Paul & Suzi Wilkinson 

The story behind this photo: “A cinema style elopement, at The Electric Cinema in Birmingham.”

Why we shortlisted this photo: We love the glamour and drama of this photo – perfect for the cinema style theme. The dazzling off-centre spotlight from behind, and the couple’s clasped hands across the aisle, beautifully show off the chic art deco setting.

There you have our favourite themed wedding photos of 2022! That brings our Wedding Photographer Awards series to an end. If you missed any of the other categories, or fancy taking another look at one of your favourites, be sure to check out the rest of the series. They’re not only a great source of inspo, but also the ideal way to find your dream photographer!

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• Best Couple Shots of 2022
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• Best Artistic Shots of 2022
• Best Candid Shots of 2022
• Best Kids Wedding Photos of 2022
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Happy Planning!