The definitive list of 2026/2027 wedding predictions from a Portland wedding photographer

Over the past year, I’ve felt the energy shift. Couples are craving connection, intention, and creative freedom—not Pinterest-perfect parties that leave them feeling like they just threw a party for everyone but themselves. So here it is—my completely uncensored, unfiltered, and maybe slightly chaotic list of 2026–2027 wedding predictions (as a Portland wedding photographer).

Spoiler: your wedding is about to look way more like you.

Less Staging, More Storytelling (BYE Shot Lists)

Hot take: The shot list is dying. And I won’t miss it.

Couples are (finally) realizing they don’t need 47 versions of the same flat-lay invitation shot or a million staged portraits that take them away from their own party. Instead, they're trusting photographers to document the story as it unfolds. That means fewer fake laughs and “hold your bouquet like this” moments.

If you're hiring a documentary-style photographer, you don’t need to micromanage the memories. Just live them.

Intimate micro weddings, but make them magical AF

Yes, micro weddings are still trending. But instead of rustic barns and city hall elopements, couples are leaning into storybook settings:

• Greenhouses overflowing with plants

• Off-grid Airbnbs with wildflower fields

• Backyard wonderlands surrounded by fruit trees

It’s giving intimate. It’s giving editorial. It’s giving you actually get to talk to your guests. These smaller weddings let you prioritize the things that matter (vibes, food, photos, people), and forget the stuff that doesn’t. I’m seeing more clients plan a weekend away with 20 guests in a weird/cool rental property than dropping 10k on a ballroom. And honestly? Genius.

Friends-only destination elopements

2026-2027 are going to be the years of the friend-moon wedding. Think: a trip to Portugal, a cliffside ceremony with 8 of your best friends, and a multi-day itinerary that’s more “hot group vacation” than “wedding day checklist.”

In-laws? Optional. Wedding planner? Maybe. Good wine, late-night swims, and a documentary-style gallery that makes your day look like an indie film? Required.

This shift means more real moments and fewer distractions—aka chef’s kiss if you want candid photos that actually capture the vibe.

DIY But Elevated — Custom, Creative, and Actually You

Personalized weddings are about to get even more personal. I’m seeing couples ditch the “insert your name here” wedding templates in favor of totally original moments—like:

• Tattoo artists at the reception

• Handwritten vows on linen napkins

• Cake made by the bride’s childhood best friend

First dances scored by a live string quartet playing emo covers

It’s not about being trendy. It’s about telling your story. One of my favorite weddings last year featured a surprise violin performance from one bride to the other. Another had no speeches, just a karaoke open mic. That’s what we’re going to see more of—vibes that match the couple, not the algorithm.

Everything Analog: Photo Booths, Film, and Lo-Fi Tech

More and more couples are ditching the overproduced wedding vibes with something more nostalgic and physical with analog formats. Here's what's hot right now (and going to get hotter in the coming years):

• Disposable cameras on every table

• Vintage camcorder footage

• Custom photo booths

• Audio guestbooks recorded on rotary phones

In Conclusion!

Weddings are only going to get more fun, more intimate, and more unique in the coming years. Couples are going to strive for custom details that make their special day truly one of a kind and shed the unwanted expectations passed down from older generations.

I'm here for all the fun, candid and non-traditional wedding celebrations in Portland and beyond. If you're in the market for a documentary-style wedding photographer, reach out for a consultation today.