Tradition is cute, meaningful even, but doing things your way? Nothing beats it. When Annie and Matt reached out to me to do a post wedding photoshoot of just them I was so damn excited and immediately in. 

What Is a Post Wedding Photoshoot?

A post wedding photoshoot is exactly what it sounds like: you and your newly-official, legally-married partner getting dressed back up in your wedding attire and heading out for an intimate couples wedding photoshoot after the wedding day is done.

No stress. No rush. And no squeezing portraits into a packed timeline. Just space to exist together and let the photos happen naturally.

Whether you’re craving golden-hour light, ocean air, or a location that feels more you than your wedding venue, after wedding photos give you that freedom.

5 Reasons Why You Might Consider a Post Wedding Photoshoot

1. More relaxed bride and groom photos

You’ve already done the big thing. The nerves are gone. You know how good it felt. That calm shows up in the photos every single time.

2. Bridal portraits in a totally different location

Love your venue, but also love the ocean, cliffs, or downtown cobblestones? You don’t have to choose just one.

This guide will be helpful if you’re struggling deciding between the mountains, beach, or want to explore how you can make both happen.

3. Zero timeline pressure

No cocktail hour waiting. No guests wondering where you went. Just time to be fully present with your people and soak it in.

4. Creative freedom with light and timing

Want sunrise instead of sunset? Weekday instead of weekend? We can plan around the best light instead of a ceremony start time.

5. Your wedding outfits deserve more airtime

You spent time (and money) choosing those looks. After wedding photos let you wear them again, without worrying about dirt, wrinkles, or rushing back to the party.

Seacoast NH Locations Perfect For a Post Wedding Photoshoot 

• Rye, NH: Rye is one of my favorite places for after wedding photos because it gives you so much variety in a small stretch of coastline.

Here are a few notable mentions: 

1. Wallis Sands State Beach
2. Pirates Cove Beach
3. Odiorne Point State Park
4. Rye Harbor State Park
5. Hampton Beach 

Rye is perfect if you want your post wedding photoshoot to feel natural, a little windswept, and veryy “New Hampshire coastal couple.”

See one of my favorite weddings in Rye. 

• Portsmouth, NH: If you’re drawn to texture, charm, and a touch of city energy, Portsmouth delivers. (And I am incredibly biased because it’s home, but I can confirm it’s a cool place). 

Here are a few of my favorite spots: 

1. Prescott Park
2. Downtown Portsmouth 

P.S. I have a pretty sick guide all about my favorite spots in Portsmouth here.

• New Castle, NH: Just a short drive from Portsmouth, Great Island Common is one of those locations that quietly does everything right. You’ll find greenery, sea grass, rocky shoreline, and open water all in one place, which means your gallery feels varied without hopping around.

1. Great Island Common

Alsoooo, the backlight here at sunset is especially dreamy, making it a favorite for couples who want soft, glowy after wedding photos without a ton of effort. There’s also public parking and restrooms, which is always a win.

Southern Maine Locations That Would Make A Great Post Wedding Experience

1. Fort Foster in Kittery, Maine
2. Footbridge Beach in Ogunquit, Maine
3. Willard Beach in Portland, Maine
4. Kettle Cove/Crescent Beach in Cape Elizabeth, Maine

How to Choose the Right Location for Your Post Wedding Photoshoot

A few things I help couples think through:

• Dogs or no dogs
  If your pup is part of your story, that alone can narrow things down quickly. Some locations are dog-friendly year-round, while others have seasonal restrictions.
  
• Time of year + light
  Certain beaches shine at low tide. Some locations glow at sunset. Others are better earlier in the day or outside peak summer crowds. Timing can completely change how a place feels.
  
• Variety vs. simplicity
  Want lots of different backdrops without moving much? Choose a location with shoreline, grass, rocks, and water all in one. Want something minimal and calm? One strong setting can be more than enough.
  
• Energy level
  Some couples want to wander, explore tide pools, and move a lot. Others want to stay close, cozy up, and let things unfold slowly. Both are great, they just call for different locations.

This is where I flex that having a photographer who actually knows these spots like the back of their hand (and how they behave in different seasons) matters. I’ll help you pick a location that fits you, not just one that photographs well. You can read all about me, here! 

Is a Post Wedding Photoshoot Right for You?

If you:

• felt rushed on your wedding day
• want more intentional bride and groom photos
• love the idea of a quiet, meaningful experience after the chaos
• or just want photos that feel fully you

Then yeah. A post wedding photoshoot might be exactly what you didn’t know you needed.