Where to face during your wedding vows…
It seems to be the norm for the priest to inform the couple of how they will stand during the wedding vows. I don’t think that couples realise that they can probably change this if required.
The two most popular options are…
1) The couple facing the altar with the priest in front of you, and the rest of wedding party facing the altar also.
2) The couple facing each other, with the rest of the wedding party facing the congregation.
From a videographer and photographer point of view it doesn’t make a huge difference. The first option means that your photographer and videographer will be up on the altar shooting at around a 45 degree angle. Sometimes the priest may block the view a little with mass booklets, so getting the ring shot can be difficult. Normally it works out fine, but if the priest crowds in and blocks the view, there isn’t much a videographer or photographer can do at that stage. Stopping the proceedings is not an option. The videographer and photographer would normally have a higher vantage point that the couple, as the altar may have a few steps.
The second option means that the photographer and vidoegrapher would more than likely shoot up the church from the centre of the aisle. It is much easier to get the ring shot. The vantage point for the videographer would be lower than the couple, as they may be up on a step.
So which option is better?
In my opinion they are both as good as each other. The first option means that the congregation doesn’t get to see the rings being placed on the fingers, BUT if you are a little bit nervous about standing up in front of everyone and doing your vows, facing away from the crowd would probably be a good option.
The second option is more like the way they do weddings in the USA. It gives the congregation a better view of the vows, but it means you also have a view of the congregation. If you don’t mind being a little more visible to people, then it is a good option.
September 10, 2007 at 7:55 pm
Hi John. From the perspective of someone that has been to loads of weddings I think it’s such a shame when the congregation of family and friends can’t see the actual vows taking place (and often can’t hear them either!) We got married 21 years ago and we had a very young and forward thinking priest. He said no-one came to a wedding to see the priest - they came to see the couple. So, we said our vows behind the altar with the bridal party by our sides. The priest was off to the side - behind the pulpit so he was basically “out of the way”. Everyone could see us and hear us and there was no problem taking photographs as we were in full view. I’ve been to loads of weddings and have never seen any other priest do it this way but I thought it was lovely and still we have family mentioning how different it was.
Just another option for couples out there.
Al
September 10, 2007 at 9:44 pm
Hi Al,
Funny you should mention this, the priest who did the wedding Farranree church last Saturday does it this way also, the couple up behind the altar with the wedding party.
John
December 16, 2007 at 7:25 am
very interesting, but I don’t agree with you
Idetrorce
December 16, 2007 at 8:03 am
Hi Idetrorce,
Feedback is always welcome on this Blog. Can you explain a bit further why you don’t agree with the posting?
Thanks,
John