How to Keep Kids Happy (and Photogenic) in Wedding Photos
Let’s be real—kids at weddings are adorable, unpredictable, and sometimes the reason you’ve got goldfish crackers in your pocket by the end of the night. Whether they’re the ring bearers, flower girls, or tiny guests twirling on the dance floor, kids bring life (and a little chaos) to your day.
But let’s talk about photos. Getting kids to look cute, happy, and cooperative in wedding photos can feel like asking a cat to do calculus. It doesn’t have to be that hard, though. I’ve got the inside scoop on how to keep kids happy and looking photo-ready while capturing moments you’ll love forever.
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1. Plan Photos When Kids Are Fresh and Fed
Let’s start with the basics: kids don’t do well when they’re tired or hangry (honestly, neither do adults). If you want smiles instead of meltdowns, plan kid-friendly photos:
Timing matters: Shoot family and group photos early, before nap times or post-reception energy dips.
Bring snacks: Nothing sticky or messy. Think crackers or little treats to keep spirits up without smudging faces or clothes.
Pro tip? If your wedding is near lunch or dinner hours, check out kid-friendly catering options like mini sliders, pizza bites, or even a snack bar. A little fuel goes a long way.
2. Let Kids Be Kids
Don’t stress about getting perfectly posed shots. The best kid photos happen when you let them be themselves—dancing, giggling, or sneaking a cupcake from the dessert table. I’ll capture those candid, real moments that make your heart melt. How ‘bout another pro tip? Encourage a little movement. If a toddler won’t stand still, I’ll have them walk toward the camera or jump on a count of three. It makes for the sweetest, natural smiles.
3. Bring Comfort Items (and Backup Clothes)
Even the cutest little suits and dresses can get itchy or uncomfortable after an hour. If kids start fussing, let them swap into something comfy when formal photos are done. Trust me, happy kids = great photos.
Bring the essentials: Blankets, favorite toys, or pacifiers. These comfort items can calm them down in a snap.
Backup clothes: If there’s a rogue juice spill (it happens), a quick outfit change saves the day.
Bonus tip: If you’re hosting a North Jersey wedding near a park like the Frelinghuysen Arboretum or Liberty State Park, bring layers—little ones can get cold or hot quickly during outdoor shots.
4. Make It Fun (and Fast)
Kids don’t love standing still for long, so the key is to make photos quick, fun, and low-pressure.
Get silly: I’ll pull out my best funny faces and games to keep their attention. “Who can make the loudest roar?” works every time.
Group them up: Kids love company. If they’re nervous, photos with siblings, parents, or friends help them relax.
Bribes are fine: Let’s be honest, a promise of a cupcake or candy after photos works like magic.
5. Involve Kids in the Process
Kids are way more cooperative when they feel included. Give them a “job” for photos—holding the bouquet, twirling in their dress, or showing off their coolest dance move.
For North Jersey weddings, this can be even more fun if your venue has space to explore:
Barn weddings? Let kids hold mini baskets of flowers.
Outdoor venues? Kids can run around while I capture adorable action shots.
Classic ballrooms like The Park Savoy? Let flower girls twirl like the mini princesses they are.
The more they feel part of the day, the bigger their smiles will be.
6. Trust Your Photographer
Here’s the truth: kids are unpredictable, and that’s okay. You’ve heard me say it before… find YOUR photographer. As your photographer, we know how to roll with it—whether it’s sneaking in a quick shot before someone bolts or catching that split-second smile. Our job is to make the process stress-free for you.
Why These Moments Matter
Having kids at your wedding is like adding sprinkles to a cake—they make everything a little sweeter and a lot more fun. Photos of them holding your hand, playing with Grandma, or stealing a kiss from the flower girl are moments you’ll treasure forever. And hey, when they’re all grown up, you’ll have these photos to remind you how small they once were—and how they brought so much life to your day.
Planning a wedding in Northern New Jersey? From the beautiful grounds of the Crossed Keys Estate to the iconic views at Liberty House, I’m ready to capture those kid-filled, love-soaked moments you’ll never forget.