How to Relax on Your Wedding Day (Photographer-Approved Tips)

Your wedding day is one of the most magical moments of your life — but let’s be honest, it can also feel a little overwhelming! As a Devon and Somerset wedding photographer, I’ve spent years capturing love-filled celebrations at stunning venues like Crowcombe Court, St Audries Park, Rockbeare Manor, Huntsham Court, and Kingston Estate. Over time, I’ve gathered plenty of insider tips on how to relax on your wedding day — so you can stay calm, radiant, and completely present from start to finish, no matter how grand or intimate your celebration may be.

Why Knowing How to Relax on Your Wedding Day Matters

When you’re relaxed, your whole experience changes. You connect more deeply with your partner, enjoy each moment as it unfolds, and your photos look effortlessly natural. Whether you’re getting married in Devon’s rolling countryside, Somerset’s elegant town halls, or one of the South West’s luxury coastal venues, a calm mind equals authentic, joyful memories.

Start Your Morning Slowly

If possible, wake up a little earlier so you can ease into the day. Play your favourite playlist, sip your coffee (or maybe a gingerbread latte if it’s winter!), and take a few quiet moments to breathe. Trust me, this sets the tone for everything that follows.

Having a relaxed morning also gives your photographer time to capture those lovely candid shots — like your bridesmaids laughing, or your dad’s reaction when he first sees you in your dress.

Surround Yourself with Calm, Positive People

Energy is contagious! Keep your morning filled with people who bring you peace, not pressure. Whether you’re getting ready at a Devon farmhouse or a stylish Somerset hotel, choose your prep team carefully. A calm bridal suite equals a calm bride.

Trust Your Suppliers

You’ve chosen them for a reason — they’re the experts! From your florist in Torquay to your makeup artist in Exeter, and of course, your photographer (hi, that’s me!) — we’ve all got your back.

Trusting your suppliers is one of the biggest secrets to how to relax on your wedding day. We’ll handle the details so you can simply enjoy being in the moment.

Schedule “Just Us” Time

After your ceremony, sneak away for ten minutes together. Whether you wander through the gardens at your Devon wedding venue or take a quiet walk along a Somerset coastline, these few minutes alone will help you breathe, smile, and soak everything in.

It’s also a great time for natural couple portraits — when emotions are fresh, genuine, and full of love.

Let Go of Perfection

No wedding day goes 100% according to plan — and that’s perfectly okay. Maybe the flower girl decides to nap during the ceremony, or a bit of rain surprises your outdoor Devon wedding. Those little imperfections often make the best memories (and photos!).

As someone who’s photographed countless weddings across the South West, I can promise you: your day will still be perfect because it’s yours.

Breathe, Smile, and Be Present

Finally, remember to pause throughout the day — look around, feel the moment, and take mental snapshots. You’ve spent months planning this celebration, and it deserves to be enjoyed, not rushed.

When you focus on the joy rather than the details, your photos will glow with authenticity. That’s the real secret behind knowing how to relax on your wedding day.

Final Thoughts

Every couple I work with in Devon, Somerset, and across the South West tells me the same thing: their day goes by in a blur. The more you can slow down, the more you’ll remember — and the more your photos will tell the story of your genuine, relaxed happiness.

So take a deep breath, trust your team, and know that everything will fall beautifully into place.

Looking for a Relaxed, Natural Wedding Photographer in Devon or Somerset?

If you’re planning your wedding in Devon, Somerset, or anywhere across the South West and want relaxed, vibrant, and joy-filled photography that tells your story beautifully — I’d love to hear from you! I specialise in capturing real moments with a mix of fun energy and luxury detail. Get in touch today to chat about your wedding plans, check my availability, and find out how I can help make your day feel effortless from start to finish.

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