One of the very first things you need to do when you start your wedding photography business is to learn all about your gear. Your lenses are going to be your best friend, allowing you to capture all the details that make this day so magical. But when you are still at the beginning, it can be difficult to figure out which ones you need and which ones to leave behind. That’s why I’ve created this guide! As a wedding photography educator, I love working with students to transform them into confident photographers. Here is a quick rundown of my favorite lenses for wedding photography.

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Set Yourself Up For Success With The Right Lenses For Wedding Photography In Your Camera Bag 

50mm

A 50mm lens provides a versatile workhorse lens ideal for couples and close-up wedding photography because it is not too wide but also not too close. Because it focuses faster than most lenses, it’s great for candid pics during moments like the bride getting dressed or the groom relaxing with his friends. While it’s definitely versatile, it’s not the best option when it comes to wide shots of the entire room.

35mm

A 35mm is also going to be a basic lens option every wedding photographer needs to have. This is going to be a wide-angle lens that will do a good job capturing the epic portraits that include more of the venue as well as the reception. You will be able to capture all those exceptional little details without having to step back too far. 

70-200mm

Once you have moved on from the 50mm and the 35mm, I suggest trying a 70-200mm. This lens is going to be great for capturing the couple throughout the wedding ceremony since you can get those close and personal photography shots without needing to physically stand right alongside them. It’s one of the photography lenses I need with me at every wedding ceremony! I also love doing portraits with it due to its compression.

100mm

Now, it’s time to find the lens that will take care of all those detail shots. A 100mm lens is fabulous for documenting items like the rings, the invitations, and all those luscious accents on the dress. Because you won’t use this too much for the actual celebration, you can comfortably go with more affordable options like one from the Sigma brand. 

85mm

If you want to add a little more variety, the 85mm is a fabulous lens for wedding photography! This one is super lightweight and quick while giving you rich portraits of the couple. The 85mm might be one of the most popular portrait lenses thanks to the ability to make the subject “pop” out of the extra bokeh it provides. It does tend to be a bit noisier, however, so I would save this one for outside of the ceremony. 

24-70mm

The 24-70mm. My queen. My star. Between this and my 70-200mm, I’m able to get most of the shots during weddings. This one moves quickly between shots while delivering laser focus. The range it gives you is also unmatched. Whether you want to zoom in on those quiet shared moments or zoom out and show the crowd, this one has you covered! I just purchased it and love it so far. The only issue is its crazy heavy!

I Hope This Helps You Decide On What Lenses For Wedding Photography You Need

If you have been looking for the perfect lenses for wedding photography, I really hope this list helps you out! And if you want to learn more to grow your skills, let me know. As a wedding photography educator, I love working with students to teach them how they can become better photographers. That’s why I started my Beginner Photography Course and the Wedding Photographer Collective! Let’s work together so you can finally build the business of your dreams. While you’re here, be sure to also check out 4 Helpful Tips For How To Build A Wedding Photography Portfolio!