I have photographed more than a dozen full Greek Orthodox weddings over the last twenty-five years, plus a number of Greek-adjacent weddings where couples incorporated one or two traditions rather than the full ceremony. They are some of my favorite weddings to shoot in New York City. If you are planning one and looking for a photographer, this is what I want you to know.
Why I love these weddings
The traditions are beautiful and full of meaning. The colors inside most Greek Orthodox churches I have been in are stunning, with gold and deep reds, painted icons, and light that hits the space in ways that make the whole room glow. The readings and blessings spoken in Greek carry a weight that no translation replicates. I do not understand every word, but I know what is happening, and I love being in a room where that language is spoken over a couple on their wedding day.
The other thing that keeps me coming back is the families. Greek Orthodox weddings are family weddings in the deepest sense. Photographing a family that treats me like family, in a church whose priest and parish have welcomed me warmly, is one of the great joys of this job.
How I approach a Greek Orthodox ceremony
I do not use flash at any point during a ceremony. I work in available light. Greek Orthodox churches almost always have plenty of it, and I would rather work with the room’s light than change it.
Before your wedding day, I want to know your ceremony in detail. Not the general framework. I know the framework. What I do not know is what your specific family, priest, and parish are incorporating. Some couples do the full Sarantismos. Some include specific readings in Greek and English. Some priests give long homilies. Some parishes handle the Crowning differently than others. There are variations everywhere, and I would love to know yours.
I also want to know your church’s photography policy; you can find it from your priest and share it with me. Most of the Greek Orthodox churches I have worked in have been generous with access, but every parish is different, and I would rather know in advance than negotiate on your wedding day.
The moments I know to be ready for
The Crowning, when the Stefana are placed on your heads and exchanged three times by your koumbaros or koumbara. The Dance of Isaiah, when you walk three times around the altar table led by the priest. The Common Cup, when you drink together from the shared wine. The exchange of rings early in the ceremony. The priest’s blessing. Any readings your family includes. Whatever else your specific ceremony holds.
Frequently Asked Questions: Photographing Greek Orthodox Weddings
Do you need to be Greek Orthodox to photograph a Greek Orthodox wedding?
No. What matters is knowing the ceremony, understanding what is happening as it happens, and respecting the church you are working in. I have photographed more than a dozen full Greek Orthodox weddings over twenty-five years, plus a number where couples incorporated one or two traditions rather than the whole ceremony.
Do you use flash during a Greek Orthodox ceremony?
Never. I work entirely in available light during any ceremony. Greek Orthodox churches almost always have plenty of it, and I would rather work with the light in the room than change it.
What do you need to know before my wedding day?
Your ceremony in detail. Not the general framework, which I know, but what your specific family, priest, and parish are including. Whether you are doing the full Sarantismos. Which readings you have chosen and in which language. How your parish handles the Crowning. There are variations everywhere and I would like to know yours.
What is your church’s photography policy and why do you ask about it?
Every parish sets its own. Most of the Greek Orthodox churches I have worked in have been generous with access, but they are not all the same, and I would rather know in advance than work it out on your wedding day. Ask your priest and pass it along to me.
What is the Crowning?
The moment the Stefana are placed on your heads and exchanged three times by your koumbaros or koumbara. It is one of the moments I am always ready for.
What is the Dance of Isaiah?
When you walk three times around the altar table, led by the priest. It moves, and knowing your church’s layout in advance is how I make sure I am in the right place for it.
What other moments do you photograph during the ceremony?
The exchange of rings early on. The Common Cup, when you drink together from the shared wine. The priest’s blessing. Any readings your family includes. And whatever else your specific ceremony holds, which is why I ask about it beforehand.
Can you photograph a wedding that includes only some Greek Orthodox traditions?
Yes, and I have photographed a number of them. Some couples incorporate one or two traditions into a wedding that is otherwise not a full Orthodox ceremony. Tell me what you are including and I will be ready for it.
Do the readings happen in Greek?
Often, sometimes in both Greek and English, and that varies by family and parish. I do not understand every word, but I know what is happening, and being in a room where that language is spoken over a couple on their wedding day is one of the reasons I love these weddings.
Where do you photograph Greek Orthodox weddings?
New York City, Brooklyn, Long Island, Westchester, New Jersey, Philadelphia, and wherever else you are getting married.
How far in advance should I book?
As early as you can. I take a limited number of weddings each year and dates go well in advance, particularly in spring and fall.
If you are planning a Greek Orthodox wedding in NYC
These are among the weddings I love photographing most, and I would be honored to be considered for yours. Reach out and tell me about your ceremony, your church, and the day you are planning.
