I have a Catholic wedding saturday and my past weddings I have been taking a couple of shots during a prayer. Well , I had a dream last night that I was shooting a wedding and the priest told me " don't do that again or you'll go to hell ", it was a weird dream because everyone start laughing when he said that... I also saw a clown there that was trying to get in every shot. Wicked dream !!! So anywho, I must ask.

Is it ok to take a few snaps during prayer at the wedding ceremony?

Whatever replies you get here, I think it's always best to ask the priest beforehand. I'm personally not religious but at the end of the day it's all about respect and shooting during prayers is pretty much a no for me.

You should ask the couple (and the officiant) if that is what they want first. I recently shot a couple of weddings when I took more than a couple of shots during prayer, but I knew that it was a huge and important part of my clients' life. They loved to see it in their album.

I can assure you, though, that you won't go to hell for taking photos during prayer...

That's hilarious.

I don't think there is anything wrong with snapping an image or two during prayer as long as you are not using flash & your shutter is not amazingly loud. After all, you are there to capture the day's proceedings. Just don't get carried away & shoot EVERY prayer.

When in doubt, just ask the priest...or the clown.

I try to be discreet at all times, including prayer. That said, if you ask the priest he may also say, "Oh yes, and I forgot to tell you, you're not allowed to come within 100 feet of the B&G while the ceremony is happening. Thanks for reminding me."

LOLOL!





We shoot during prayer, not a whole lot, but we are documenting an important part of the day's progression.

I usually take one right when they bow their heads, before the prayer begins.

Being Catholic myself, I'll suggest that no pictures be taken during the Eucharistic prayer (prayer of consecration of bread and wine). It has 8 parts and it's a bit long, at least 15 minutes. But the good thing is that other than the priest standing at the alter, there is nothing else happening. However, I would also suggest you ask the priest what is and what is not allowed.

Normally photographers are not allowed beyond the alter rail or the steps, however, at one catholic wedding I shot at last month, the priest allowed for us to go behind the alter and shoot from rooms on each side of the alter. The reason he allowed it is because there was a hall on the side of the building where we could walk into the room and not distract the guests. He obviously didn't allow us to step out of the room 'cuz at that point we would be on the alter area, but we could shoot from inside the room.

I have done this as well. I do think that it comes down to respect. This is definitely something to ask about with the pastor and the coordinator. Some places are over the top when it comes to this type of shooting, so you just need to cover your bases.

Most importantly,
Always ask for forgiveness, never ask for permission!

and,
I don't shoot at that time because (1) you are supposed to be on your knees praying with your head down, and (2) it is disrespectful.

I usually wait until he begins to say "Amen" that way TECHNICALLY the prayer is over but usually heads are still bowed

It's all about respect. Shot right before they bow their heads.

Thx ramjpc for the heads up. First Catholic wedding.

Ask the pastor and the coordinator, Cover your bases. Or ask the clown. " now that was funny "

Most importantly,
Always ask for forgiveness, never ask for permission!


These are all great advice everyone, thx for replying.


Amen

Yes, I usually just shoot until the Priest says something.. Usually during prayer i snap one shot.. def. dont' go to close to the altar