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The Ultimate Nostalgic Add On- 35mm Film Wedding Photography

Cat Brant
Jun 6
3 min read

Adding 35mm film to your wedding coverage is a great way to bring variety and character to your final gallery. Film photography has a distinct look that's slightly softer in tones, has a bit of natural grain and a timeless feel that sets it apart from digital. It’s ideal for capturing slower, quieter moments in a way that feels more personal and less polished.

Film photography doesn’t replace digital coverage; it complements it so I offer this service as an add-on to my digital package. I’ll shoot a few rolls of film alongside the day as it unfolds, focusing on scenes that suit that classic film look. And the result is a gallery that blends modern coverage with a touch of old-school charm. Perfect if you’re drawn to storytelling with a bit of texture and depth and love nostalgia like me!

Bride and groom in vintage car, groom in white suit and hat, bride in veil holding bouquet. Reflections on window, cityscape outside.

35mm film works especially well if you're going for a vintage vibe. It’s got that built-in texture and character that suits venues like Islington Town Hall. When I shot Tiff & Lou’s wedding there, the film images just made sense, the old-school charm of the venue, the quiet moments, even the light in that ceremony room all looked incredible on film.

Man in white suit with tattoos, wearing a straw hat and bow tie, stands in a street scene. Background features people and buildings.

It’s not about making the whole gallery look vintagey, though, it’s about adding a layer that feels real and a bit nostalgic. For Tiff & Lou, those frames on film slotted right into the story of the day: a simple, stylish city wedding with personality. If you’re into that kind of look, film’s an easy add-on that makes your gallery feel even more you.

Bride with red hair and tiara hugs an elderly woman, smiling. She holds a bouquet of pale flowers. Brick wall and people in background.

For 2025 bookings, I am including film rolls at cost! This is just £50 per roll on top of your digital package. I love it and I think you will too.

Your 35mm choices

You can choose either black and white or colour film, depending on the look you’re after or even mix the two if you want a bit of both. There’s also the option to add on your physical prints and the original film negatives, so you’ve got complete flexibility to make it your own.

If you're someone who loves the idea of holding something tangible, a box of prints, film strips, or even a proper photo album with slots for real prints, this is a lovely, nostalgic way to bring your wedding memories to life beyond the screen. It’s simple, personal, and optional.

History of 35mm wedding film photography

35mm film has been around since the late 1800s, originally used for motion pictures before becoming the standard for still photography. It really took off in the 1920s and '30s when cameras like the Leica made it more portable and accessible. The small format meant photographers could move freely and shoot more casually, and it was a total game-changer for documentary-style photography.

By the 1970s and '80s, 35mm was everywhere, used by professionals and families alike. It balanced quality and convenience in a way no other format had before. Even now, there’s something about the look of 35mm that digital hasn’t quite replicated. It’s that subtle grain, the softness in the highlights, and the slightly unpredictable tones that give it so much character, which is why it’s still loved today by photographers who want that timeless feel.

Bride and groom sign documents at a wooden table in an elegant room. Bride in white dress, groom in light suit. Soft lighting, floral decor.

Choosing a film stock for your wedding day

I personally love shooting with Kodak Gold. It’s got beautiful warm tones, soft highlights, and a bit of nostalgic glow that works especially well for golden hour and indoor shots. It’s a solid all-rounder with that classic film feel. That said, I’m always open to trying new stocks. If there’s a particular look you’re drawn to or a specific film you love the vibe of, just let me know. I’m more than happy to shoot a roll and see how it turns out.

Here are a few 35mm film stocks you might want to consider for your wedding:

Kodak Gold Warm, slightly vintage tones with gentle highlights. Lovely for skin tones and soft light.

Kodak Portra 400 True-to-life colours with great latitude. Very flattering in natural light and ideal for weddings.

Fuji Superia X-Tra 400 Cooler tones, rich greens, and great contrast. Works well in mixed lighting and gives a slightly punchier look.

Ilford HP5 Plus Classic black and white with soft grain and beautiful contrast. Feels timeless and documentary.

Cinestill 800T A tungsten-balanced film originally made for cinema. Gives dreamy halation effects around lights and a moody, cinematic tone, especially in low light.

If you’ve seen a film photo you love, feel free to send it my way and we can match the stock or mood. There’s loads of flexibility to tailor things to your taste.

Ready to book your wedding photography and want to chat about film? Contact me here

Can't wait to chat!

Bride in white dress with veil holding pastel bouquet, smiling in backseat with two women. Soft lighting and vintage car interior.

Comments

hi! I'm cat and i am a full time wedding photographer

(and a little bit of a photography geek!)

I started taking photos as a teenager, my Dad was a wedding photographer and I would often help him. In 2021 I left my corporate job with a dream and hope that I could make photography a full time job. Since then I have been pouring my heart and soul into this business and have been honoured to be chosen as wedding photographer for so many lovely couples as well as being a portrait and event photographer.

I TAKE CLASSIC, TIMELESS, DOCUMENTARY STYLE PHOTOGRAPHS WITH MINIMAL INTRUSION

But I will step in and offer gentle guidance when it's right to do so, I have learned over the years to read the room, anticipate the next move, hold space when needed and offer support when I can.

aRE YOU LOOKING FOR A WEDDING PHOTOGRAPHER?

When choosing a wedding photographer, consider their style, experience, portfolio, and reviews from previous clients. It's also important to discuss pricing, availability, and any specific requests you may have.

Don't forget to meet with them in person to ensure you have good chemistry and feel comfortable with their approach.

Once you have narrowed down your list of potential wedding photographers, it's a good idea to ask them some key questions to help you make your final decision.

Here are a few questions to consider:

What is your photography style? Do you prefer a more traditional approach or a more candid, documentary style?
Do you have experience with weddings of a similar size and style to mine?
Can I see a full gallery of a recent wedding you photographed? This will give you a better sense of their consistency and quality of work.
Do you have backup equipment in case something goes wrong on the day of the wedding?
How do you handle difficult lighting situations (e.g. low light, harsh sunlight, indoor vs. outdoor)? This will help you gauge their technical expertise.
What is included in your packages? Are there any additional fees I should be aware of (e.g. travel, overtime)?
How long will it take to receive my photos after the wedding? Will they be edited and retouched?
Can you accommodate any special requests I have (e.g. specific shots, family portraits)?
How do you ensure that you capture all of the important moments on the day of the wedding?

By asking these questions and having an open and honest conversation with your wedding photographer, you can ensure that you find the right fit for your big day.