Does the groom need getting ready photos?
Getting ready photos are often associated with the bride - the dress, the hair, the make-up, the final touches. And while that part of the morning is full of beautiful moments, the groom getting ready is just as much a part of the story.
This is your wedding day too. And the morning brings its own energy, nerves, and memories that are well worth capturing.
Telling the full story of your wedding day means documenting both sides of it - not just what happens at the front of the aisle, but how you each arrived there.
Telling the story
It’s true that, generally speaking, the men don’t take quite as long to get ready as the women. But that doesn’t mean there isn’t plenty going on.
Shirts are being ironed (sometimes last-minute), ties or cravats are being wrestled into place, cufflinks are borrowed, jackets tried on, and there’s usually a healthy mix of nerves, laughter, and gentle ribbing from the people you’ve chosen to stand beside you. Someone’s trousers might be tighter than remembered. Someone else might still be working out how a buttonhole actually works. These moments are relaxed and real.
Your photographer will quietly document what’s happening as it unfolds, stepping in only when needed. Once everyone is dressed and ready, there’s usually a little pocket of time for a drink and some relaxed portraits. Nothing formal or stiff - just natural photos that let you burn off some nervous energy before the ceremony.
This is the time where we can get some really great, natural shots of the groom and his entourage.
One of the reasons groom prep photos often feel so genuine is because they happen away from the gaze of guests.
At this point in the day, it’s usually just you and the people you’re closest to. Without an audience, personalities tend to come through more easily. The jokes land, the nerves show, the bonds are obvious. These relationships, whether it’s with siblings, lifelong friends, or family members, are a huge part of your story.
And from a practical point of view, you’re also looking your best. Hair is done, suits are fresh, and there’s a calm before the ceremony begins. It’s a great time for portraits that feel effortless and true to who you are.
How much time to allow
I usually recommend allowing around one hour for the final stages of the groom getting ready. This gives enough time to capture the atmosphere, details, candid moments, and a few relaxed portraits before heading to the ceremony.
If your partner is also having getting ready photos at the same time (which is often the case) your photography package will need to include two photographers. That way, one of us can be fully present with each of you.
Trying to have one photographer bounce between two locations at the same time rarely works well. It often feels rushed, and it means missing moments on both sides. Having two photographers ensures the story is told properly, without stress or compromise.
A calm start to the day
Getting ready photos for the groom aren’t about creating a big production or turning the morning into a photoshoot. They’re about capturing the atmosphere, the nerves, the friendships, and the quiet moments before everything begins.
They often become some of the most meaningful images in the gallery - not because they’re dramatic, but because they’re honest.
If you’re on the fence about whether to include groom getting ready photos, think about this: years from now, these images won’t just remind you how you looked. They’ll remind you how it felt to stand on the edge of such an important moment, surrounded by the people who had your back.
And that’s something well worth remembering.
You might also be interested in: bridal prep photography explained.
Written by Eleth Mageehan
First Written: 27th April 2023, Last Updated: 22nd January 2026
