As an Annapolis wedding photographer, I pay special attention to the trends in the industry. And let me tell you, these 2026 wedding trends are bringing creativity and joy back into wedding planning! If you know me, you know I’m a fan of the unique, unexpected, and unorthodox. With bold designs, unexpected combinations, and a heart for guest experience, these trends are getting me beyond excited for this year’s weddings! 

My Most Anticipated 2026 Wedding Trends 

Fruit in Flowers 

A few years ago, fruit started popping up in floral designs. I am happy to report that this trend is back and better than ever. Adding fresh fruit to centerpieces, bouquets, and even hanging installations adds a layer of texture and interest. When done well, fruit can make a simple floral arrangement feel daring, sculptural, and editorial. I’m so happy this trend is back, and I can’t wait to document details that add this unique and unexpected twist! 

Quirky Details 

I could go on and on about the things I’ve seen couples integrate into their wedding designs. I’m blown away by how creatively couples include colorful shoes and veils, thrifted gowns, and heirloom jewelry. But I’m equally enamored by the “weirder” stuff, like fish purses, a homemade poncho over a wedding dress, bold jewelry, and small details with big personality. I’m such a fan of couples embracing their unique personalities on their wedding day and doing what feels best, not just what Pinterest says looks good.

Floral Purses 

Florals are becoming more of a priority to couples, and honestly, I think it’s about time. Flowers can absolutely transform a space. And now, marriers are even getting creative with their bouquets! Flower purses are making a comeback, but the trend doesn’t stop there. Everywhere I look, I’m seeing bouquets turn from standard (and still beautiful) items to something interactive and exciting. When you have a good florist who catches your vision, the sky is the limit with what you can do!

Smaller Guest Lists

When COVID hit, the wedding industry (and the world) turned inside out. But there was one very interesting takeaway that has become a mainstay: the micro wedding. I’m obsessed with micro weddings. In fact, I’ve dedicated a whole other blog to them, which you can read here. What started as a necessary evil has become a highly sought-after experience: aka, only inviting the people you actually want to your wedding. Smaller guest lists are often less expensive and give you the space to genuinely connect with your guests! Imagine getting to avoid awkward small talk with Aunt Linda while you’d really rather be dancing. With a smaller guest list, you can. 

Slow Mornings & Getting Ready With Your Partner 

This is hands down my favorite 2026 wedding trend, and I hope it lasts forever. Peaceful mornings getting ready for your wedding. No rush. No stress. Couples are being more intentional about their timeline to make sure they have room to enjoy their wedding morning! And many couples are choosing to get ready together rather than apart, and I fully support it. There is nothing more tender than getting dressed with the love of your life as you prepare for the best day ever. 

Multi-Day Weddings 

On the same note, many couples are ditching single-day weddings in favor of wedding weekends! The theme here seems to be quality time. Slower mornings. More time with the people you love. Less stress trying to fit all the emotions in an 8-hour window. Besides, if you;re going to shell out money for an unforgettable wedding, you might as well make the most of it! 

Content Creators 

In 2025, we saw the rise of the content creator. Now, they’re here to stay. If you’re unfamiliar with a wedding content creator, they’re someone who captures the day on an iPhone and sends you the content within 24 to 48 hours. They usually capture angles and moments that your photographer and videographer don’t, and deliver it in an easy-to-share format. While some photographers don’t like working with content creators, I love it. I wish this had been an option when I was getting married, because there are so many moments I didn’t get a chance to see. 

Video Save the Dates 

This is a super new trend that I’ve only seen a few times, but I think is going to be huge this year. Instead of sending a paper save the date in the mail, a friend of mine worked with a videographer to capture a snapshot of her and her fiancé’s relationship. I was in tears. Literally only 30 seconds to a minute long, these video save the dates are fun, unique, and give your guests a beautiful insight into your love story! 

What These 2026 Wedding Trends Show Me

As diverse and unrelated as these trends may seem, they’re showing us a shift in the industry. Weddings no longer fit in a box. Couples are making intentional decisions based on what feels right to them, rather than what tradition dictates. As a storyteller with an eye for emotional moments and genuine connection, I could not be happier. It makes me so excited to see couples embracing what they want and making their wedding day feel true to who they are!
Whether you want to dive into these trends or create your own, I will support you every step of the way. You deserve to work with someone who will pay attention to every detail and relate it back to who you are and how you love one another. That’s why I design my wedding photography experience around you. Whatever you want your day to look like, I’ll make sure it’s documented so you never forget it. Explore my wedding photography packages and contact me to secure your date!