The New Generation of Weddings
Why Today’s Couples Are Saying “I Do” Their Way
Weddings are evolving and Gen Z is leading the way. As the first digital-native generation steps into marriage, they're rewriting what it means to celebrate love. Forget the cookie-cutter traditions and rigid expectations. This generation craves authenticity, creativity, and emotional connection—both in their celebrations and the way those moments are captured.
As a documentary wedding photographer in Greece, I’ve started to see this shift up close. A shift to meaningful storytelling. Here’s how Gen Z is changing the wedding world, and what it means for photographers, planners, and anyone who loves love.
Personal Expression Over Tradition
One of the biggest hallmarks of Gen Z weddings? Breaking the rules—in the best way. Couples are personalizing every aspect of their day, from colored wedding dresses to DIY rituals and alternative ceremony structures.
They're less concerned about what "should" be done and more focused on what feels right.
Want to walk down the aisle together? Cool.
Skip the bouquet toss? Absolutely.
Say goodbye to old formats, Gen Z weddings are all about making the day reflect their unique story.
Gen Z is saying less is more. That means smaller guest lists, intentional venues, and a focus on connection over spectacle. Think long dinner tables under string lights, multi-day wedding weekends filled with laid-back adventures, and ceremonies that feel like cozy gatherings with their favorite people.
The vibe? Slow, meaningful, and full of heart.
— A wedding that feels like a Sunday afternoon
Capturing Real Moments
Social Media Meets Storytelling
Raised in the era of Instagram reels and TikTok storytelling, Gen Z couples have a deep appreciation for visual narrative. They don’t just want to document the look of their wedding—they want to capture the feeling of it. That’s why many are hiring wedding content creators to capture behind-the-scenes snippets in real time—raw, unfiltered, and full of energy. These quick, candid clips become shareable memories that live beyond the wedding day, making guests feel part of the story even from afar.
But when it comes to their actual wedding photography, Gen Z craves something deeper than curated feeds. They want authenticity. They want emotion. That’s where documentary-style photography truly shines.
Rather than orchestrating every moment, documentary photographers observe and respond, capturing quiet glances, tearful hugs, and spontaneous laughter as they naturally unfold. It’s not about perfection. It’s about presence. This approach aligns with Gen Z’s desire to remember their wedding not as a series of posed images, but as a living, breathing experience.
Because for this generation, storytelling is connection.
— How to Find the Perfect Wedding Photographer
Creative, Mood-Driven Aesthetics
Say hello to bold florals, statement lighting, and artistic touches. Gen Z is visually fluent, and they’re not afraid to push boundaries. They pull from street style, vintage fashion, and film photography vibes to curate a look that’s less Pinterest-perfect and more personal. Eco-consciousness is a core value for Gen Z, and their weddings reflect that. You’ll see secondhand wedding dresses, digital invitations, local seasonal catering, and sustainable florals.
They’re also mindful of the impact of their celebrations—emotionally, environmentally, and financially. Many are skipping extravagance for intention, and it's making weddings more soulful, inclusive, and beautiful.
This generation loves moody color palettes, vintage-inspired decor, and layered visual storytelling. It’s less about trends, and more about vibe.
Rewriting the Rules
Gen Z is ditching the “must-dos” and creating celebrations that work for them. Elopements, weekday weddings, and nontraditional ceremonies are all on the rise.
They’re skipping first dances, tossing out garter traditions, and rethinking what it means to “make it official.” At the heart of it all? A desire for truth, not tradition. If you’re a couple reading this—know that your wedding doesn’t have to follow a script. You have permission to make it entirely your own. Let your wedding be a love story told in your language with images and moments that will live far beyond the day itself.
⸻ Let’s connect
*I respond personally to every inquiry. I’m based in Greece, but I travel wherever your story takes me. Let’s create something unforgettable.
