Behind the Lens: A Day in the Life of a Wedding Photographer in Kolkata

Weddings in India are not just ceremonies—they are grand celebrations filled with color, culture, emotion, and timeless traditions. And when it comes to Indian wedding photography, especially in a culturally rich city like Kolkata, every moment is an opportunity to tell a vibrant love story.

At Golden Memories, we specialize in capturing the spirit of Indian weddings across Kolkata and beyond. From pre-wedding rituals to post-wedding customs, we’re there for it all. But what really happens behind the scenes? What does a day in the life of a Kolkata wedding photographer look like?

Behind the Lens of a Kolkata Wedding Photography

Come along for a day behind the lens as we take you through what it’s like to photograph a traditional Bengali wedding, with all its rituals, chaos, and heartwarming moments.

6:00 AM – Early Start to Prepare the Gear

Wedding days begin early—especially in India, where ceremonies can span across multiple days and time slots. We wake up well before dawn to ensure all our camera gear is ready:

Every wedding is different, and Kolkata's diverse wedding venues—from historic rajbaris to luxury banquet halls like PC Chandra Garden, The Oberoi Grand, or Swabhumi—require tailored setups.

8:30 AM – Venue Recce and Detail Shots

We arrive early to the wedding venue, whether it's a traditional Bengali home wedding in North Kolkata or a luxurious reception in Salt Lake. The first task is a visual sweep:

We begin capturing detailed shots of the décor, the mandap, floral arrangements, sarees, jewelry, and the invitation cards—each element meticulously chosen by the families. These shots help tell the story of the day, visually tying it all together.

10:00 AM – Morning Rituals & Haldi Ceremony

The day formally begins with briddhi or nannimukh—auspicious rituals to seek ancestral blessings, usually held in the morning.

After these sacred moments, we capture solo portraits of the bride and groom, utilizing soft daylight and their traditional attire.

Following that comes the Haldi ceremony (Gaye Holud)—one of the most vibrant parts of a Bengali wedding. The bride typically wears a yellow saree with matching floral jewelry, and both the bride and groom are gently smeared with turmeric paste by loved ones. These moments are full of laughter, fun, and bright visuals—perfect for candid photography.

3:30 PM – Bridal & Groom Preparations

As the day transitions into evening, the preparation phase begins. This is where emotions run high and traditions take center stage:

We document all these elements with a candid, respectful eye—preserving nervous giggles, anxious glances, and heartfelt gestures.

5:30 PM – The First Look (or Not)

Some modern Bengali couples now opt for a "first look" session just before the ceremony—a quiet moment where they see each other in full wedding attire before the rituals begin.

While not traditional, this is increasingly popular and gives us a chance to create cinematic, deeply personal portraits. For couples who skip this, we prepare to capture their reactions during the Shubho Drishti later in the evening.

6:00 PM – The Wedding Ceremony (Bibaho)

This is when the celebration reaches its peak. A Bengali wedding ceremony is steeped in timeless customs:

Photographing this sacred chaos takes agility and cultural awareness. We constantly move, adjusting to get the perfect shot—from the glow of the sacred fire to the silent tears of a parent.

11:00 PM – Post-Wedding Rituals & Candid Shots

As the formal wedding concludes, the energy shifts to lighter, more emotional moments. Our cameras focus on:

The goal here is to capture the warmth, joy, and intimacy that follow the formal rituals.

Next Day – Bidai (Farewell Ceremony)

The bidai typically takes place the morning after the wedding. It is one of the most emotional and tearful moments of the entire celebration, as the bride says goodbye to her family and begins a new journey.

We handle these moments with sensitivity—capturing tears, blessings, and final hugs, all while staying as unobtrusive as possible.

Next Day, 7:00 PM – The Reception

Held the evening after the bidai, the wedding reception is a glamorous affair. It’s a time for celebration with extended family, friends, and guests. Venues like ITC Royal Bengal, JW Marriott, or Eco Park Banquets often host these events.

Our approach for receptions includes:

These images reflect the grand, polished tone of the final event.

11:30 PM – Back to Base: Backup and Editing Begins

Back at our studio or editing suite, the first thing we do is back up all the images—twice. Once on physical drives and once on cloud servers.

Then begins the long but satisfying process of:

At Golden Memories, we deliver a mix of edited highlights, full-resolution images, and custom-designed wedding albums for our clients in Kolkata and beyond.

Why Indian Wedding Photography in Kolkata is Special

Kolkata is not just a city—it’s an emotion. Its blend of heritage, art, and tradition makes every wedding unique. As wedding photographers in Kolkata, we get to document a rich tapestry of:

No two weddings are the same, and that’s what keeps our passion alive.

Looking for the Best Wedding Photographer in Kolkata

If you're planning your wedding and searching for an experienced, culturally sensitive, and creative team to capture your big day, Golden Memories is here to help.

We specialize in:

Let us help you turn your once-in-a-lifetime moments into timeless memories.