7 Film Stocks I Hope My Wedding Photographer Shoots With

When it comes to wedding photography, choosing the right film stock can make all the difference in how you capture the magic of the day. Bright beach ceremonies deserve a luscious, slow-speed variety to give the sun space to paint the scene, while moody industrial venues thrive under tungsten balanced film. Each stock offers their own unique qualities that cater to all kinds of weddings and receptions. Here’s our list of seven film stocks that will help tungsten-balancedelevate your wedding photography, along with some tips for making the most of those matrimonial moments.

1. Kodak Portra 400

The Timeless Classic (Color)

Let’s get this one out the way first. There’s no way we’re making a list like this without including Kodak Portra 400. It’s an all-around staple in analog photography for good reason. The color accuracy and fine grain are always my go-to for capturing natural skin tones and true-to-life colors, making it perfect for weddings. Whether you’re shooting an outdoor ceremony under soft daylight or an indoor reception with mixed lighting, Portra 400 delivers consistently beautiful results with the right camera and settings.

It’s also one of the best choices for photographers who need to adapt quickly to changing light conditions. The wide exposure latitude gives you space to creatively overexpose for a softer, dreamier look which will look perfect for romantic wedding albums and larger prints.

Format: 35mm, 120

2. Kodak Gold 200

For Bright Beach Weddings

This one has made an impressive comeback in recent years. If you’re photographing a beach wedding, consider Kodak Gold 200. It loves bright, sunny environments and develops with warm, saturated tones. Perfect for bringing out the blues of the ocean and those golden hues of sandy beaches.

Gold 200 is also one of the more budget-friendly options, making it an excellent choice if you want high-quality results without breaking the bank. Keep in mind that this film works best in well-lit conditions, so it’s most ideal for daytime ceremonies.

Format: 35mm, 120

3. CineStill 800T

For Darker, Industrial Venues

For evening receptions or weddings in industrial-style venues, CineStill 800T will reign supreme. It was originally designed for motion pictures and is specifically balanced for tungsten lighting. This means it handles unflattering overhead lighting with ease. Reach for it if you need something to counterbalance harsh color casts.

CineStill 800T also has a distinct cinematic quality. If the happy couple wants their wedding photos to feel like stills from a romantic film, this is the one. Pro tip: Embrace the halation effect. Highlights will bloom slightly to add a dreamy, otherworldly vibe to your shots.

Format: 35mm, 120

4. Fujifilm 400

For Nature Settings

Nature lovers, this is for you. If you’ve been skipping over Fujifilm 400, give it a proper chance to make the greens and blues of landscapes pop. Use it for stunning scans of outdoor weddings shot in lush gardens, forests, or mountain landscapes.

Fuji 400’s cooler color palette also contrasts beautifully with warm-toned subjects like wooden accents, floral arrangements, and golden-hour light. The consistent quality will help ensure every detail — from the intricate lace of a wedding dress to the texture of tree bark — is rendered beautifully.

Format: 35mm

5. Kodak Portra 160

For Extreme Sunny Conditions

High noon wedding in a picturesque park? Courthouse elopement in the midday sun? The choice is clear: Kodak Portra 160. This low-speed film stock is your go-to for maintaining detail and color accuracy in bright, high-contrast lighting situations. Have a few rolls ready for desert ceremonies, rooftop celebrations, or any setting with intense sunlight.

For even more dynamic results, consider pairing it with PROIMAGE 100 for ever greater brightness latitude, or Cinestill 50D. The combination will offer a balance of soft skin tones and vibrant details, perfect for destination weddings or outdoor summer events.

Format: 35mm, 120

6. Ilford HP5 Plus

The Timeless Classic (B&W)

For timeless black-and-white wedding photography, is the one. It’s got a fine grain and wide tonal range that can capture the emotional depth and elegance of those touching wedding moments. Have it ready to shoot for the bride’s first look or the couple’s first dance.

If you’re looking for a more dynamic alternative,Ilford Delta 400 is another excellent choice available in 35mm. Both stocks are extremely forgiving when it comes to exposure, giving you wiggle room to experiment with light and shadow to create dramatic, storytelling images.

Format: 35mm, 120

7. Cinestill BwXX

For a Cinematic Look and Feel

Cinestill BwXX is a black-and-white film stock inspired by classic Hollywood films. It has a variable speed with rich contrast and subtle grain. It’s perfect for couples who want to look back on their wedding photos and feel a bit of nostalgia and cinematic drama.

Cinestill BwXX shines in both natural and artificial lighting, making it versatile enough for everything from outdoor ceremonies to candlelit receptions. Choose this for those vintage-themed weddings or couples who’d love a touch of old-Hollywood glamour while capturing their special day.

Format: 35mm