Film vs. Digital Wedding Photography: What's the Difference?
You've probably noticed the resurgence of film photography in the wedding industry. Soft tones, organic grain, and that unmistakable warmth — film has a look that digital tries hard to replicate. But is film actually better for weddings? Or is digital the smarter choice?
As a photographer who shoots both digital and film (we offer film as an add-on for our packages), here's an honest comparison to help you decide what's right for your wedding.
The Look: Film vs. Digital
Film
Film has a distinctive aesthetic that's hard to replicate digitally. The colors are rendered with a natural softness — skin tones tend to be warm and flattering, highlights roll off gently instead of clipping harshly, and there's an organic grain that adds texture and depth. Different film stocks (Portra 400, Portra 800, Fuji 400H) each have their own character, much like different filters but more nuanced.
Film also handles light differently. It's more forgiving with highlights, meaning bright wedding dresses and sunlit scenes retain detail naturally. Many couples describe the film look as "timeless" — photos that could have been taken in any era.
Digital
Digital photography offers precision. Colors are accurate, detail is sharp, and modern cameras perform exceptionally well in low light. Digital files can be edited with incredible control — adjusting exposure, color balance, and contrast with surgical accuracy.
Most wedding photographers edit their digital files to achieve a consistent style, and many intentionally emulate the film look through careful color grading. A skilled photographer's digital work can be nearly indistinguishable from film to an untrained eye.
Practical Differences on Your Wedding Day
Shot Count
A roll of medium-format film gives you about 16 frames. A digital memory card holds thousands. This means film photographers are more deliberate with every shot — they compose carefully and wait for the right moment. Digital photographers can shoot freely, capturing rapid sequences and subtle variations.
For fast-moving moments like the ceremony, first dance, or candid reception shots, digital is more reliable. For portraits, detail shots, and composed moments, film's deliberate pace can produce exceptional results.
Low Light Performance
Digital cameras are significantly better in low light. Indoor receptions, dimly lit churches, and evening events are all situations where digital excels. Film can be pushed to higher ISOs, but the grain becomes pronounced and colors shift. If your reception will be dark or heavily reliant on DJ lighting, digital is the safer choice for those moments.
Turnaround Time
Digital photos can be edited and delivered relatively quickly. Film needs to be sent to a professional lab for developing and scanning, which adds time to the delivery process. Most film labs take 1–3 weeks for processing.
Cost Considerations
Film is expensive. Each roll of professional film costs between $10–$15, and developing and scanning adds another $15–$25 per roll. A photographer shooting 20–30 rolls of film at a wedding is spending $500–$1,200 on materials alone — costs that didn't exist with digital. This is why film add-ons and hybrid packages cost more.
That said, many couples feel the investment is worth it for the unique quality of film images, especially for portraits and detail shots.
The Hybrid Approach
Most photographers who offer film use a hybrid approach: digital for the full wedding day coverage (ceremony, reception, candids, getting ready) and film for select moments (portraits, details, romantic shots). This gives you the reliability and volume of digital plus the distinctive beauty of film where it matters most.
At Bokeh Weddings, this is exactly what we offer. Our packages are built on digital coverage, with a film add-on available for couples who want that extra layer of artistry.
Which Should You Choose?
- Choose digital if your priority is full coverage, fast delivery, and consistency across all lighting conditions
- Choose film (or hybrid) if you love the organic, timeless aesthetic and want your portraits to have that distinctive film quality
- Choose hybrid if you want the best of both worlds — reliable digital coverage plus film's beauty for key moments
The most important factor isn't the medium — it's the photographer. A skilled photographer will create beautiful images regardless of whether they're shooting film or digital. Focus on finding someone whose portfolio resonates with you, then discuss the medium.
Curious about our film add-on? Get in touch — I'd love to show you examples and discuss what would work for your wedding.
More from the Journal
Golden Hour vs. Blue Hour: When to Schedule Your Wedding Portraits — Timing your portraits for the best natural light.
What to Expect from Your Engagement Session — Everything you need to know before your first shoot together.
Sherman Library and Gardens Wedding | Janet & Ryan — A real wedding featuring film photography at a Newport Beach garden venue.