20+ Emotional Wedding Photos of Beautiful Moments

Wedding days are often some of the most emotional days in a person’s life. From the moment the bride walks down the aisle to the final dance at the reception, weddings are full of cherished memories waiting to be created. And it is precisely this emotional charge that makes weddings so beautiful. On this special day, two people declare their love for one another in front of their closest friends and family, pledging to spend the rest of their lives together. For many people, weddings serve as a reminder of their own happy relationship. They may look at the bride and groom and see their own future, complete with children and grandchildren. For others, weddings bring back all of the fondest memories of the time spent with the bride and groom, bringing tears to the eyes of family and close friends. In this article, we’ll showcase 20+ emotional wedding photos of these beautiful moments.

The following images were selected from the images submitted to the feature challenges in our Awards section.

Preparation Before the Wedding

The wedding preparation moments prior to the wedding ceremony are often filled with excitement, anticipation and other strong emotion. Whether the tears fall when seeing certain family members for the first time that day or when the bride reads a note from her soon-to-be husband, these beautiful moments are some of the most impactful and memorable parts of the wedding day.

Photo by Jay Henington (Website | Wedding Maps Profile) in Chicago, Il.

Photo by SMJ Photography (Website | Wedding Maps Profile) at Excelsior in Lancaster, PA

Photo by Raph Nogal (Website | Wedding Maps Profile) at Old Mill in Toronto, Ontario Canada

Emotional Kids at Weddings

The kids at the wedding are often swept up in the emotion of the moment as well. See some of favorite tearful moments with kids at weddings below.

Photo by Holding and Co (Website | Wedding Maps Profile) at Pala Mesa Resort in Fallbrook, CA

Photo by Jeff Tisman (Website | Wedding Maps Profile) at The Ashford Estate

Wedding First Look

A wedding first look is an emotional moment for a variety of reasons. For many couples, it’s the first time they’ve seen each other on their wedding day. The excitement and anticipation of finally being able to see each other can be overwhelming. In addition, the first look is often a very intimate moment. Couples have a chance to share a personal moment together before the hustle and bustle of the wedding ceremony and reception begin. The first look can also be a very emotional moment for family members and friends who are watching. It’s a special moment to witness two people who are deeply in love finally seeing each other on their wedding day. See some of our favorite photos from this part of the wedding day.

Photo by Kristin Cheatwood (Website | Wedding Maps Profile) at Hemingway Memorial Park in Sun Valley, Idaho

Photo by Stefani Ciotti (Website | Wedding Maps Profile) at Phipps Conservatory and Botanical Gardens in Pittsburgh, PA

Photo by Party of Two (Website | Wedding Maps Profile) at Sweet Magnolia Estate in Cornelius, NC

Photo by Thien Tong (Website | Wedding Maps Profile) at Ana Mandara Villas Dalat Resort & Spa in Đà Lạt, Việt Nam

Photo by Jessie and Dallin (Website | Wedding Maps Profile) at Oak Hills Reception and Event Center in Layton, UT

Photo by Jay Cassario (Website | Wedding Maps Profile) at Vault 634 in Allentown, PA

Photo by Dan Sauer (Website | Wedding Maps Profile) at The Grand in Long Beach, CA

Tearful Ceremonies

Of course the actual wedding ceremony often brings out tears from the bride, groom, and all of the wedding guests. Whether it’s grandpa remembering all of the incredible moments in his granddaughter’s childhood or a bridesmaid being swept away with the vows, each person is experiencing these emotional moments in his or her own way. See some of our favorite tearful moments from the wedding ceremony.

Photo by Shane Trotter (Website | Wedding Maps Profile) in Bridgeport, CA

Photo by Jeroen Savelkouls (Website | Wedding Maps Profile) at Klooster Bethlehem in Haren The Netherlands

Photo by Lets Make a Memory (Website | Wedding Maps Profile) at Sierra La Verne in La Verne, CA

Photo by Creando Fotos (Website | Wedding Maps Profile) at in Monterrey, México

Emotional Reception Toasts

A wedding toast is an emotional moment because it is a time to celebrate the happy couple and their new life together. It is also a time to reflect on the past, and to look forward to the future. For the the speakers, it is a chance to express their well-wishes and show their support for the couple. And for the couple themselves, it is a moment to feel loved and cherished by their friends and family. In short, a wedding toast is emotional because it is a time of joy, love, and hope.