20+ Funny, Sweet, and Tear-Jerking Grandparent Moments at Weddings

Your wedding day is about more than just saying “I do” to your life partner. It’s also about celebrating the people who brought you to this moment – people like your parents, siblings, best friends, and of course, your grandparents. They’ve witnessed and helped guide you throughout your life; and for many, their sacrifices are what paved the way for your family to succeed. As such, their presence on your wedding day brings unparalleled warmth, joy, and emotion.

From sweet first looks to hilarious dance floor moments, honoring your grandparents at your wedding is a meaningful way to connect the past, present, and future. Here are 20+ funny, sweet, and tear-jerking grandparent moments to inspire your big day!

Sweet Candid Moments

Some of the most heartwarming wedding photos are the unplanned moments—a grandmother adjusting your wardrobe, a quiet hand squeeze before walking down the aisle, or a big bear hug after the ceremony. These candid interactions are the ones you’ll cherish forever.

Pro Tips:

• Consider having your grandparents be present for your prep as you get ready for the big moment.
• As you visit your tables during the reception, spend a little extra time at your VIP tables and share some time with your grandparents.
• Make sure your photographer knows how important these moments are to you so they can capture them as they unfold naturally.

Photo by Mauricio Urena at Hotel Buena Vista Chic in Alajuela Costa Rica

Photo by The Macmeekens at Private Estate in Fort Worth, Texas United States of America

Photo by Kevin Heslin at Private Residence in Nantucket Island, MA USA

Photo by Jeff Tisman at Park Chateau in East Brunswick NJ United States

Photo by The Greens Photo at Prospect Park Boathouse in New York NY USA

Photo by Party of Two at Springhill Suites Charlotte City Center in Charlotte, NC United States

First Look with the Grandparents

First looks aren’t just for you and your partner! Scheduling a first look with your other loved ones, such as your grandparents, is a beautiful way to make them feel special and capture their emotional reaction to seeing you all dressed up. You can even combine first looks with all of your family members. Watching their eyes light up with pride and joy as they see you for the first time has the potential to be one of the most unforgettable moments of your day.

Pro Tips:

• Plan your first look in a quiet, private space to make it even more intimate and memorable.
• Since the day is busy, first looks with the family can be faster and less formal. Consider having it in the bridal suite to keep it efficient.
• Don’t let it cause any delays in your wedding day.

Photo by In Love and Adventure at Telluride, Colorado in Telluride, Colorado USA

Photo by JCM Photography at Private Home in Jackson, WY United States

Grandparents During the Ceremony

Incorporating grandparents into your ceremony is a meaningful way to honor their legacy and their impact on your life. Including them in these moments shows them just how valued they are, and it’s a beautiful way to bring generations together.

Consider giving your grandparents a special role during the ceremony. Here are a few ideas:

• Walk down the aisle as part of the processional.
• Hold your wedding rings during the ceremony.
• Perform a reading or a blessing.

Pro Tips:

• If your grandparents aren’t able to participate physically, consider honoring them by displaying their wedding photos at your ceremony or reception.
• Express the importance of candid photos of your grandparents during the ceremony to your photographers.

Photo by Marie Filonenko at Zamek von Treskow in Poznań Poland
Photo by Jessie and Dallin at Country Weddings and Events in Hooper, UT United States
Photo by Ether Photography at Madison Greenhouse in Toronto Canada
Photo by 4 Eyes Photography at Zoo in Calgary in Calgary, AB Canada
Photo by Katinov Photography Website at Pazardzhik Bulgaria in Pazardzhik Bulgaria
Photo by Buffy Goodman at The Mirage in Edmonton Canada

Capturing the Generations

One of the most powerful wedding photos you can take is a multi-generational portrait. Try capturing a photo side-by-side with your parents and grandparents. These photos are timeless treasures that tell the story of your family’s legacy.

Photo by JCM Photography at Meadow View Events in McConnels, SC United States

Grandparents at the Reception

Your grandparents can be the life of the party during the reception! From heartfelt dances to dance floor antics, these moments are sure to bring smiles to everyone’s faces.

Ideas to Include Grandparents at the Reception:

• Share a special dance with your grandparents.
• Dance with them during open dancing.
• Have them give a toast or speech.
• Have them participate in the bouquet toss or garter toss
• Create a “legacy table” with their wedding photos and love stories.

Photo by WStefani Ciotti at Stoney Ridge Villa in Azle, TX USA
Photo by Jeff Tisman at Full Moon Resort in Big Indian NY United States
Photo by Heritage House at Water’s Edge in Centerport, NY United States

Funny Moments and Portraits

It doesn’t have to be all sentimental and emotional when it comes to photos of your grandparents. Some grandparents can bring a unique sense of humor to wedding days. Whether they’re photobombing portraits, cracking jokes, or striking playful poses, these moments make for some of the most fun wedding photos.

Some of the best shots might include:

• Your grandparents making silly faces.
• Grandparents holding up funny signs in a photobooth
• Even … Grandparents taking shots?

See some of these funny moments in the photos below.

Photo by Jessie and Dallin at The Ledges in St. George, UT United States
Photo by Andy Sidders Photography at Totteridge Cricket Club in London UK

More Examples of Grandparents at Weddings

Looking for more ways to make your grandparents feel special on your big day?

Here are a few ideas:

• Something Old: Incorporate a family heirloom from your grandparents into your attire.
• Special Seating: Reserve front-row seats for your grandparents during the ceremony.
• Personalized Gifts: Give your grandparents a thoughtful gift, like a framed photo from your wedding day.
• Legacy Dance: Have a special dance to honor all married couples, with your grandparents leading the way.

Here are a few more of our favorite photos of grandparents at weddings for your inspiration.

Photo by Geoffer Lopez at Privite Property in Santo Domingo, Heredia Costa Rica

Photo by Picturist Photography at Private Property in Santa Cruz, California United States

Photo by Charles Moll at Bodhi Farms in Bozeman Mt USA

Conclusion

Your grandparents are a link to your family’s history; and including them in your wedding is a beautiful way to honor their legacy. Whether it’s a sweet first look, a candid hug, or a hilarious dance floor moment, the time you spend with your grandparents on your wedding day will be moments you cherish forever.