Can Muslims take wedding photos and videos?
Yes, in most cases. Many contemporary scholars allow photos and videos at weddings, as long as modesty is kept. That means hijab and covered clothing where men are present, a female photographer for women's areas when possible, and no sharing of pictures that expose women to people they would not normally be seen by.
What scholars say about photography
Scholars have discussed photography for a long time because of hadith that warn against making images of living beings. Today, many scholars see a photograph or video as capturing a reflection, not as creating an image to be worshipped or admired in the way the hadith discuss. For that reason they allow it for ordinary purposes, like family memories.
A smaller group is stricter and allows photos only when needed, such as for ID. If this matters to you, follow a scholar you trust. Most Muslim families photograph weddings and see it as part of announcing and celebrating the marriage. See Can Muslims work as photographers?
Modesty comes first
The Quran asks believers to lower their gaze and women to cover their adornment in front of men who are not close relatives, while listing those they may be unveiled in front of, including their fellow women:
At a wedding this leads to a few practical rules:
- Photographer: if women will be without hijab in a women-only space, use a female photographer and videographer. A male photographer can take pictures of the men's side or of covered guests.
- Bride and groom: couples often keep the main formal photos for the two of them and family, with the bride in modest dress.
- Mixed halls: women who wear hijab in public should keep it on if a male photographer is present.
Sharing pictures and videos
The biggest issue today is not taking the photo but where it goes. A video of the women's section, shared to a family group chat, can reach men who were never meant to see it.
- Share only with people who would be allowed to see it.
- Ask permission before posting anyone, and respect a "no photos" request.
- Keep women's-section footage private, or crop and review it first.
- Avoid posting guests' children without their parents' agreement.
See Can I post photos of my spouse online as a Muslim? and Can I post photos of myself online as a Muslim?
Keeping the day about the marriage
Photos should not become a source of show-off or stress. A long photo session that delays the vows, the meal or the prayer is not worth it. See Is it okay to have a big expensive wedding as a Muslim?
- Most contemporary scholars allow wedding photos and videos; some are stricter.
- Keep hijab and modesty in front of male photographers.
- Use female photographers for women's spaces when you can.
- Be careful who sees and shares the pictures afterwards.
People also ask
Do I have to care for my elderly non-Muslim parents?
Yes, Islam asks you to honour and care for elderly parents even if they are not Muslim, at home, with carers or in a care home if needed.
Read the full answer →Can my husband stop me from seeing my non-Muslim family?
In most cases no: Islam protects family ties, including with non-Muslim relatives. A husband may ask for fair limits but not cut her off entirely.
Read the full answer →Can Muslims have friends of the opposite sex?
It depends: respectful friendships with the opposite sex at work, school and in groups are fine, but private or flirtatious closeness is discouraged.
Read the full answer →Can Muslims have an engagement party?
Yes, Muslims can have an engagement party if it stays modest: no alcohol, no free mixing, no waste, and no acting as if the couple is already married.
Read the full answer →Can Muslims have a mixed-gender wedding?
It depends on how it is organised. Many Muslims separate men and women at weddings; others share one hall with modesty, lowered gazes and no alcohol.
Read the full answer →