Tolkien Wedding Inspiration

First a disclaimer: these Tolkien wedding inspiration photos are from a styled shoot, not a real wedding. It’s meant for inspiration only

I think that’s important to disclaim when photos are from a styled shoot, because real couples don’t always realize that the images they see in magazines and on wedding blogs don’t come from real weddings. The flexibility and timeline of a styled shoot means that we vendors, photographers especially, have time to do things that may not be possible on a real wedding day (unless the couple really wants to make them a priority). We aren’t having to juggle a timeline or any of the other tasks that pop up on real wedding days.

Styled shoots also involve teams of vendors doing their job for free, whether it’s to make connections with one another, get some exposure, or simply to have a creative outlet. So keep that in mind when you’re looking at wedding inspiration images. If you actually total up what a lot of styled shoots would cost when brought to life at a real wedding, you’d probably be in the >$40k budget range. End disclaimer.

This styled shoot was thought up by my friend Stephanie from Elope NC/Beauty & the Budget Events. She wanted to set up a Tolkien wedding, and reached out to me, because surprise, surprise, I’m a giant nerd! We turned it into a bit of a vow renewal for our friends Kate & Michael from MKM Photography. Another friend, Carly, officiated, and they even had awesome elf ears for the occasion.

Favorites from this Tolkien wedding styled shoot:

Marry someone who reacts like this even though you’ve been together 14 years!

One of the ceremony backdrop options at Windy Hill Farm:

Our magical elf officiant Carly:

Yes, those are real tears from both Kate & Michael. And yes, Kate a tattoo in Elvish!

The chaos of being parents <3

While we were doing Michael & Kate’s vow renewal, Stephanie was getting the reception scene picture perfect!

Sarah providing some lovely music while we oohed and ahed over the Tolkien wedding reception details.

To end the day, Kate & Michael took some lanterns into the “forest”

The whole Tolkien wedding styled shoot team:

Planner: Elope NC x Beauty & The Budget
Venue: Windy Hill Farms
Kate’s Dress: Beautiful & Borrowed Bridal (has since closed, unfortunately)
Michael’s tux: Bernard’s Formal Wear
Hair: Reverie Hair Co
Makeup: Erin Kelly Makeup
Jewelry: Diamonds Direct
Rentals: Curated Events
Custom Signage: Con Amor by Sucetty
Officiant: Magical Weddings by Carly
Florals: Green Thumb Floral Boutique
Catering: Unicorn Charcuterie Boutique
Cake: Captivate Cake Studio
Musician: Hummingbird Harmonies

Want to see a real Tolkien wedding? Christa & Zach’s intimate affair was amazing!