Planning a Catholic Wedding at St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Blacksburg, VA? 5 Must -Known Tips from a Virginia Catholic Wedding Photographer

Featuring Krystal & Alex’s Wedding Story

Alex & Krystal in St. Mary's Catholic Church in Blacksburg, VA.

Planning a Catholic wedding at St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Blacksburg, Virginia? Whether you’re local to the New River Valley or traveling in for your ceremony, this church offers a beautiful, reverent space filled with tradition, stained glass, and a long aisle for that perfect walk.

I had the honor of photographing Krystal and Alex’s wedding at St. Mary’s, and their day was full of meaningful moments—from heirloom details to quiet vows beneath a tree. Along the way, I also learned a few helpful things that couples should keep in mind when planning a Catholic wedding—especially if you’re hiring a photographer.

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Here are 5 things I recommend every couple know before planning a Catholic wedding at St. Mary’s (or any Catholic church)—told through Krystal and Alex’s day with a Virginia Catholic Wedding Photographer:

Wedding couple walking to a large tree to exchange their vows privately on church property.

1.  Ask Your Church About Photography Restrictions

“Can I have a photographer during a Catholic ceremony?”

Yes—but each church has its own rules. At St. Mary’s, I learned just before the ceremony began that no flash was allowed and my movement would be limited. That’s not uncommon for Catholic churches.

Why it matters: You want a photographer who’s comfortable working in low-light situations and still able to tell the full story of your day, respectfully.

For Krystal and Alex, I captured the groom walking in, then discreetly moved to the back to catch a beautiful moment: her parents seeing her in her dress for the first time and helping her prepare to walk down the aisle. After that, I hurried back up front to catch Alex’s emotional reaction when he saw her.

2.  Make Time for Portraits—Before & After

“When should we do portraits if our ceremony is early in the day?”

Catholic weddings often happen earlier and take more time than shorter, non-religious ceremonies. That means you’ll want to schedule portrait time before and after the ceremony.

For Krystal & Alex:

• We started with detail shots and getting ready coverage.

• Then I did portraits of the groom and his family outside in the bright sun.

• Once Krystal was dressed, we moved outside again for her portraits.

• After the ceremony, we did family portraits and stayed back for bride and groom portraits inside the church and outside beneath a large tree, where they exchanged private vows.

Tip: Ask your photographer to help build a timeline that allows for good light, travel time (if the reception is off-site), and quiet moments between just the two of you.

3.  Tell Your Photographer What Matters Most to You

“How can I make sure my photographer captures what’s important to me?”

Your photographer won’t know unless you tell them! During our planning, Krystal told me that her veil was handmade by her grandmother, who also planned to help her put it on. She wanted that moment captured.

That simple note turned into one of the most emotional parts of their gallery.

Her grandmother carefully placed the pearl-detailed veil on Krystal’s head as sunlight filled the room—it was a once-in-a-lifetime moment we might’ve missed without knowing ahead of time.

Tip: Share 2–3 sentimental or “non-negotiable” moments with your photographer before the big day so they can prioritize them.

Preist praying over the couple during the ceremony.

4.  Pick a Photographer Who Knows How to Adapt

“What happens if our church doesn’t allow flash or movement?”

You don’t need a photographer who’s shot 100 Catholic weddings—but you do need someone who knows how to adapt.

I wasn’t allowed to use flash or move much during Krystal and Alex’s ceremony, but I was still able to:

• Get wide-angle views of the altar

• Capture Alex’s expression as Krystal entered

• Zoom in quietly for candid moments during readings and blessings

• Photograph the emotional moment when her father gave her away

Tip: Ask your photographer:

“Are you comfortable shooting without flash?”

“How do you handle restrictions inside churches?”

Wedding Couple celebrating walking down the aisle.

5.  Make Room for Guest Photos + One Big Group Shot

“Can we get a photo with everyone who attended?”

Yes! And it’s one of my favorite things to include. After family portraits outside the church, we gathered everyone for a full group shot in front of St. Mary’s. It’s such a special way to remember the people who came to celebrate with you.

Later at the reception at Sinkland Farms in Christiansburg, I took photos of guests laughing during toasts, dancing, and enjoying the evening. People spend time choosing their outfits for weddings—and they usually love seeing themselves in the gallery, too.

Tip: Let your photographer know you want some guest coverage and a full group shot. It adds so much joy to your final album.

Large group photo of everyone who attended Krystal and Alexis wedding!

Final Thoughts: A Day Full of Meaning

Krystal and Alex’s wedding day was sacred, emotional, and joy-filled—from the stained glass beauty of St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Blacksburg, to the wide-open charm of Sinkland Farms.

If you’re planning a Catholic wedding in Blacksburg, Christiansburg, or anywhere in the New River Valley, I’d love to help you tell your story—honoring both the traditions and the deeply personal touches that make your day unique.

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