How I accidentally became a civil wedding & engagement photographer in Vienna ...
Hi, I'm Anastasiia, a photographer based in Vienna. And I never planned to photograph weddings. Until this August.
How a trip to Cannes turned into a civil wedding in Monaco
I was planning a personal trip to Cannes when I saw a friend looking for a photographer in Monaco, just an hour away by train, for the same dates. I'm a spontaneous yes-sayer, so I reached out. It turned out she needed someone for her civil wedding ceremony.
I was upfront about my experience. I had assisted a high-class photographer at a civil wedding and shot some film, but I'd never been the lead photographer for a couple. I was ready to hear "no, thank you." Instead, I heard yes.
Learning fast: free shoots for Vienna couples
I had one month before the trip. The fastest way to learn is to practice, so I offered free photoshoots to Vienna couples about to make it official.
Three lovely couples said yes, and I'm still thankful to the women's community NIWA for helping me find them. Those sessions taught me how to:
Stay calm and unobtrusive during short, emotional civil ceremonies
Work with Vienna's light and locations, from the registry office to nearby parks and streets
Guide couples who aren't used to posing, so the photos feel natural
A month later, I photographed the wedding in Monaco, and it went beautifully. (Scroll through the gallery below and judge for yourself.)
Photography for civil weddings in Vienna
Civil weddings are intimate, quick and full of emotion. You often have a short window for the ceremony itself, so a photographer who is relaxed, prepared and quietly present matters. I can cover:
The ceremony: the vows, the rings, the first kiss, the reactions of your closest people
Portraits after the ceremony: a short, relaxed session in a Vienna location that suits you
Small celebrations: the toast, the family photos, the in-between moments
Engagement photoshoots in Vienna
Not ready for a wedding yet, or want to celebrate before it? An engagement shoot is a relaxed way to get comfortable in front of the camera, and you leave with photos you'll actually use, for save-the-dates, invitations or just your walls.
Surprise engagement photography in Vienna
Planning to propose? I can be there to capture the moment, discreetly. You tell me the place and the plan, and I'll blend in as a passerby or a tourist so your partner never suspects a thing. You get the real reaction, the happy tears included.
Why work with me
I'm not a big studio, and I won't pretend to be. You get one photographer who is personally invested in your day, who has put in the practice, and who treats your civil wedding as the huge moment it is.
Frequently asked questions
Do you photograph civil weddings in Vienna?
Yes. I photograph civil ceremonies and the portraits afterwards.
Can you photograph a surprise proposal?
Yes. We'll agree on the location and timing in advance, and I'll stay discreet.
Do you travel outside Vienna?
Yes. I've photographed a wedding in Monaco, so I'm happy to travel for the right occasion.
How do I book?
Send me a message on Instagram with your date and plans, or fill in the contact form.
Let's talk about your day
If you're getting married in Vienna, planning a proposal, or want an engagement shoot, see my work on Instagram and send me a message: instagram.com/iseeanastasi
