What is a wedding painter? A guide to adding live art to your wedding

A wedding is a day filled with unforgettable moments, and while photos and videos capture the magic, there’s something truly timeless about seeing it brought to life on canvas by a skilled wedding painter.

Not only is it a gorgeous keepsake – for you and your loved ones – they're a great talking point and source of entertainment for your guests.

What is a wedding painter?

A wedding painter is an artist who creates a painting of a wedding in real time, or helps to design a piece of art with guests. 

There are a lot of different options for the services wedding painters can provide – these can range from portraying a scene of the day chosen by the couple, like the ceremony or the first dance – to painting individual or couple portraits of guests during cocktail hour.

Are there different styles of wedding painters?

Yes! There are the more traditional artists like Daria van Vliet of Wedding Artwork and artist Cheryl Morrice who utilise easels, brushes and watercolour paints, but there are also artists like Hannah Benson of What Hannah Does who have opted for a digital approach.

"I am a fashion illustrator," Hannah explains, "My figures are all elongated and elegant in true fashion illustration style. I sketch my illustrations on an iPad using a brush which mimics the strokes of a marker.

"Going digital allows me to print out multiple copies and make up group illustrations for the guests and couples to enjoy multiple prints!"

Where do wedding painters get their inspiration from?

Daria van Vliet of Wedding Artwork has a background in classical fine arts training, which she brings into her ceremony paintings and guest portraits – "balancing a good level of detail with relaxed, artistic characters to create pieces that are both refined and reflect the emotion of the day."

"My colour palette and composition choices are inspired by the ambiance and emotions of each wedding. I draw from the surroundings, floral compositions, the couple’s style, and the unique atmosphere of the day."

What does a wedding painters' preparation process look like ahead of the day?

Commonly each wedding painter will ensure they've had at least one call with the couple pre-booking, as well as ensure they are familiar with the venue and any relevant on-the-day set-up practicalities. 

Artist Cheryl Morrice says, "I usually have a zoom chat with the couple pre-booking. I explain my packages and what will happen on the day. It should never be assumed that they know what to expect. I then liaise with the venue or organiser for practical set-up bits. On the day I pop over and make sure I say hello to the couple."

Do I need to provide anything for the wedding painter?

Typically no – just be sure either yourselves or your venue have communicated with the artist in advance so they know where they are able to set up.

Daria of Wedding Artwork says, "My goal is to enhance the experience for both the couple and their guests, so I’m flexible in working with whatever set-up suits them best.

"I typically bring my own table and all necessary equipment, setting up in the drinks reception area or the dinner/party space. However, I’m always happy to relocate as needed to ensure everyone can enjoy watching the unique process of hand-painted artwork come to life!"

Due to the digital nature of her work however, artists like Hannah of What Hannah Does, does have one additional request – a plug socket.

"I don’t need much space at all – for my smaller set up I would say a minimum of around one square metre, and for my larger bookings, up to around four metres (see this set-up in the top image), however I do need to be fairly close to a plug socket."

How far in advance should couples book wedding painting services?

As with most popular wedding services – the sooner the better.

At Wedding Artwork, Daria recommends "ideally a minimum of 12 months in advance – especially for summertime weddings.

"This ensures a more likely availability for their wedding date and gives us plenty of time to discuss all the details to make their painting truly special."

But both Cheryl and Daria suggest still reaching out if your wedding day is sooner that that, as they're always more than happy to check their availability. 

Cheryl adds, "I often have last minute requests when brides-to-be find my art on social media or realise they have a little budget left for something extra." 

What are some popular wedding painting packages?

For Cheryl, 'Illustrate my day’ is her most popular package. "For this option, I attend the wedding and look for sweet little scenes to be turned into watercolour vignette style paintings.

"These are displayed and framed for the end of the event. Guests love to see these and the couple loves to give them away as gifts to relatives."

Daria shares that her most popular package is her 'Heirloom Heritage', which offers both a ceremony painting, chosen guest portraits and 60 thank-you cards featuring a print of their ceremony painting.

"This is closely followed by the 'Masterful Moments' package," Daria adds, "which offers guest portraits of all the guests, no matter how grand or intimate the wedding is."

For digital illustrator Hannah, a six-hour booking is her most common request. "This allows me to cover your cocktail hour (three hours), break for dinner, then pick up again for your evening guests for a further three hours."

Can wedding paintings and portraits be personalised?

Yes! The artists are more than happy to take onboard any personal details couples may like to add to their paintings.

Daria of Wedding Artwork says, "All my guest portraits are personalised with luxury gold-foiling of the happy couple's names, venue and wedding date. On the other hand, my ceremony paintings incorporate meaningful details like the couple's venue, floral arrangements, or special decor."

Hannah of What Hannah Does, prides herself not only on endless options for personalisation (from names to wedding day logos) but also her large variety of colours to choose from. 

"For my colours and patterns I try to match these as close to the guests as possible. As I sketch on the iPad I have endless colours available so I can get these super close."

Can wedding painters include special details or people in the painting?

Have a friend, family member or even a pet that sadly is unable to attend your special day?

"I have been asked to add characters into the painting that have passed away – a grandparent or father for example. This is always a little surprise for guests and a lovely memory to honour the relative," Cheryl Morrice shares.

Elevate your wedding day with these top Scottish entertainment suppliers