Who Stands on What Side of the Altar? An Expert Guide

Who Stands on What Side of the Altar?

A Wedding Photographer’s Guide to Ceremony Layout, Traditions & What Actually Matters

Planning a wedding is like choreographing a beautiful dance — blending love, tradition, and logistics. One often-overlooked detail that shows up in nearly every wedding photo is this: who stands on what side of the altar?

It might seem like a small thing, but your positioning affects how your ceremony looks, feels, and photographs — and the “right” answer depends on your culture, traditions, and personal preferences.

In this guide, we break down the most common ceremony styles — and offer helpful tips to make the most of this moment.

And if you’re still looking for the perfect wedding photographer? Download our free checklist to help you choose the right fit and stay organized throughout your planning.

✝️ Christian Wedding Ceremonies

In traditional Christian weddings, the bride stands on the left and the groom on the right (from the guests’ point of view). This dates back to medieval Europe, where the groom stood on the right to keep his sword arm free to defend his bride.

Today, it’s a more romantic visual — the bride stands closest to the groom’s heart.

✡️ Jewish Wedding Ceremonies

In Jewish weddings, it’s the opposite: the bride stands on the right and the groom on the left, often joined under the chuppah by their parents. This tradition may stem from scripture that places the bride at the groom’s right hand — a position of honor and blessing.

🕉 Hindu Wedding Ceremonies

In Hindu ceremonies, the bride actually changes sides. She may start on the groom’s right and move to his left once the marriage is official — symbolizing the closeness to his heart and their unity.

🌈 LGBTQ+ Ceremonies

For LGBTQ+ couples, there are no set traditions — and that’s the beauty of it. Placement is entirely flexible. A professional officiant can help choreograph a layout that feels personal, inclusive, and logistically smooth.

What to Consider When Choosing Sides

If you’re not bound by cultural or religious tradition, here are some practical considerations to guide your decision:

☀️ 1. Light & Sun Placement

For outdoor weddings in Montreal or the Eastern Townships, lighting is everything. You don’t want the sun in your eyes — or harsh shadows in your photos. Visit your ceremony site at the same time of day to see how the light falls, or ask your photographer for advice.

👗 2. Dress Details & Hair Parting

Got dramatic ruffles on one side of your dress? Want your hairstyle or veil to be visible from the aisle? Let these details guide your positioning so guests and your photographer get the best view.

📸 3. Photo Angles

As wedding photographers based in Bromont and serving Montreal & Quebec, we often help couples arrange their positioning to optimize lighting and facial visibility. A slight adjustment can make a huge difference in how your photos turn out.

👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 4. Parent Experience

Traditionally, parents sit on the same side as their child. But many couples now place their parents on the opposite side, so they can see your face during the vows — a simple tweak that creates a more emotional experience for your closest loved ones.

But Really — Does It Matter?

In short: not unless you want it to.

Your wedding ceremony is about your love, not just the logistics. It’s about the promises you make, the people who witness them, and the story you’re beginning together. Whether you choose to honor long-standing traditions or create something completely your own, the most important thing is that your choices reflect you — your values, your connection, and the life you're building together.

The side you stand on, the order of the procession, the way the light falls — these are small details that shape the feel of the moment. But they’re not about perfection. They’re about presence. What truly matters is being grounded in that moment with your partner, feeling the emotion of it all, and knowing it’s being captured with care.

As photographers, we’re there to preserve that feeling — the way your hands shake slightly, the look exchanged before the vows, the quiet tear your parent wipes away. So yes, planning matters. But it should always serve the heart of the day: your love story.

Final Thoughts From Your Wedding Photographers

At Mandy & Randy Weddings, we’ve photographed dozens of ceremonies across Montreal, Bromont, and the Eastern Townships — from church weddings to mountaintop elopements to backyard celebrations.

And if there’s one thing we’ve learned, it’s this: no matter where you stand or sit, what matters most is how it feels — and how well it’s captured.

📸 Ready to talk about your wedding day?
Reach out to us — we’re happy to answer your questions and help you plan a ceremony that’s both meaningful and photogenic.