Tenerife has light and landscapes that make wedding photos spectacular almost by default. But there are things that depend on the couple, not the photographer — and they change the final result a lot.

1. Pick the right time for the couple portraits

The “golden hour” — the hour before sunset — is when the light in Tenerife is softest, warmest and most cinematic. If you can schedule couple portraits during that window, the result is completely different from midday, when the southern sun is harsh and creates strong shadows on faces.

Talk to your photographer about when that moment falls for the time of year and plan the day around it.

2. Scout the location before the big day

The south of Tenerife has spots most couples discover on the wedding day itself. The cliffs of Los Gigantes, the dunes of El Médano, the gardens of some Costa Adeje hotels — if you don’t know them beforehand, the wedding day is not the best time to explore.

Go beforehand. That way on the day of the wedding you know exactly where to go, how long it takes to get there and what to expect.

3. Block real time for photos

Wedding timings always slip. The reception starts late, guests take time to sit down, speeches run long. If couple portraits were left to the end without a fixed time, that’s the first thing to disappear.

Block that time in the schedule like any other part of the ceremony — because that’s what it is.

4. Coordinate colours with the surroundings

Tenerife has very different landscapes: volcanic black, mountain green, deep sea blue, the white of southern country estates. The colours of the dress and suit can contrast with or blend into the setting.

You don’t need to plan it down to the millimetre, but it’s worth thinking about whether you’ll be shooting on a black exterior (like the volcanic-sand beaches) or in green gardens — dark tones work differently in each case.

5. Switch off from the guests for a while

The photos you’ll love most over time aren’t usually the formal ones with family — they’re the ones of the couple alone, relaxed, looking at each other. And that’s harder to get when 80 people are around waiting.

Reserving even 30 minutes just for the two of you during the portrait session completely changes the quality of those images.

If you’re planning a wedding in South Tenerife and looking for a photographer, get in touch — we’ll tell you with no commitment whether we’re a fit for what you need.