Charlotte Documentary Wedding Photographer

Real moments. Honest storytelling. Photos that feel like your day—not a photo shoot.

You don’t need to perform for the camera. You need someone who can see what’s happening and preserve it—quiet moments, chaos, laughter, nerves, and the people you’ll miss someday.

Serving Charlotte, NC + the Carolinas

More information on our wedding photography

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A wedding ceremony on a rooftop of Nuvole Rooftop Twenty Two, with the bride and groom embracing and surrounded by family and friends, city skyline in the background.

A man in a suit appears to be giving a heartfelt speech while wiping away tears during a wedding reception at The Duke Mansion; a woman in a white dress, likely the bride, listens attentively by Charlotte photographer Brandon Pickett

Bride and groom at their outdoor wedding ceremony by the water, holding hands above the podium, with seated guests and boats in the background in Cornelius, NC. by Charlotte photographer Brandon Pickett

A bride in a wedding gown sitting on stairs while a man in a suit stands nearby, looking down at her.

A bride hugging a smiling man outdoors under a tree. The man is holding a bouquet of white flowers, and they are both smiling.

A bride and groom holding hands and dancing outdoors at night, under string lights in a wooded area.

A group of people gathered in a living room decorated for Christmas, with two people kissing near a Christmas tree, while others watch and smile. Some are seated, holding drinks, and one person stands nearby.

A black and white photo of a group of people at a wedding ceremony, sitting in rows outside, with some family members visibly emotional, one woman appears to be wiping tears from her eyes.

A young couple holding hands and looking at each other outdoors among trees with autumn leaves.

A black and white photo of a wedding reception with a bride and groom dancing in the foreground, blurred, at night under string lights, with guests standing and observing in the background.

A wedding ceremony taking place on a beach with five people, including two men and two women, and a bride in a white wedding dress and veil. The bride is smiling as the two men, likely her father and another guest, are emotional and smiling. The woma

Two women, one in a white suit and the other in a lace wedding dress, standing close and holding hands inside a house, seen through a window at night.

A bride hugging a groom while holding a bouquet of white flowers.

A bride and a man, possibly her father, walking outdoors after a wedding ceremony. The bride is wearing a white off-shoulder wedding dress and holding a bouquet of flowers, while the man is dressed in a black suit with a bow tie and boutonniere. They

A man and woman holding hands outdoors on a fall day, wearing casual clothing; the man is in beige pants and a white shirt, and the woman is in a blue dress with a watch on her wrist.

A bride and groom holding hands and smiling at each other outside in front of a white house with large windows.

A couple holding hands and walking on a lawn, smiling at each other, outdoors in front of a house with green bushes and trees.

Black and white photo of a bride in a wedding dress holding a bouquet of flowers, smiling as she descends a staircase.

Black and white photo of a marriage ceremony taking place on a beach, with a man and woman exchanging rings or vows, and an officiant holding a book in the foreground.

Wedding ceremony in a forest with a group of guests standing on a wooden platform. The officiant is at the podium, and bridesmaids and groomsmen are lined beside him. Guests are seated and standing, some holding bouquets, with trees in the background

What “Documentary” Means (and why it matters)

Documentary wedding photography is built around what’s real. I don’t script your day or manufacture reactions. I work quietly, anticipate moments, and document the story as it unfolds—so you can stay present instead of being directed all day.

That means:

Minimal interruption
Natural portraits when it makes sense (without the cringe)
Story-first coverage that includes the in-between moments you didn’t know you’d want

Brides Father smelling bouquet during wedding by Charlotte photographer Brandon Pickett

Wedding Photography in Charlotte, NC

Weddings move fast. The best parts don’t announce themselves. My job is to catch what matters—your people, your energy, your relationships—so your photos still hit hard 10 years from now.

Over 300 weddings captured.

You’ll get:

Candid, photojournalistic coverage with intention
Images that show the full story (not just highlights)
A calm presence on a day that can get chaotic
Guidance when you need it, space when you don’t

What It’s Like to Work Together

1) Reach out
Tell me what you’re planning, your date/location (if you have it), and what matters most. Full day coverage starts at $3,200. See pricing info

2) Simple planning
We’ll lock in coverage, expectations, and the kind of experience you want—so you’re not guessing.

3) Live your day
I’ll document it with a story-first approach and deliver a gallery built to be felt, not just scrolled.

Erin S.(Wedding in Charlotte, NC-2024)

“We absolutely love our wedding photos. We barely even noticed him at our wedding, yet he delivered so many stunning photos of the most beautiful moments ”

Jane C. (Wedding in Charlotte, NC- 2025)

“Brandon’s photos were beautiful, intimate, moving and they give a unique perspective of our wedding. It was truly a joyful experience filled with love, fun and happiness. Best wedding photographer in Charlotte! ”

Recent Wedding Galleries

Check out more wedding photography below. From big wedding venues, to small, intimate backyard weddings. Go to our style page to learn more about our approach.

Brandon- a full-time wedding photographer, has photographed over 300 weddings, professionally.

emotional and candid moment in Charlotte, NC. by Brandon Pickett Photography

Nuvole Rooftop TwentyTwo Wedding Photography

Nuvole Rooftop TwentyTwo wedding of Carey & Jonathan

Groom kissing brides hand at The 1932 Barn in Charlotte by documentary wedding photographer Brandon Pickett

The 1932 Barn Wedding Photography

Marvin & Reyna’s wedding at The 1932 Barn

Why Choose A Documentary Photographer?

emotional moment by charlotte wedding photographer Brandon Pickett

You can fully experience your wedding day — not pose through it.

As a documentary wedding photographer that focuses on real moments as they happen, allowing couples in Charlotte, NC to stay present with their guests instead of being pulled away for staged photos.

girl admires her ring after engagement by documentary wedding photographer Brandon Pickett

Your wedding photos reflect genuine emotion and real connection.

Instead of recreating moments for the camera, documentary photography preserves the genuine laughter, quiet glances, and meaningful interactions that make your Charlotte wedding uniquely yours.

gay woman just married laying on bed looking at each other by Brandon Pickett Photography in Charlotte.

Your wedding photos will feel timeless for years to come.

Trends fade, but honest moments don’t. As a candid Wedding Photographer in Charlotte that focuses on truth and connection, creating photographs that still feel meaningful decades later.

Bride and groom holding hands after getting married at The Dairy Barn in Fort Mill, SC. From Brandon Pickett Photography

“Authenticity and feeling, over the newest trend “

FAQs

Do you do group shots?

Yes, I still do formal group shots at most weddings. Even though I photograph 95% of the wedding day completely candid, we can still set 20-30 minutes aside for groups.

Will the couple get time for photos?

Absolutely. If the couple wants to take some time for photos of just them, we can arrange a time after the ceremony.

Are you a full-time photographer

Yes. I have been a full-time photographer for 8 years. I’ve covered over 300 weddings in Charlotte, NC, and across the US.