Brandon Pickett Photography

Documentary Wedding Photographer

Candid wedding photography in Charlotte, NC—done with intention.

Charlotte Wedding Photography for People Who Want It to Feel Real.

Wedding photography rooted in authenticity, emotion and storytelling.

The Promise

You’re planning one day that moves fast and hits hard—emotionally, socially, logistically. The last thing you need is a photographer turning it into a production.

I photograph weddings with a simple priority: protect the experience, capture the truth, deliver a gallery you’ll still love in 20 years.
That means I’m present and observant when moments happen—and confident and efficient when the day needs direction.

Serving Charlotte, NC and beyond (Asheville • Raleigh • Greenville • Lake Norman • NC/SC)

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 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 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 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 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

You don’t need to “perform” for your wedding photos.

Most couples aren’t models. Most don’t want to spend their entire day being directed. My job is simple: show up calm, pay attention, and document what matters—so your gallery looks like you, not a Pinterest template.

’I’m Brandon Pickett, a documentary wedding photographer in Charlotte, NC, and I specialize in candid, story-driven coverage with timeless photos.

I’ve been shooting weddings in a “documentary” style for 10 years, way before it was popular. We don’t use that term and then proceed to do the opposite on your wedding day. I truly believe it’s the best style for weddings if you want images with feeling.

Check Availability
A smiling woman in a floral dress stands beside a man in a suit under a large tree. The man is pointing and talking to her. There are other people walking in the background in a park.
A couple having a wedding ceremony on a rooftop, with the bride reading vows and the groom listening, surrounded by guests wearing kippahs and seated in front of an urban cityscape.

What “Documentary” Means (and why it matters)

Documentary doesn’t mean hands-off. It means honest.

You may have heard the term “documentary wedding photographer, or “wedding photojournalist”. Simply put, I focus on telling the story of your wedding day without interfering. That means:

  • Candid photos with real emotion (not staged “laugh like you mean it” prompts)

  • Gentle direction when needed (portraits + family formals without the awkwardness)

  • A photographer who blends in and doesn’t turn your wedding into content production

  • A gallery that tells the full story: big moments + the quiet in-between ones

Brides Father smelling bouquet during wedding by Charlotte photographer Brandon Pickett

The results (what you’re actually buying)

Wedding photos that feel human

You’ll remember the ceremony, the speeches, the dance floor—but the photos you end up treasuring are usually the smaller things: your hands shaking, someone wiping a tear, your friends losing their minds during the reception.

That’s what I’m watching for.

If you’re searching for:

  • “Candid wedding photographer Charlotte NC”

  • “Documentary wedding photography Charlotte”

  • “Charlotte wedding photographer who doesn’t pose you the whole day”

…you’re in the right place.

An elderly woman and a man in a cowboy hat are sharing a tender moment, touching foreheads closely.
A black and white photo of two women on a stone wall overlooking a rural landscape. One woman is wearing a wedding dress and veil, holding a bouquet of flowers, and the other woman is wearing a dark coat, hugging her from the side.
A black and white photo of a bride and groom walking along a park path near a lake, with trees and open sky in the background by charlotte wedding photographer Brandon Pickett

The Moments You Didn’t Know Were Happening

Most of your wedding day, I’m quiet—watching, anticipating, and staying out of the way. A true fly-on-the-wall, waiting for the moments that actually matter.

Like this emotional photo of a grandmother hugging her grandson right after he got married at Uwharrie Vineyards & Winery—the kind of moment you can’t plan, pose, or recreate.

Photos like that don’t happen by accident. They happen when your photographer is fully locked in: reading the room, tracking the relationships, and seeing what’s about to happen before it does.

There are a lot of talented wedding photographers in Charlotte. But capturing feeling—the real weight of the day—is a different game entirely.

grandmother hugging her grandson tightly after he just got married in Charlotte. By Brandon Pickett Photography

The Process

Step 1: Inquiry + availability
Send the details you have (date/venue if you know it). If you’re still deciding, that’s fine—we can talk through it.

Step 2: Quick consult
We’ll get clear on what you value: candid coverage, family dynamics, timeline flow, priorities. We can hop on a call or facetime, we can even meet for a coffee, if you prefer!

Step 3: Simple booking
Contract + retainer. After that, you’re locked in.

Step 4: Planning support
I’ll help you think through light, timing, and how to avoid common “we lost 90 minutes” pitfalls.

Step 5: Wedding day coverage + delivery
You’ll receive a curated, fully edited gallery—story-driven, consistent, and complete.

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! ”

Lilly B.(Charlotte 2025)

“Highly recommend to anyone looking for meaningful, high-quality wedding photos that tell a story. His attention to detail truly blew us away. Thank you again for making this wedding so special for our family.”

See full wedding stories — not just highlight reels.

Anyone can post 12 bangers on Instagram. What matters is consistency across an entire wedding day: dark churches, bright sun, messy timelines, and real emotions.

Nuvole Rooftop TwentyTwo Wedding Photography

Nuvole Rooftop TwentyTwo wedding of Carey & Jonathan

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The 1932 Barn Wedding Photography

Marvin & Reyna’s wedding at The 1932 Barn

View our venue page for The 1932 Barn

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Uwharrie Vineyards & Winery Wedding Photography

Intimate outdoor wedding at a winery wedding venue.

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Why Couples Hire Me.

1) Because you want real, not performed

I photograph what’s actually happening—so when you look back, you don’t just see what your wedding looked like. You remember what it felt like.

2) Because you want calm, confident coverage

A wedding day moves fast. I help with structure when it matters, and I don’t add stress when it doesn’t.

3) Because you want images that age well

Trends expire. Real moments don’t. Your gallery will feel timeless because it’s built on reality, not gimmicks.

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 “

bride hugging her mother with emotion while groom smiles at a wedding at The 1932 Barn by Brandon Pickett Photography.

Frequently Asked Questions

  • Perfect. Most people are. You won’t be asked to do cringe prompts. I’ll guide you simply and keep things moving.

  • Enough to tell the full story. The exact number depends on coverage length, guest count, and how your day flows—but you’ll receive a complete, curated gallery.

  • Yes. I photograph weddings across North Carolina and nearby areas. Share your location and I’ll tell you what travel looks like.

  • Inquiry → consult → contract + retainer. Simple, clear, and locked in.

  • Full day wedding coverage packages start at $3,500.

    Packages can be customized to fit your wedding day. Whether its a 10 hour wedding or a 2 hour.

  • Yes, i’ve been a full time photographer for 8 years and have photographed over 300 weddings and over 400 events.

A black and white photo of a couple in wedding attire walking on a trail in a wooded area, with the woman smiling as a man helps carry her dress at Lake Norman by Charlotte wedding photographer Brandon Pickett Photography
emotional wedding photo by Charlotte's most popular documentary wedding photographer Brandon Pickett
A newlywed couple walking down the aisle smiling, with wedding guests on both sides. The bride wears a white gown and the groom wears a black suit with a cream tie. Wedding Ceremony at Nuvole RoofTop by Charlotte photographBrandon Pickett Photography
Wedding photography at The Green in Uptown-Charlotte, NC by photographer Brandon Pickett Photography
A newlywed couple walking down the steps in front of a brick building, surrounded by bubbles. The bride is wearing a white lace wedding dress and holding a bouquet by Brandon Pickett, a charlotte based wedding photographer
Group of people celebrating at an Indian wedding reception, by Indian Wedding Photographer Brandon Pickett Photographer
A wedding ceremony outdoors with the bride walking down the aisle, holding a bouquet, and smiling. The bride is in a white wedding dress, accompanied by an older man in a blue suit. Guests stand on both sides, some taking photos, and two young girls
Timeless, authentic wedding photo by Brandon Pickett Photography in Charlotte, NC
Candid, emotional wedding photography at Alexander Homestead in Charlotte, NC by Brandon Pickett Photography
A couple getting married outdoors, holding hands and smiling, with a friend standing behind them. The scene features a wooden fence, some plants, and outdoor string lights by Brandon Pickett Photography
A wedding scene with a bride and groom smiling and interacting with guests inside a decorated room with Christmas stockings and a Christmas tree.
A man in glasses and a woman are outdoors, with a body of water and trees in the background. The man appears surprised or amused, covering his face with his hand, while the woman is smiling and looking at himby Brandon Pickett Photography
Two men hugging at an outdoor gathering with other people standing nearby at backyard, intimate wedding by documentary wedding photographer Brandon Pickett
A black and white photo of a young couple walking hand in hand outdoors in a park or plaza. The woman is wearing a white lace dress and high heels, while the man is dressed in a dark suit and shoes. Wedding photography at Romare Bearden Park.
People embracing in a wedding celebration, including a bride in a wedding gown and veil, and others showing affection and happiness at The Casey in Charlotte, NCby Brandon Pickett Photography
A bride in a white wedding dress and a groom in a dark suit and tie walking up a staircase with wooden walls and metal railings, smiling at the camera. The Dairy Barn wedding photoby Brandon Pickett Photography in Charlotte
A wedding ceremony taking place on a beach, with a bride holding a bouquet, standing next to a man likely her father, with a priest officiating. By Lake Norman wedding photographer Brandon Pickett Photography
A black and white photo captures a wedding ceremony outdoors in a wooded area. The bride and groom stand on a wooden platform under a decorated arch, surrounded by guests standing and seated, watching the ceremony.
A man and woman hug each other tightly at a social gathering. The man is wearing a cap and glasses, and the woman has glasses and long hair. In the background, several other people are seen, some seated at tables, and a woman taking a photo.
A man holding a beer bottle and a cowboy hat dancing at a party with a group of people clapping and enjoying themselves.by Brandon Pickett Photography in Charlotte, NC
appears to be a black and white wedding photo from Brandon Pickett Photography of two gay married woman kissing on a porch at night.