Where Should the Officiant Stand During Your Aruba Wedding Ceremony? (A Photographer’s Perspective)
May 22, 2025
Planning a wedding in Aruba comes with breathtaking views, warm sunshine, and yes—some very important logistical questions. One that often gets overlooked but has a major impact on your photos is: Where should your officiant stand during the ceremony?
As a wedding photographer specializing in luxury destination weddings in Aruba, I’ve seen every possible ceremony setup. And trust me—where your officiant stands can make or break your ceremony photos. So let’s break down the options, the pros and cons of each, and how to make the best decision for your big day.
1. Officiant Standing Behind the Couple (Facing the Guests)
This is the most traditional setup—but honestly, my least favorite for weddings in Aruba. Here’s why:
🚫 The Cons:
The couple has their back to the guests. Which means all your ceremony photos show you facing away from your friends and family.
Squinting into the sun. Aruba’s sunlight is intense. Facing the ocean (where most ceremony arches are placed) means you’ll be staring directly into harsh light during your vows.
The officiant is in every. single. photo. From wide shots of your ceremony to close-ups of your rings—even the first kiss if they don’t step aside quickly enough. It distracts from the emotional focus of the images: you two.
✅ The Pros:
Familiar, traditional structure.
The officiant addresses the crowd directly, which some couples prefer.
2. Officiant Standing in the Middle of the Aisle
This setup is often overlooked—but I absolutely love it from a photographer’s perspective.
✅ The Pros:
You face your guests the entire ceremony. This creates a beautiful connection with your loved ones and makes your vows feel more interactive.
Unobstructed arch photos. Your ceremony arch becomes the perfect, clean backdrop. No distractions—just the two of you.
Clean angles. Your photographer (hi, that’s me 👋🏽) can capture stunning shots without needing to edit someone out of the frame.
🚫 The Cons:
The officiant has to speak from a distance and may need a mic.
Some guests may not be used to this setup.
I photographed Kelsey & Spencer’s wedding at Hyatt Regency Aruba, where the officiant stood in the middle of the aisle—this small change completely elevated the elegance and intimacy of their ceremony.
3. Officiant Standing to the Side of the Couple (and Moving Occasionally)
This is the perfect hybrid approach. The officiant stands to the left or right of the arch—and steps forward when needed (to prompt vows, for example), then moves back out of frame.
✅ The Pros:
Dynamic movement. The officiant can engage both the couple and the guests.
Photos stay clean and centered on you. Most of the time, the arch is yours alone.
Works with any lighting setup. Especially important in sunny Aruba.
🚫 The Cons:
Requires clear communication and a bit of rehearsal so the officiant knows when to move in and out.
You can see this setup beautifully in Jeff & Jay’s wedding at the Hyatt Regency Aruba. Their officiant moved gracefully throughout the ceremony, giving space for intimacy while still guiding the moment. The result? Photos that felt alive and cinematic.
When it comes to weddings in Aruba, the lighting, the backdrop, and the layout all play a part in how your memories are captured. Where your officiant stands may feel like a small detail—but it can completely transform your photos.
If you’re working with a wedding planner, be sure to discuss this at your rehearsal. And if you’re still looking for a photographer who can guide you through the details that truly matter—I’d love to be part of your Aruba wedding.
