Redefining the aisle walk: exploring alternatives

If you’re here, maybe traditional wedding moments don’t completely resonate with you. Maybe the idea of being “given away” kinda freaks you out, or maybe you and your partner can’t decide who will walk first and wait for the other person. The whole “bride walks down the aisle” thing doesn’t fit every love story, *especially* if there are two brides or no brides at all. Here are some non-traditional ways to walk down the aisle for all couples!

For LGBTQ+ couples – and couples in general – there’s so much freedom and beauty in reimagining this moment to reflect your love and your dynamic. For some people, this moment can also be uncomfortable for family dynamics, whether not feeling close to a parent or not having a parent part of the day. This is your wedding day. So, whether you’re walking, dancing, or skipping the aisle altogether, here are non-traditional ways to walk down the aisle for you to consider. 🩷

Non-Traditional Walking Down the Aisle *Together*

If you’ve already done a first look, you and your partner can walk in together – hand in hand, arm in arm, whatever feels right. It’s such a powerful way to show you’re entering marriage as equals. Plus, sharing that moment can calm any nerves and make the experience feel even more intimate. If you have a wedding party, they can walk together down the aisle before you both make your entrance. 

Meeting in the Middle and Joining

This one’s beautiful (I’m partial… it’s what my wife and I did): each of you enters from different sides and meets at either the altar or the back of the aisle to then join hands and walk together. There’s tons of room for variation here – you can each have a person or people walk you each to meet each other in the middle, or you can go solo. It’s symbolic of two lives coming together, and it visually represents unity. Plus, it’s perfect if you both want that “walking in” moment while also having a non-traditional way to walk down the aisle.

Escorted by Chosen Family or Friends

Not everyone has the picture-perfect family dynamic, and that can cause some anxiety with the walking down the aisle thing. This option is perfect if you each have a chosen person – whether that’s a best friend, parent, sibling, whoever. Having your chosen family walk with you is a meaningful way to honor the people who’ve supported your love.

Dancing Down the Aisle – Very Non-Traditional Way to Walk Down the Aisle

The Office lovers, this one’s for you. I mean…my millennial heart loves Pam and Jim’s wedding dance entrance. If you’re all about keeping the vibes high and don’t want the ceremony to feel super serious, dance down that aisle! This joyful and fun entrance engages your guests from the start. Cue up your favorite song, plan or just improv some moves, and set the tone for a true celebration. If you want to start thinking about the music, here’s a spotify playlist to get you started!

Skipping the Aisle Altogether

Who says you have to walk at all? For intimate weddings or elopements, start at the altar together right before the ceremony starts. If you aren’t a fan of making an entrance or already a little anxious about all of the wedding day attention, this option might feel the most comfortable. 

Final Thoughts & Some Encouragement for Non-Traditional Ways to Walk Down the Aisle

At the end of the day, there’s no “right” way to do this – only what makes sense to you and your partner. While veering away from tradition can sometimes hurt family’s feelings, the good news is it’s actually *your* day anyway. 😉 Obvious, I know, but the reminder can be helpful when different opinions and emotions come into play when wedding planning. 

As a very involved LGBTQ+ wedding and elopement photographer, the “how to walk the aisle” question is one of many I love working through with my couples. If you’re planning your day and want to work with someone who supports you, I’d love to be considered to photograph your day! Contact me here to get things started. ❤️