In 1980, Denis Reggie coined the term "wedding photojournalism" to define a genre that recognizes coverage in real time by a photographer respectful of the natural occurrences and flow of the wedding day without assuming a leadership position in arranging, staging, or prompting subjects.

The hallmark of the concept is both perspective and attitude, based on a mandate to be truly reactive rather than proactive, and a dedication to record events as historian rather than director. Content with reality, the wedding photojournalist quietly documents while anticipating action, sensitively observing details and nuance, capturing moments without subjects actively aware of the process.

Wedding photojournalists also produce necessary group photographs for family historical purposes, though formal photography is usually less rigid and comprises only a small percentage of the overall coverage.