How to Commission a Wedding Portrait Painting
You don’t need to have a live painter at your wedding to own a painting of it.
A studio commission turns one of your wedding photos into a hand-painted work of art. You choose the photo. An artist paints it. You end up with something that will hang on your wall for the rest of your life.
Here’s exactly how the process works.
What Is a Wedding Commission?
A wedding commission is when you hire an artist to create a painting based on a photo from your wedding day.
It’s different from a live wedding painter, who creates a painting on the day itself. With a commission, the work happens in the artist’s studio — after the wedding, at a pace that allows for real detail and care.
The result is a finished painting made just for you. No prints, no filters, no digital editing. A real painting by a real artist.
Step 1: Choose Your Photo
This is the most important part of the whole process.
Pick a photo that means something to you. It doesn’t need to be the most technically perfect shot. It needs to be the one that captures how the day felt.
Popular choices include the first kiss, the first dance, a quiet moment between the two of you, or a wide shot of the ceremony with all your guests.
A few things make a photo easier to paint from. Good lighting helps. A clear focal point helps. Blurry or very dark images are harder to work from, so share a few options if you’re not sure.
Step 2: Choose Your Artist
Different artists paint in different styles. Some work in oils. Some in watercolour. Some produce detailed, realistic portraits. Others work in a looser, more impressionistic style.
Look at each artist’s portfolio before you reach out. Make sure their style matches what you have in mind. A painterly, emotional style suits some couples. A sharp, detailed portrait suits others.
On The Wedding Painters, you can browse studio commission artists and view their previous work before making contact.
Step 3: Send Your Enquiry
Once you’ve found an artist you like, send them a message. Include the photo you have in mind, the size you’re thinking of, and any deadline you’re working to.
Most artists respond quickly. They’ll let you know if they can take on your commission, give you a quote, and explain their process.
If you have a firm deadline — a birthday, an anniversary, a gift — tell them upfront. A good artist will be honest about whether they can meet it.
Step 4: Agree the Details
Before any work starts, you’ll agree on a few things with your artist. These include the canvas size, the painting style, the price, and the timeline.
Most artists ask for a deposit at this stage — usually 25 to 50% of the total fee. This secures your place in their schedule and covers the cost of materials.
Make sure you’re clear on what happens if you want changes. Most artists offer one or two rounds of feedback before the painting is finalised.
Step 5: Review the Work in Progress
Many artists share a photo of the painting partway through. This is your chance to flag anything — a detail that doesn’t look right, a colour that’s slightly off, or a change in composition.
Be specific with your feedback. “The dress looks a bit too dark” is more useful than “something feels off.” Artists want to get it right.
Not all artists offer progress updates as standard, so ask about this when you first enquire if it matters to you.
Step 6: Receive Your Finished Painting
When the painting is complete, your artist will send you a final photo for approval. Once you’re happy, they’ll arrange delivery.
Most paintings arrive carefully packaged and ready to hang. Some artists offer framing as an add-on — worth asking about if you don’t want to source a frame yourself.
The whole process typically takes four to eight weeks from the point of booking. Timelines vary depending on the artist’s schedule and the complexity of the work.
What Does a Wedding Commission Cost?
Prices vary based on the artist, the size of the painting, and the level of detail involved.
As a rough guide, most commissions start from around £300 to £500 for a smaller piece and rise from there for larger or more complex works.
It’s a significant purchase — but it’s also a permanent one. Unlike almost everything else you spend money on for your wedding, a commissioned painting doesn’t get eaten, worn once, or packed away in a box. Read our guide on what a live wedding painter costs if you want a broader sense of pricing across different types of wedding art.
When Should You Commission a Wedding Painting?
Any time. That’s one of the best things about studio commissions.
You can order one the week after your wedding, or years later when you find the right photo. There’s no deadline. Your wedding photos don’t expire.
Commissions also make excellent gifts. A painting of a couple’s wedding day is one of the most personal anniversary presents you can give — particularly for milestone anniversaries like the first, fifth, tenth, or twenty-fifth. If you’re looking for gift ideas, take a look at our wedding gift guide.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I commission a painting from an old wedding photo? Yes. As long as the photo is clear enough to paint from, the age of the image doesn’t matter. Many couples commission paintings from film photographs or older digital shots.
What size should I order? Think about where the painting will hang. A large canvas works well above a fireplace or on a feature wall. A smaller piece suits a bedroom, hallway, or desk. When in doubt, go bigger — paintings tend to look smaller on a wall than they do in photos.
Can I request a specific style — like watercolour or oil? Yes. Most artists specialise in one or two styles. Filter by style when browsing artists, or mention your preference in your first message.
What if I’m not happy with the finished painting? Reputable artists include a revision process in their terms. Raise any concerns before you sign off on the final piece. Changes are much easier to make before the painting is shipped.
Can I commission a painting as a gift without the couple knowing? Yes — and it’s a popular choice for anniversaries and milestone birthdays. Just let the artist know it’s a surprise so they know not to reach out to anyone else.
Ready to turn a favourite photo into a painting? Browse wedding commission artists on The Wedding Painters and find an artist whose style fits your vision.