Tips for a Successful Bubble Exit on Your Wedding Day

Short Answer: For the best bubble exit photos, time your exit before dark, use bubble machines (not just wands), and consider doing a “faux exit” before golden hour portraits so guests can cheer you on without missing the fun. The right timing and lighting make all the difference.

What You Need to Know First

Bubble exits are one of the most popular—and photogenic—ways to celebrate a big moment at your wedding. They’re fun, easy, and great for photos if you do them right. But the time of day, lighting, and the kind of bubbles you use can make or break the shot.

I’ve photographed over 150 weddings (and had a bubble exit at my own), and I can tell you: they can look incredible… or underwhelming. Here’s how to make sure yours actually works in real life—not just on Pinterest.

Best Time to Do a Bubble Exit

Don’t wait until the very end of the night. That’s when lighting is low, people are tired, and it’s hard to get clean photos unless you’ve set up extra lights.

Instead, plan your bubble exit:

• Right after the ceremony
• Just before golden hour portraits
• Right before dancing kicks off

One of the best strategies? A faux exit. You gather your guests, do the bubble send-off, then loop back in for portraits or the reception. It gives you full participation without waiting until the venue’s closing time.

Bubble Exit Tips That Actually Matter

• Use bubble machines – They put out way more bubbles than wands and keep the action going.
• Give guests wands only as a backup – They look nice in photos but don’t produce enough bubbles by themselves.
• Backlight your exit – Either use the sun if it’s still up, or talk to your photographer about flash setup if it’s later.
• Keep it short and sweet – A quick walk through the bubble tunnel does the job.

Common Bubble Exit Mistakes to Avoid

• Doing it at night with no lighting
• Forgetting to test bubble machines ahead of time
• Not spacing guests out enough (you want a “tunnel,” not a crowd)
• Rushing it — you’ll get better photos if you take your time walking out

Real Example: Caysin & Matthew

At their wedding, we timed the bubble exit just before their golden hour portraits. Everyone was energized, the light was soft, and the couple got the best of both worlds: real participation and beautiful light. It flowed right into portraits without any stress or delays.

FAQ

What time should we plan a bubble exit for our wedding?

Before sunset is ideal—between ceremony and reception or before golden hour photos. Avoid doing it at night unless you’ve got proper lighting.

Can we do a bubble exit and still take sunset portraits?

Yes! A faux exit right before golden hour gives you both. Guests participate, then you step away for portraits while everyone transitions to the reception.

How do we get more bubbles in the photos?

Use at least two bubble machines. Wands are good for looks, but they won’t fill the frame with bubbles on their own.

Do we need lighting for a bubble exit?

Only if you’re doing it in the dark. Bubble photos work best with sunlight or backlighting—your photographer can help with flash if needed.

Should we walk fast or slow through the bubble exit?

Go slow. Soak it in. Laugh. Look at each other. The best photos happen when you enjoy the moment instead of rushing through it.

Final Thoughts

Bubble exits seem simple, but getting great photos means thinking a little ahead. With good timing, solid lighting, and the right setup, you’ll get photos that feel as fun as the moment itself. Whether it’s real or faux, the key is keeping it relaxed, lit, and full of bubbles.

Thinking about adding a bubble exit to your wedding day?

Let’s talk and make it photo-ready