Muslim Wedding Photographer in Chicago
Upash Studio is a Chicago-based photography and videography team that specializes in Muslim wedding coverage — Nikah, Mehndi, Valima, and Baraat — for Desi, Arab, Kyrgyz, Kazakh, and multicultural Muslim families across the city and suburbs. Led by photographer and director Urmat, the studio works within each family’s cultural and religious preferences rather than treating every wedding the same way.
Nikah Photography
The Nikah is the religious core of a Muslim wedding, and it deserves a photographer who won’t be a distraction during the prayers, vows, and signing of the marriage contract. We arrive early to understand the room, agree on where we can and can’t stand during the ceremony, and stay unobtrusive so the imam, witnesses, and family can focus on the moment. For couples who want a deeper breakdown of how to plan Nikah coverage, see our guide: Chicago Nikah Photography Tips for Brides and Grooms.
Mehndi Photography
Mehndi nights are colorful, loud, and full of movement — dancing, henna application, bright outfits — which calls for a different shooting style than the Nikah itself. We shoot Mehndi events more like a live event than a formal ceremony: wide shots of the room and choreography, tight detail shots of the henna work, and candid reactions from family.
Valima (Walima) Photography
The Valima is usually the largest reception of the celebration, often with a formal entrance, a stage, and a longer guest list. We plan the timeline in advance with the couple — entrance, stage portraits, family formals, dinner, and the couple’s exit — so nothing important gets missed in a room full of guests. For venue ideas, see Top Mehndi and Valima Locations in Chicago for Photography.
Baraat Coverage
For families who include a Baraat, we cover the procession itself — the music, the dancing, the groom’s entrance — as its own distinct chapter of the day, separate from the ceremony and reception coverage.
Working Within Your Family’s Preferences
Every Muslim family approaches their wedding a little differently. Some hold separate men’s and women’s sections and want separate photography timelines for each; some prefer no alcohol or dancing appear in photos even if it’s present at the venue; some want the Nikah photographed only by a female photographer for parts of the day. Tell us about these preferences during booking and we’ll plan the day, and assign our team, around them.
How Booking Works
- Get in touch through the Contact page with your date, venue, and which ceremonies you’d like covered.
- We’ll recommend a package — see full pricing on the Pricing page, starting at $500.
- A $200 deposit secures your date; the balance is due after the event.
- Edited photos and video are delivered within 15 days.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do you photograph gender-segregated events?
Yes. If your family holds separate men’s and women’s sections, tell us in advance and we’ll plan coverage — including a female shooter for relevant portions of the day, if needed — around that structure.
Can you cover just the Nikah, without the reception?
Yes. Our elopement package covers up to 4 hours, which works well for a Nikah-only booking, and can be extended if you add a Valima or reception later.
Do you have experience with mosque venues?
Yes, including navigating dim lighting, tighter spaces, and modesty expectations for both guests and our own team while inside the prayer hall.
Do you edit out alcohol or dancing if we’d rather it not appear in our photos?
Yes — tell us your preferences ahead of time and we’ll shoot and select photos accordingly.
Planning a Muslim Wedding in Chicago?
Tell us about your Nikah, Mehndi, or Valima and we’ll put together a package that fits.