How to choose your wedding photographer for the best day ever!
Choosing a wedding photographer is one of the most important decisions you’ll make - second only to picking the venue (and, of course, your future husband or wife!).
You're trusting this person to capture the most magical day of your life, and those images will be what you look back on for years to come. The flowers will wilt, the cake will be eaten, and even the memories may blur - but your photographs? They'll last a lifetime. That’s why I’ve put together this guide to help you think through everything you need to know when it comes to booking your wedding photographer.
Whether you’re just starting your wedding planning journey or narrowing down your top choices, this post will hopefully give you the clarity and confidence to make the right decision.
BUDGET
Its all about the money...
This one’s kind of a biggie. Most professional wedding photographers charge anywhere from £1,000 to £3,000 for full-day coverage. So it’s worth figuring out early on what you're comfortable spending. Is £1,000 your limit? Can you stretch a little more? Or do you need to keep things super budget-friendly? Whatever your number is - it’s totally valid. This is your day, and your budget should work for you.
Most photographers list prices on their websites (yay for avoiding awkward price chats), and it's worth checking what's included. Some packages come with extras like engagement shoots, second shooters, or albums - others stick to digital delivery. For example, I offer two full-day options: one with all the extras (albums, USBs, engagement shoot), and one that keeps it simple and digital-only.
It’s easy to get caught up in prices, but it’s really about what feels right for you. Sometimes spending a little more might get you someone whose style you absolutely love or who you really click with or if you’re working with a tighter budget, there are still so many great options. Newer photographers often offer amazing work at lower prices, and lots of pros are happy to adjust packages or coverage to suit your needs. Don’t be afraid to ask - there’s usually more wiggle room than you’d think.
style
Are the photos what you envision?
Next up: style - yep, another biggie. When you picture your wedding photos, what comes to mind? Something straight out of a magazine with an editorial vibe (think polished, a bit posed)? Or more natural and documentary-style, where you're caught in the moment and looking at each other more than the camera? Maybe you love the idea of lots of candid moments, laughter, and those little in-between glances.
It’s not just about how the photos are taken - it’s also how they’re edited. Do you love more light and airy? Or are you more into moody tones with depth and contrast? This part is so important, because editing completely shapes the vibe of your gallery. Being confident in a photographer’s editing style is key.
Every photographer brings their own creative touch, and while their style should be consistent, there’s always some variation depending on time of year, lighting, and location. So when you’re looking through their portfolio, check that you’re loving the overall feel across different weddings - not just one standout shot.
Personality
is the photographer freaking awesome?
Once you’ve figured out your budget and style, you’ll probably be chatting with a couple of potential photographers. Maybe it’s a phone call, a Zoom, or even a coffee catch-up. (Let’s be honest, since Covid, FaceTime and Zoom have totally taken over - just don’t look too closely or you’ll catch us in PJ bottoms. No judgement - we’re comfy, okay?)
But here’s the thing - this person is going to be with you all day long. Aside from your new hubby or wifey, they’ll probably be the one you spend the most time with on your wedding day. Some photographers like to keep to the background and quietly do their thing, while others - like me - get properly stuck in like a guest. Personally, I think the best candids happen when people feel at ease, when they’re not even thinking about the camera, and yeah… when they see how batshit (in the fun, chaotic, harmless way) I am, they usually relax right into it.
Also - those sneaky shots from inside, peeking through a window or a door? So good. Total fly-on-the-wall magic. It’s all about having someone who knows when to blend in and when to bring the energy.
So the biggie here: Do you vibe with them? Do they make you feel comfortable? Can you ugly cry, snort-laugh, or have a slight veil-related meltdown and know they’ve got you? Do they seem friendly, fun, and like someone you’d genuinely want around on one of the biggest days of your life? Will they help with the dress do-up when your mum or maid of honour is falling to pieces beside you? (I did on my best friends wedding - and I’d do it again! ) and those darn buttons can be tricky.
Do you want someone who feels like an extra bridesmaid with a camera - someone who won’t flinch at chaos, who brings calm when needed, or a hype moment when the energy dips. Because truthfully, your photographer is so much more than just the person taking the pictures - they’re part of the whole experience.
Every photographer has different energy - some are chilled and calm, others bring big hype friend vibes. Neither is better than the other - it’s about what feels right for you. Want someone to keep things low-key and relaxed? Go for it. Prefer someone who’s shouting “YAAASSS” during golden hour portraits? Also valid. 😂 Also me. Best hyped up cheerleader around. Ask anyone!
When you're chatting, they might explain everything without you even needing to ask - but it’s good to have a few questions handy just in case:
- What’s their approach on the day - fly-on-the-wall or more involved?
- What’s their turnaround time for previews and the full gallery?
- Do they back up your photos before delivery?
- Are they local to your venue, or do they travel? And if so, is there a fee?
- Can you see full galleries, not just the best bits?
- If they are poorly on the day, do they provide a associate to come and take the shots?
During my calls, I like to take a more relaxed approach. I’m not one to dive straight into the photography talk - I prefer to ask how the wedding planning is going first. I try to learn more about my couples - how long they’ve been engaged, how they met, and just get to know them better. It’s about creating a connection and a bit of a friendship, so by the time we talk about photos, we’re already comfortable with each other.
And here’s a pro tip: check out reviews or ask around. Past couples often give you the real insight into how a photographer made them feel - if everyone’s raving about how chilled they were, how they made the day feel fun, or how they worked actual magic with the camera, that’s a big ol’ green flag.
Also, take a look at a few full galleries - ideally, at least two. This will give you a better sense of how they capture those special moments and candids, and help you really get a feel for their style. Sometimes, their personality comes through in their work, too. By viewing a complete gallery, you’ll get a true picture of what to expect, not just the curated social media highlights. We all have those epic moments that don’t always make it to the feed, and sometimes the full beauty of a gallery gets lost in the mix or isn’t able to be shared in its entirety.
experience
Have they been doing this for a while?
We all start somewhere so going for an inexperienced photographer is not the worst thing ever. But what comes with experience is not just how to work a camera, its knowing what a wedding day entails. Knowing that during the ceremony we know at what point the rings will be exchanged, we know when the end is coming so we can get in position for the first kiss. knowing how to handle those high pressure moments. We have a detailed list in our head at what we want to capture from this magical day, we can see the end result before we have even taken the first shot. When a photographer has been shooting weddings for 10+ years we know what we're doing - or we think we do 99% of the time!
Photography is a unique skill that takes years of practice, learning, and nurturing our craft. Over time, we perfect our trade, honing the ability to make our photos stand out from the crowd, capturing your wedding day story in the most unforgettable way possible.
Ultimately, experience is vital, but that doesn’t mean hiring someone who’s just starting out is a bad choice either. We all start somewhere, and at the end of the day, this is your wedding, not anyone else’s. If it weren’t for couples trusting inexperienced photographers, none of us would ever get the chance to grow and perfect our craft. So, trust your gut - it’s your special day, and you’ll find the right fit, whether they’re seasoned or fresh to the game!
Talking of seasoned photographers - we often hear about how someone has worked at a specific venue loads of times, which is awesome! Familiarity is great, but honestly, I absolutely love shooting at venues I’ve never been to. It brings a whole new level of creativity and excitement. While I totally get that hiring someone with plenty of experience at a venue is reassuring, it’s not always essential. Sometimes, a fresh perspective can bring something totally unique to the table! Sometimes we are dying to work at a specific venue, just waiting for the perfect couple to come along and give us the chance to capture their perfect day. The anticipation is real, and when it happens, it’s pure magic! FYI - We will do a fun dance of happiness after the booking is done.
That’s a Wrap!
Good luck, and happy wedding planning!
So, that’s it! All my tips in one place. I hope this helps as you’re making one of the biggest decisions for your wedding day. It’s got to be the right choice for you! But remember, it’s all about finding someone who fits your budget, matches your style, and makes you feel freaking awesome and happy. Trust that they’ll capture the moments that mean the most to you. Whether you go with a seasoned pro or someone just starting out - trust your instincts. It’s your day, and the right photographer will be there to tell your story in a way that feels 100% you.
So take your time, ask the questions, and remember - photos are memories that last a lifetime, so choosing the right person to capture them is worth every bit of effort.
Good luck, have the best day ever, and if you loved this and feel like I might be the right fit for you, send me a message - I’d love to chat and help make your wedding day unforgettable!
