8 Easy Steps to Choose the Perfect Wedding Photographer (Without Losing Your Mind)
Let’s be honest: planning a wedding is basically signing up for the most high-stakes project management gig of your life—only with more opinions, overpriced cake, and an aunt who suddenly thinks she’s a floral arrangement expert. And right at the top of your stress pile? Finding a wedding photographer who won’t make you look like a sleep-deprived extra from The Walking Dead.
Your wedding photos aren’t just for Instagram—they’re the forever receipts of your big day. So, how do you find a photographer who’ll capture the love, the laughter, and Uncle Larry’s questionable dance moves? Follow these eight easy steps, and you’ll be golden.
1. Start Early – Like, Yesterday
If you think you can book an amazing photographer three weeks before your wedding, you might as well start looking for a unicorn while you’re at it. The best photographers get snapped up fast—sometimes a year (or more!) in advance. So, once you’ve locked in your date, get moving.
2. Find Your Style – Not All Photos Are Created Equal
Do you want dreamy, cinematic shots? Candid, documentary-style storytelling? Something that looks like a Vogue editorial? Photographers have different styles, and if you choose one who specialises in moody, dramatic images when you actually want light and airy, you’re in for a mismatch. Stalk their portfolio like it’s your ex’s Instagram. Make sure their vibe matches your vision.
3. Set a Budget – And Be Realistic
Wedding photography isn’t just clicking a button—it’s years of experience, top-tier editing skills, and an eye for moments that matter. You will find photographers at different price points, but remember: this isn’t an area to cheap out on. Your wedding cake will be eaten, your flowers will wilt, but your photos? They’re forever. Invest wisely.
4. Stalk Them Online – Google, Instagram, and Reviews Are Your Friends
Think of this step as detective work. Check their website, social media, and client reviews. Do their past couples look genuinely happy in their photos? Any red flags in the reviews? Does their Instagram make you feel like they get the kind of moments you want captured? A good photographer should have an online presence that makes you say, “Yep, that’s the one.”
5. Meet Them – Because Vibes Matter
Your photographer will be shadowing you on one of the most emotional days of your life. If their energy doesn’t sit right with you, it’ll show in your pictures. Meet them in person or over a WhatsApp video call. Ask about their approach, their experience, and how they handle stress. Most importantly, do you like them? If they make you laugh and instantly put you at ease, that’s a win.
6. Read the Contract – No, Seriously, Read It
Don’t let the excitement cloud your judgment. Read the fine print. What’s included? How many hours of coverage? How many edited images? What’s the turnaround time? Make sure everything is crystal clear before you sign.
7. Plan Ahead – Don’t Wing It
Work with your photographer to map out key moments you want captured. Are there any family members who must be in certain shots? Do you want golden-hour portraits? A sparkler exit? The more you communicate in advance, the smoother everything will go on the day.
8. Trust the Process – And Enjoy Your Day
On the big day, your job is to soak in the moment—not micromanage your photographer. Trust them. Let them do their thing while you enjoy the actual reason you’re there: to marry the love of your life and party with your favorite people.
Final Thoughts – The One Thing You Should Never Forget
Your wedding photographer isn’t just someone with a fancy camera—they’re the one responsible for turning fleeting moments into memories you’ll hold onto for a lifetime. So, choose wisely. Find someone whose work you love, whose personality you click with, and who makes you feel like an absolute rockstar in front of the camera.
Because when the confetti settles and the last slice of cake is gone, your wedding photos will be what you have left. Make sure they’re nothing short of spectacular.
Ready to find a photographer who gets you? Let’s chat.