Find the questions to ask yourselves and your wedding photographer before you commit.
It’s likely that – for many people – the first time you are booking a professional photographer will be for your wedding day. So it’s no surprise that many couples simply don’t know where to start! To help you on your way we have put together some advice on how to find and book the perfect wedding photographer for you.
From finding a photography style you love through to getting clarity on pricing and what you get for your money, take a look at the questions to ask your wedding photographer, along with the questions you need to ask yourself before you book.
Questions to ask yourself before you book your wedding photographer:
How important is wedding photography to you?
For most people, their wedding photos are a treasured way to remember their special day. But it’s also worth taking some time to think about how important it is to you personally. This will help you to place a value on that aspect of your wedding and is helpful when you are planning how to spend your wedding budget.
Do you love the photographer’s style and not just the weddings they have photographed?
Try and look past the actual style of the weddings being photographed – it’s easy to see a beautiful wedding and instantly think that is the photographer for you. But do you love the look of the photographs? The finish? And have they captured the kind of details you would want? Do you want more staged photos that clearly capture everyone? Or candid moments showing emotion?
Is there the right chemistry?
It’s natural to feel a little awkward in front of the camera if you are not used to it, but having a great rapport with your wedding photographer will really help you to relax. So make sure you feel happy and comfortable around them – you will really see it in your photos!
Questions to ask your wedding photographer
Availability and logistics
- Are you available on our wedding date?
- Do you charge a travel fee for our venue location(s)?
- How many weddings do you typically book in a day or weekend?
Experience and style
- How long have you been photographing weddings?
- Have you worked at our venue before? If so, can we see examples?
- How many weddings have you photographed?
Packages and Pricing
- What packages do you offer, and what is included in each?
- Can we customise a package to suit our needs?
- How much is the deposit, and when is the balance due?
- Are there additional costs we should be aware of (e.g., overtime, travel, editing)?
Coverage and Approach
- How many hours of coverage do you provide?
- Do you – or can you – bring a second photographer or assistant? Is that an extra cost?
- How do you handle unexpected situations like bad weather or illness?
Preparation and Planning
- Will you visit the venue before the wedding?
- Do you provide a timeline or help coordinate the photography schedule?
- Can we provide you with a list of specific shots we’d like?
- Do you offer pre-wedding or engagement shoots?
Deliverables and Post-Production
- How many photos can we expect, and how will they be delivered?
- Do you provide printed albums, or are digital files standard?
- What is the typical turnaround time for edited photos?
- Can we see examples of full wedding galleries you’ve delivered?
Legal and Backup
- Do you have professional indemnity and public liability insurance?
- How do you ensure our photos are backed up and safe?
- What is your cancellation or refund policy?
Save this page to refer back to when you meet with your potential wedding photographers. And don’t forget, by using Wedding Photo Swap you can also save and share every photo taken by your wedding guests too!
