The Ultimate Guide to Choosing Your Wedding Photographer

Because your Uncle Steve with his iPad doesn't count

So... you're getting married.

Congratulations! You’re about to throw the biggest, most expensive party of your life, and you need someone to follow you around with a camera while you cry in a tuxedo or heels. That’s where a wedding photographer comes in!

But with a million options, how do you choose the right one? Do they all secretly use the same Lightroom preset? What’s a “first look”? Can I pay them in charcuterie?

Fear not. I am here to help. Welcome to:

The Brief But Essential Steps:

1. Stalk Their Portfolio Like It’s Your Ex's New Partner

Before you even talk to a photographer, creep. Their website, their Instagram, their Pinterest boards— whatever you can find. If their idea of “romantic” is couples staring into the sunset with no facial expressions, and you’re more into chaotic dance floor energy, this might not be your person.

🧐 Look for:

• Consistent editing style

• Extensive Experience

• Natural expressions (not just everyone looking like mannequins in love)

• Do they make rainy days and awkward groomsmen look good?

2. Jump on a call with them…

You're going to spend 10+ hours with this person on the most emotional day of your life. If you wouldn't want to share a road trip playlist with them, maybe don’t hire them.

📅 Ask for a consultation — either Zoom or a phone call.

❓ Ask Them:

• “Have you shot at our venue before?”

• “Do you back up photos in, like, 17 places?”

• “Will you help us look less sweaty in July?”

• “Can I see a full wedding gallery?”

• “Do you bring extra gear?”

3. Know Your Style (And Your Budget... Sorry)

Photographers come in flavors:

• Light and airy – for couples who love peonies and twirling

• Dark and moody – for people who love fog, forests, romance and brooding glances (It’s me.)

• True-to-color – real life, but with slightly better skin

💸 And yes, great photographers cost real money. Think of it this way: these are the only receipts you'll have when you're 87 and trying to prove you were once hot.

4. Don’t Be Fooled by a Friend with a “Nice Camera”

Yes, your roommate from college has a DSLR. No, they should not shoot your wedding unless you want blurry photos and someone crying over missed cake shots.

Hire. A. Pro.
(And yes, a pro will actually know what to do if the power goes out mid-vows.)

5. Read Reviews Like You’re Choosing a Tattoo Artist

People will absolutely tell you if their wedding photographer ghosted them, forgot to shoot the ceremony, or aggressively said “Say cheese!” during the first kiss. Take these reviews seriously.

👍 Look for:

• Responsiveness

• Punctuality

• Ability to deal with tricky circumstances

• Ability to get almost anyone to smile

6. Ask About the Timeline (And Then Add Buffer Time. Lots.)

Your photographer should help you plan your day — when to do first looks, how long family photos take, and how to sneak away for golden hour shots without your aunt tackling you for a group picture.

Pro tip: Golden hour is not just a buzzword. It’s the time your skin looks like butter and your relationship looks like a Nicholas Sparks movie.

7. Contracts Are Sexy. No, Really.

If they don’t have a contract, run. Like, faster than your cousin at the open bar. A solid contract protects both of you. It spells out the who, what, when, where, and what-happens-if-an-alien-invasion-delays-your-elopement.

Final Thoughts

Choosing a wedding photographer is kind of like online dating, except at the end you (hopefully) get timeless photos instead of weird texts. Take your time, trust your gut, and remember: the right photographer will make you look like you, just a slightly more hydrated, glowy version.

So…

• Creep their work

• Chat with them

• Know your style & budget

• Don’t hire your cousin

• Read the fine print

• Golden hour is gospel

• Contracts are hot