Booking your Photographers (Beginner's Guide)
You know how they say your photos are the one thing you really get to take home from your wedding?
...It’s true.
The flowers will wilt, the dress gets packed away, the food’s long gone - but your pictures stay.
And not just on your phone.
They’re what you’ll frame, what your kids will flip through one day, what’ll make you laugh (and maybe cringe) in ten years.
That’s why finding the right photographer matters.
Not just someone who takes good photos, but someone who gets your vibe, knows how to make you feel comfortable, and can capture the day the way you want to remember it.
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So in this post, I’ll walk you through how to actually choose your wedding photographer - from what to look for, what to ask, how to compare, and the things no one tells you until it’s too late.
Let's get into it...
1. First, figure out your vibe (and your budget)
Before you even start messaging people, get clear on two things:
What kind of photos you love, and
How much you want to spend.
Do you love the moody, artsy kind?
Light, bright, and romantic?
Candid and documentary-style?
Clean and timeless?
You don’t need to know the technical words.
Just scroll Pinterest or Instagram, save what you like, and look for a pattern.
That’s your vibe.
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Then, budget.
Be honest with yourself.
Wedding photography is not cheap, and for good reason — it’s hours of work on the day plus days of editing after.
That said, set a number you’re comfortable with.
Some photographers will offer custom packages or lower rates for fewer hours.
2. Start searching (but make it strategic)
You don’t need to talk to 57 photographers.
Start with 5–7 you really like.
Where to find them:
Instagram (check your venue’s tagged photos!)
Google “wedding photographer + [your city]”
Vendor directories (like Zola, WeddingWire, or even TikTok if you're brave)
Recommendations from friends or your venue
Once you’ve got a few faves, dig into their websites.
Look at full wedding galleries - not just the pretty highlights on IG.
You want to see how they shoot real, full days …not just one money shot from golden hour.
3. Narrow it down by how they feel (not just how they shoot)
Yes, the photos matter.
But the vibe matters too.
You’ll literally spend your whole day with this person - so make sure you ask yourself
Do they seem calm? Kind?
Like someone you’d actually enjoy being around?
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So when you reach out, notice how they reply.
Do they feel friendly? Professional?
Are they asking about you or just sending a rate sheet?
.
.
.
You can book a quick call if you’re torn between a few.
15 minutes of chatting can make your decision so much easier.
4. Ask these questions before you book
Once you're talking to them, don’t just ask “what’s your price?”
Ask the things that matter:
Do you shoot solo or with a second photographer?
How many hours are included?
Can I see a full gallery from a real wedding?
Have you shot at our venue before?
Do you help with the photo timeline?
How long does it take to get our gallery?
How do you usually work on the day — more hands-on or chill?
What's the deposit and payment schedule?
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You don’t have to interrogate them, but don’t be shy either.
You’re hiring them for a big day - it’s okay to get the full picture (...get it😌).
5. Before you book ...compare
Don’t just compare prices -
compare:
-The quality of their work
-Their editing style (do you still love it a week later?)
-What’s included in their packages
-How comfortable they make you feel
-What past couples say about working with them
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Some photographers charge more, but they’ll hold your hand through everything - timeline, shot list, family drama, all of it.
For others, you’re just booking hours and hoping for the best.
Know what you’re getting and what matters most to you.
6. Once you’re in love, book it officially
Once you know, you know.
Pay the deposit, sign the contract (make sure you read it well), and breathe.
Before I conclude…
Since we’re talking about photographers,
I just wanted to mention something I made that might come in handy.
It's called the Wedding Planning Bundle and I created it specifically for brides who are planning their wedding on their own
And one of my favorite things it helps with …is comparing vendors
- like Photographer for example;
You can compare them side-by-side based on what actually matters to you and figure out which one actually fits what you want.
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And it's not just for photography.
You can use it to compare your other vendors too, track your budget, help your guest list, timeline, seating chart ...and so much more.
So if that sounds like something you need …I dropped the link for you to check it out
Conclusion ...don't overthink it
At the end of the day, choosing your wedding photographer is part logic, part love.
Do your research, ask the right questions, and then go with the person whose work makes you feel something
...and who you’d actually want to spend your wedding day around.
You’ve GOT to read this next...
Before you book your wedding venue, there are a lot of things to ask—some obvious, some easy to miss.
This list of 50 questions will help you cover all your bases and avoid those “wish we’d asked that” moments later.
Not all wedding vendors are created equal — and some red flags are louder than others. Before you book anyone, read this.
It’ll help you avoid the “I should’ve known” regrets and choose vendors you can actually trust.
Trying to find your wedding venue but not sure what to look for or ask?
This guide breaks it all down - from what to prioritize to the questions to ask - so you can feel confident choosing a venue that actually fits you.
Not sure who to tip or how much on your wedding day?
Don’t worry—I break it all down for you in the chillest, least stressful way possible.
No guesswork, no pressure, just real talk and simple numbers you can actually use