Written by Chris Jolley
Introduction
Your wedding day is one of the most important days of your life, and as a professional photographer myself, I can assure you that it is always an honour to capture it.
From the nervous smiles to the final dance, every moment is precious, and choosing the right photographer to capture those moments is more than just ticking a box on your to-do list.
It’s about trusting someone to tell the story of your day in a way that feels honest, beautiful and uniquely yours.
With so many photographers offering different styles and packages, it can be challenging to know where to start, and to be completely honest, even I get confused when browsing some competitors’ websites.
This guide will walk you through what to look for, the questions to ask and the red flags to watch out for, so you can make a confident and informed decision.
Understand What You Want
Picking the right photographer for your big day, understandably, starts with you. It’s important that you and your partner spend some time thinking about what style of photography resonates with you.
One way to do this is to find wedding photos that you like and create a collage that you can share with your photographer when the search truly begins.
Now, I’m not naive, I’m sure you already have mood boards, Pinterest boards, and all sorts of other boards on the go—I’m sure everything’s already in your binder!
As you might already be able to tell, I’m married. I’ve been there, done it, and got the ring to prove it, so I know all about binders and mood boards.
So, with that in mind, we can probably skip over to the next tip.
If you are looking for cool wedding photography and videography ideas, check out our article: 7 Creative Wedding Photography Ideas For Your Big Day.
Set a Realistic Budget
According to Bridebook’s 2023 UK Wedding Report, the average cost of a wedding photographer in the UK is around £1,300; however, prices can vary significantly based on experience, location and what’s included in the package.
Some photographers offer half-day coverage for less, while others provide full-day coverage, albums, second shooters and even engagement shoots for a higher price.
Remember, your photos will be one of the few tangible things left after the day ends. It might be tempting to save money here, but it’s worth thinking long-term.
I know that sounds like a sales pitch, but consider this: How often have you looked at your parents, grandparents, or friends’ wedding pictures? People will be looking at yours for the rest of your life, so it’s important to make sure they’re up to scratch.
And remember, a skilled photographer not only takes great photos but also brings calm, experience and reliability to the day. After all, a lot of the order of the day revolves around them.
Review Portfolios
Once you’ve found photographers whose style matches your vision, dig deeper than their homepage. Ask to see full wedding galleries, not just highlight reels.
It’s easy to get a handful of beautiful shots from any wedding, but consistency is key (people do it with their phones at every wedding).
A good photographer should be able to tell a story from beginning to end, in various lighting conditions and locations.
Pay attention to how they capture emotion, handle group shots and candid moments, and how the images look in different environments (indoors, outdoors, low light, bright sun).
Meet Them in Person (Or At Least on Video Call)
Your photographer will be by your side all day, often closer to you than anyone else. It’s important that you feel comfortable around them.
A face-to-face meeting, or at least a video call, will help you get a sense of their personality, communication style and professionalism. The last thing you want is a scruffy, ill-mannered photographer going around being rude to your guests.
Ask yourself, do they make you feel at ease? Do they listen to what you want or push their own agenda? Do they explain their process clearly and confidently?
While some decisions can be painfully obvious, sometimes, this can be about trusting your gut, in much the same way that you decide who to invite in the first place.
There’s little point in curating the perfect guest list only to invite an uninterested photographer.
Check Their Experience and Backup Plans
Weddings are unpredictable and rarely go smoothly. I’m sure you’ve been told this plenty of times by now. I know my wife and I were.
Timings shift, the weather changes, and emotions run high. Oh, and as the day goes on, people often get drunk. Very drunk.
An experienced wedding photographer knows how to adapt to these challenges and still deliver beautiful results, so it’s important to ask how many weddings they’ve shot and what they do when things don’t go to plan.
I’d also recommend that you ask them whether they have insurance (they should), have back-up equipment (also a must-have), and what happens if they’re ill on the day?
These may seem like worst-case scenarios, but they matter. Professionals will have solid answers and will not be put off by your asking.
For example, regardless of where the wedding is, I always make sure that I’m in a hotel within a few miles of the venue the night before at no extra charge, to limit the number of things that can go wrong.
I’ve heard many horror stories about photographers’ cars breaking down and being unable to get to the venue.
Read Reviews and Ask for References
Online reviews can give you a broader picture of a photographer’s working style, reliability and how they interact with guests.
Look for reviews that mention not just the quality of the photos, but also their presence on the day. Were they calm? Friendly? Discreet?
The best reviews usually talk about the photographer’s ability to blend into the background, becoming almost invisible. No one wants to feel like a camera is constantly being shoved in their face.
If you’re still unsure, ask if you can speak to a recent client. A short phone call can often tell you more than a dozen five-star reviews.
Understand the Contract
Before signing anything, read the contract thoroughly.
It should clearly state what’s included in the package, how many hours of coverage you’ll receive, how many photos you can expect, when you’ll get them and what rights you have over the images.
Here are some key things to look for and understand:
- The deposit and payment schedule
- Cancellation policies
- Whether the photographer retains the right to use your photos in marketing
- What happens if the schedule runs late
Clarity at this stage prevents misunderstandings later.
Another one to be mindful of is whether you are providing the photographer with food at the venue.
Wedding food is expensive (trust me, I know), but when your photographer’s working hard all day, it is often courteous to provide them with a warm meal.
If you don’t have the budget for this, make sure they’re aware well in advance, because I’ve also heard plenty of horror stories about photographers leaving the wedding because of things like this.
Don’t Leave it Too Late
Good photographers book up early, especially for summer weekends. Some are fully booked up to 18 months in advance.
Once you’ve secured your venue and date, the photographer should be next on your list. If you ask a wedding band, they’d probably say they should come after the venue and date, but that’s because we’re all slightly biased.
If you’ve found someone you love, don’t hesitate too long. You might not get a second chance.
Conclusion
So, there you have it. Eight tips for choosing the right photographer for your wedding.
Your wedding photos are not just images. They’re memories frozen in time. They’ll remind you of how the air felt, how your voice cracked during the vows and how your husband cried when he saw you in your dress.
Choosing the right photographer means those memories will live on, beautifully and truthfully told.
It’s not about finding the cheapest, the trendiest or even the most technically skilled. It’s about finding the one who understands you, your story and your vision.
Because when the cake is eaten, the flowers have wilted, and the dress is packed away, the photos remain.
If you’re also looking for a videographer, check out our 8 tips on choosing the right videographer for your wedding.
Who am I?
My name is Chris Jolley, and I am a professional wedding photographer and videographer with several years of experience (I’m also a licensed wedding drone operator).
If you’re reading this, I can probably assume you’re currently looking for a photographer for your wedding. In which case, get in touch with me today and let’s capture your wedding day in a way you can enjoy for many years.
