You’re officially engaged (pop the champagne!) and starting to plan your dream wedding—now comes the fun part: finding your wedding photographer. But let’s be real: it’s not as easy as scrolling Instagram, finding a pretty feed, and calling it a day. Choosing the right photographer takes a lot of time and research.
After all, your wedding day is going to fly by in a blink of an eye. And your wedding photos are going to be what you revisit time and time again to relive all those sweet wedding day moments. That’s why picking a photographer who truly understands you and your vision is so important.
To help you feel confident before signing that contract, I’ve put together a list of thoughtful questions to ask your wedding photographer (yes, even if it’s me!). These will help you make sure your photographer’s style, personality, and approach are the right fit for your big day.
Is our wedding date available?
One of the very first questions you should as is if you wedding date is available. If they're available on your wedding day, you can continue the conversation from there. But if they’re already booked on your desired date, then you can redirect your efforts elsewhere. Again, wedding planning takes a lot of time and effort; you don’t want to waste precious time diving into the details just ot find out they are already booked for your event date.
Will you be our photographer or someone else on your team?
This one’s super important to ask—especially if you're chatting with a photography studio. You’ll want to make sure the person you’re connecting with is the same one who’ll be there capturing your day. You want to make sure you’re on board with the actual photographer's style, energy, and approach.
What’s included in your wedding packages?
Once you find a photographer you’re interested in hiring, make sure to ask what’s actually included in their wedding packages, and don’t be afraid to ask if they can customize something to fit your exact needs and preferences.
Maybe you’re dreaming of an engagement session, or you’d love to add some film photos into the mix. These are the kinds of things you’ll want to chat about before signing any contracts, so there are no surprises later on.
Are there any additional fees (like travel, second shooter, accommodation)?
It’s always a good idea to ask about any potential additional fees like travel costs, a second shooter, or accommodations. This is especially important for those who are working with a tight budget.
Every photographer structures things a little differently, and depending on where your wedding is or what coverage you’re looking for, there might be extra expenses you’re not quite expecting. Getting clear on this upfront helps you budget properly and avoids any surprise costs down the line.
How much is the deposit to reserve out date, and when does it need to be paid?
Most wedding photographers require a deposit to officially secure your wedding date. Since every photographer does things a little differently, it’s important to know exactly how much the deposit is and when it’s due. This info is super helpful when creating your wedding budget and staying on top of payment timelines. Just make sure everything is clearly outlined in writing so there are no surprises down the road.
Can we see full wedding galleries (not just highlights) from recent weddings?
It’s easy to fall in love with a photographer’s work on Instagram but remember; you’re just seeing the highlights. Seeing full wedding galleries gives you a much better idea of what you can actually expect. You’ll get to see how they capture everything and how they handle different lighting situations throughout the day. It’s the best way to make sure their style is consistent and that you’ll love the final gallery from start to finish.
Do you have experience at our venue?
You don’t need to hire a photographer who’s worked at your venue before. A talented wedding photographer knows how to work with any space and lighting situation. Sure, prior experience can be a bonus, but it’s definitely not a deal breaker. If they haven’t been to your venue yet, it’s actually a great opportunity to ask how they plan to prepare for your big day.
Most photographers (myself included!) will either visit the venue beforehand or arrive early on the wedding day to scout the best lighting and photo spots. Just ask about their plan—so you feel confident they’re showing up fully prepped and ready to capture the magic.
How would you describe your photography style and your approach on the wedding day?
This helps you understand not just how their photos look (documentary, editorial, candid, or traditional) but also how they operate behind the scenes. Do they like to step back and quietly capture the day as it unfolds? Or are they more hands-on with posing and direction? There’s no right or wrong here—it’s all about the couple's personal preference.
Do you shoot digital, film, or both?
If you have a specific vision in mind, it’s important to ask before booking. Many couples love the film look, and if this is something that’s important to you, be sure to ask your photographer about it. For those dreaming of a wedding album filled with dreamy, vintage film shots but the photographer only shoots digital, it might be a sign to keep looking. It's better to know upfront so your photos turn out exactly as you imagine!
How many edited photos should we expect?
This will typically be outlined in their packages, but if it isn’t, make sure to ask. It’s good to know how many final, edited photos you’ll get before booking. This can vary depending on the length of coverage and the photographer’s style. Knowing the number helps set expectations so you know exactly what to look forward to when your gallery arrives.
What’s your turnaround time for receiving the gallery?
Wedding days are packed with excitement, so waiting for your photos can feel like forever. Ask your photographer how long it usually takes to get your full gallery back—that way, you can plan your post-wedding excitement and avoid any surprises.
Will we get a sneak peek shortly after the wedding?
Everyone loves a little teaser! Many photographers offer a sneak peek within a few days to share on social media or with family. It’s a fun way to relive a few moments while you wait for the full gallery.
Do we get full printing rights to the images?
Knowing your printing rights upfront is super important. Some photographers restrict how and where you can print your photos, while others give you full freedom. Make sure you understand this so you can easily create albums and prints or share your memories however you want.
Still Searching for the Perfect Photographer?
There are so many incredible moments you’ll want captured on your wedding day. And hiring a talented photographer that you can trust to capture all these special moments is key—that’s where I come in. When you book a session with me, it’s all about having fun and capturing those natural, documentary-style moments with a touch of editorial elegance.
Ready for a fun, personalized photography experience? Let's chat. Send over your wedding day details, and let’s set up a free consultation. I can’t wait to work with you and create lasting memories together!