how to actually choose your wedding photographer
aka the person who will capture the memories you'll show your grandkids
p.s. this post is TOTALLY free and designed to give you as much insight as possible. If you have any questions, ask them in the comments below, and our experts will help where they can!
They all look good. They’re all in budget. They all “get your vibe.” So how the heck do you actually choose a wedding photographer?
Today, we’re tackling one of those decisions that sounds fun at first - until you’re staring at 17 open browser tabs, an overstuffed “photographer inspo” Pinterest board, and a creeping feeling that maybe you should just flip a coin.
Because yeah - picking your wedding photographer is exciting… but it’s also overwhelming. The stakes feel high. These photos will outlive your flowers, your cake, your tan, your post-honeymoon glow.
No pressure, right?
Let’s fix that. We’re breaking this down into two phases:
phase 1: the non-negotiables - a clear-as-day filter to instantly shrink your list.
phase 2: the tiebreakers - how to choose when everyone left is still incredible.
And because I love you, we’re also doing extra power tips from couples who’ve been there, plus my one game-changing question that seals the deal.
phase 1 – the non-negotiables
Before you fall in love with anyone’s insta grid… let’s do some ruthless filtering.
1. budget reality check 💸
If your budget is £2,000 and they’re £4,500, don’t “just meet them to see.” That’s like test-driving a Ferrari when your bank account says “used Toyota.” Cruel to yourself.
Decide on your ideal spend and your stretch spend - the number you could justify if they’re truly the one.
top tip: ask yourself, is a photographer even one of your non-negotiables / most important aspects of your wedding? For some it is, and for some it isn’t. That will help guide you on how over budget you’re willing to go.
2. date availability 📅
Obvious but crucial: check before you book calls. Nothing’s worse than falling in love with a photographer’s work and finding out they’re booked solid.
3. must-have logistics 📋
These are your non-negotiables:
Do they include a second shooter? (more on multiple shooters below and wtf this actually means)
Do they offer the exact coverage hours you need?
Are travel fees extra or included?
How long until you get your gallery?
If they can’t meet your basics, they’re not the right fit — even if their work makes your heart race.
4. style lane 🎨
Biggest mistake couples make? Thinking all good photographers shoot the same. Nope. Editing style is everything.
Your main options:
light & airy: dreamy whites, pastel tones, romantic vibe
moody cinematic: deeper shadows, dramatic tones, feels like a movie
true-to-life documentary: real colours, candid storytelling, minimal editing
Scroll your saved photos — you probably already have a type. Pick your lane now and you’ll cut your list in half.
how to know if you need one shooter or two
This trips a lot of couples up, so here’s the cheat sheet:
when one shooter is enough:
Guest count under 75
Small, single-location wedding (ceremony and reception in the same place)
You’re not fussed about having both partners’ prep covered
You’re prioritising budget over full coverage
when you should get two shooters:
Guest count over 100
Ceremony and reception in different locations
You want both of you covered while getting ready
You want lots of candid guest shots and reaction moments while the main shooter focuses on you
You have a short, jam-packed timeline with things happening simultaneously
In short: the bigger or more complex your wedding, the more a second shooter is worth the spend. It’s not just about quantity of photos - it’s about being able to capture parallel moments you’d otherwise miss.
top tip: don’t have SO many shooters that your guests can’t actually see the actual wedding lol.
phase 2 – the tiebreakers
Now you’ve got your shortlist — maybe 3–5 photographers. They’re all in budget, free on your date, tick your must-haves, and share your style lane.
Here’s how to pick your actual person.
1. the full wedding test 📂
Instagram is the highlight reel. You need to see the whole season. Ask for 1–2 full-day wedding galleries from a similar venue or season to yours. This shows you how they handle:
Tricky lighting situations
Chaotic family formals
Dance floor madness
Unflattering candid moments (and whether they edit kindly)
2. the “what if” questions ⛈
Throw in curveballs during your call:
“If it rains during our outdoor ceremony, what’s your plan?”
“If we run late, what shots do you never skip?”
“What happens if your camera breaks mid-ceremony?”
Their answers reveal how they think under pressure — and whether they’ll protect your priorities.
3. energy match check ⚡
Your photographer will be with you more than your partner on the day. Their energy will shape yours.
If you’re anxious, maybe you want someone calm and grounding.
If you’re hype, maybe you want someone equally energised.
If you’re introverted, maybe you want someone low-profile who blends in.
4. communication style ✉️
Notice their emails and DMs before booking:
Do they reply promptly?
Are they organised and clear?
Do they make you feel heard?
5. gut vs. brain method 🫀🧠
After each call, write down:
How you felt
One thing you loved
One thing you hesitated about
Then, wait 24 hours before deciding. Your gut will usually point to the right one.
p.s. you can do this in your FREE Eternity digital planner → suppliers → booked suppliers → private notes
extra power tips from real couples
💡 limit your zoom calls – 2 to 3 is plenty. After that, photographer fatigue kicks in.
💡 stalk their tagged photos – this shows how their work looks for real couples, not just styled shoots with perfect weather.
💡 ask about backups – they should have multiple cameras, memory cards, and a file backup system that starts on the day.
💡 listen to how they talk about past clients – if they light up telling you stories, you’ve found someone who loves what they do. If they lowkey complain? Run.
💡 check for consistency – their 9am prep shots and 9pm dance floor shots should be equally strong.
the one game-changing question
When you’re down to two amazing options, ask:
“What’s something you offer that most couples don’t even realise is valuable until after the wedding?”
You’ll hear gold here - early sneak peeks, timeline planning help, candid guest portraits, unexpected angles. Often this answer will tip the scales.
the final word
At the end of the day, picking a photographer isn’t just about who can take pretty pictures. It’s about who will see your day the way you want it remembered — and then capture it with skill, care, and just the right energy.
Trust the process, ask the smart questions, and remember: when you look back at your photos years from now… you won’t be thinking about the spreadsheet you made. You’ll be thinking, I’m so glad we chose them.