Top 5 Questions to Ask Your Wedding Photographer Before You Book

Choosing your wedding vendors equates to creating your dream team of humans to orchestrate your wedding.  Here’s a little checklist for what to keep in mind as you’re booking your vendors:

Wedding Photographer Checklist

#1 Are they socially vetted?

Check Google reviews! If your photographer doesn’t have a Google page, it might be because they’re either super new to the industry or made a massive mistake and had to start over. Google reviews are a great way to vet each of your vendors and see what they prioritize. 

#2 What’s their experience?

Approximately how many weddings have they done, and how many years have they been in the industry? Just like any industry, you’ll notice a difference between an entry-level vendor and a vendor who’s been around the block. If a photographer has 5-10 years of experience, they not only have experience with taking photos with various light scenarios, but they also have the emotional experience and expertise to handle any wedding day wildcard experience. 

#3 Do you want to spend your wedding day with them?

I placed this question last because professional experience and expertise are always the most important when you’re interviewing anyone for a job. With that, as your vendors, and especially your planner and photographer, will be spending a good chunk of the day with you, it’s important to make sure your personalities jive.

After you book each vendor, pat yourself on your back and do a little dance. Booking a vendor takes work, congrats!

Onto the specifics of photographers. Your photos are the one thing (besides your marriage, of course!) that will last long after the wedding day is over. But with so many photographers out there, how do you know which one is the right fit for you?

It’s not just about liking their Instagram feed - you need to make sure their style, experience, and approach align with your vision. To help you make the best choice, here are five essential questions to ask before you book.

1. How Would You Describe Your Photography Style, Editing Style, and Presence?

Why This Matters:

Every photographer has their own artistic style. Some create light and airy photos, others prefer rich and moody tones, and some (like me!) love natural, documentary-style photography that tells the story of your day in an authentic way. Understanding your photographer’s style ensures you’ll love the final images.

What to Ask:

• How would you describe your approach to shooting weddings?

• Can I see a full wedding gallery to get a feel for how your style plays out over an entire day?

• What’s your editing style?

What to Look For:

Social media is great for highlights, but a full wedding gallery gives you a true sense of how a photographer handles everything—from getting ready to the dance floor fun.

2. Do You Have Experience With Weddings Like Ours?

Why This Matters:

Every wedding is different. Whether you’re planning a black-tie ballroom wedding or an intimate elopement in the mountains, you want a photographer who knows how to handle your specific setting and any potential challenges that come with it. For example, have you done LGBTQ Weddings before? Do you have experience shooting unique wedding settings? These questions are all important to make your experience a great one.

What to Ask:

• Have you photographed weddings of a similar size and style?

• How do you handle tricky lighting or unpredictable weather?

What to Look For:

A seasoned photographer will be able to adjust to different lighting conditions, work efficiently with a tight timeline, and handle any unexpected surprises with ease.

3. How Do You Help With the Timeline and Planning?

Why This Matters:

A great photographer does more than just show up on your wedding day—they help you plan. From recommending the best time for golden-hour portraits to making sure you have enough time for family photos, they play a key role in keeping things stress-free.

What to Ask:

• Will you help us with a photography timeline?

• How do you coordinate with our planner or other vendors?

What to Look For:

Your photographer should be proactive in guiding you through the timeline so you don’t feel rushed. They should also be comfortable working alongside planners, videographers, and other vendors to ensure everything runs smoothly.

4. What’s Included in Your Wedding Photography Packages?

Why This Matters:

Photography packages can vary widely. Some photographers offer full-day coverage, while others have a set number of hours. Some include engagement sessions, albums, or additional photographers. It’s important to know exactly what you’re getting so there are no surprises later.

What to Ask:

• What’s included in your wedding package?

• How many hours of coverage do we get?

• Are albums, prints, or digital downloads included?

• What’s the turnaround time for receiving our photos?

What to Look For:

Make sure the package fits your needs. If you want a printed album, check if that’s included or if it’s an add-on. Also, ask how long it typically takes to get your edited images back!

5. What’s Your Booking Process, and What Happens If You Can’t Make It?

Why This Matters:

Once you’ve found a photographer you love, you’ll want to secure your date. Understanding their booking process, contract terms, and contingency plans will ensure a smooth experience from start to finish.

What to Ask:

• What’s the process for booking you?

• How much is the deposit, and when is the final payment due?

• What happens if you have an emergency and can’t make it?

What to Look For:

A professional photographer will have a clear, straightforward booking process, usually requiring a signed contract and a deposit. They should also have a backup plan in place, whether it’s an associate photographer or a trusted network of colleagues who can step in if needed.

You Deserve the Best

Finding the right wedding photographer isn’t just about loving their photos—it’s about trusting them to capture the moments that matter most. Asking these five questions will help you feel confident in your decision and ensure you’re in good hands.

If you’re looking for a photographer who values real moments, candid storytelling, and a relaxed, fun approach, let’s chat! I’d love to hear more about your wedding plans and see if we’d be a great match.