How to choose the right wedding photographer

Your photos will last a lifetime, so choosing a wedding photographer is a big decision. Here’s how to find the right one for you…

When all the cake is eaten, the confetti tidied away and your beautiful dress tucked up neatly in tissue paper, your wedding photographs will still be on display. And hopefully you’ll enjoy them for many years to come. That’s why finding the right wedding photographer is right up there with choosing your dream dress and your venue.

Also, as all our real brides will tell you, your big day will absolutely fly by. And, once it’s done, those visual memories will be the most important thing you have. So, below, we’ve asked three of our wedding photographers to give us their expert advice on when to book, what to ask, how much to pay and more, to ensure you get the very best photographs. Ones that you’ll enjoy year after year after year… 

How much should I budget for wedding photography?

A wedding photography package can cost anywhere between £800 to over £3,000 pounds and, as a general rule, you should set aside around 10% of your budget for this important purchase. Charlotte Burn at Charlotte Burn Photography in the Cotswolds says,“Typically couples invest around £1,800 with me for their wedding memories and this doesn't change depending on the day of the year. This includes 10 hours as standard, however this can be tailored to suit each couple’s requirements. I also ask for a £300 booking fee to secure the date.” 

Claudia at Hello & Forever Wedding Photography in the West Midlands offers packages starting at £1,300 for a full day. “A full day is around 10 hours but I also do micro weddings and half day coverage, too,” she says.

What’s normally included? 

Steven at SRW Photography in Cornwall also offers different packages based on the number of hours his couples want. “The price they see is the price they pay and I don’t charge more at peak times,” he says. "My packages range from two to 10 hours, enough for everything from a small elopement to a full all-day wedding, and include no limit to the number of photos. Then all images are hand-edited and included in a sharable online gallery, mobile application and on an engraved wooden USB stick. My couples also get a custom 8in x 11in colour canvas and all travel in Cornwall is included.”

When should I book my wedding photographer? 

“Couples should book their wedding photographer as soon as they have their date secured,” says Steven. “Most of my couples will have spoken to a few photographers and looked at dozens of websites before choosing to book me, and I currently have some bookings for two years' time.”

What's the typical booking process? 

“After an initial search, you should look at plenty of the photographers' work and ask to see two full galleries,” says Charlotte. “Check out the reviews and, if you’re happy, arrange a phone call to discuss your plans. Assuming you are choosing from wedding professionals, the most important thing you can do is make sure you get on with them. They are there with you all day. ” 

When is the busiest time?

“May to October is my busiest time of the year, with the weekend being the most popular choice, says Steven. Charlotte agrees, “Saturdays in August are my busiest time.”

Are weekdays and off-peak bookings becoming more popular? 

“Yes, I’ve had loads of mid-week bookings for 2024 already and quite a few Sep/Oct weddings too, which is great as I love an autumnal wedding,” says Claudia. Steven has also noticed a big increase in weekday weddings. “I think it’s a mix of more couples choosing the more affordable dates and more venues offering them.” he says. 

What are your top tips for small budgets?

“I’m the worst person to ask this question too, as I’m a ‘you only do it once, right?’ kind of girl!” laughs Claudia. “However, if you’re watching the pennies, I would say spend a little less on the cake, favours, stationery and entertainment. You can always DIY to save money too. Don’t cut costs on the venue, dress, suits and certainly not your photographer. Those will be the most important visual memories after your wedding.” 

Steven suggests focusing on the things that really matter. “Make a list of what you want on the day and the pricing and then consider what you could do without. But remember, after the day is done, all you have left are the memories and the photos.”

What advice do you have for couples choosing a photographer? 

“That’s a great question,” says Steven. “Make sure you find someone whose portfolio matches how you want your images to look. Ask as many questions as you want and go with your gut feeling. Sometimes, a supplier might not be right for you, and that’s okay. You’ll be spending all day with your wedding photographer, and you want to be comfortable with them.”

“Always get a copy of the contract before sending a deposit, too. Be wary of any suppliers offering a discount when paying in full. Ensure you have a complete list of what is included in your package beforehand and that there are no hidden costs or extras. Some suppliers take advantage of the fact that couples don’t know what is standard in the industry and what isn’t. If you are unsure, reach out to other suppliers and ask. Personally, I’m always happy to help and advise, even if a couple didn’t book me.”

Claudia says, “Request a FaceTime/Zoom call or meet in person, as you can find out so much about a person from actually speaking with them. Go with your gut feeling. If you get a great vibe it’s normally because your personality matches, which will help you through the whole experience. Lastly, don’t just choose a wedding photographer based on price, choose one that suits your style and is recommended.”

Can you describe your photo style? 

“I specialise in relaxed documentary-style photography, “ says Steven “Also referred to as ‘reportage', this is where the photographer blends in and captures the day naturally, with minimal prompting or posing. It’s also fun! I love what I do, and I have fun doing it. Spending the day with my couple is by far the best part of the job, and you’ll find me smiling, laughing and crying along with you!” 

Claudia’s photography philosophy is to preserve genuine moments, whilst blending into the background. “I’m relaxed but will go above and beyond for my couples, I believe their wedding experience should be stress free and above all exciting,” she says. “I’m always really keen to make the anxious camera-shy couples feel at ease, too.”

Finally, Charlotte aims for images that are classic, romantic and timeless. “For me, it’s about getting to know each and every couple, so I can create photographs that truly reflect who they are.” 

Click here to find a great wedding photographer near you or other suppliers in your area. Also check out our stunning real weddings for tons of photography ideas from our real brides. Also, for more inspiration, check out our Instagram, Facebook or TikTok accounts and lastly, if you still haven’t found your dream dress, start your search here!