How to Pick Your Wedding Photographer – The Ultimate Guide
Planning your wedding? One of the biggest (and most important) decisions you’ll make is choosing the right wedding photographer. After all, once the cake is eaten and the flowers fade, your wedding photos are what will bring those memories back to life.
But with so many photographers out there, how do you pick the right one? Here’s some top tips for finding your wedding photographer.
Top tips for finding your wedding photographer
1. Decide on Your Photography Style
Before you even start looking for a photographer, think about what kind of photos make your heart skip a beat. Some common wedding photography styles include:
Candid/Documentary – Natural, unposed, storytelling-style images.
Fine Art/Editorial – Highly stylized, magazine-worthy shots.
Classic/Traditional – Posed portraits with a timeless feel.
Dark & Moody – Rich tones with dramatic lighting.
Light & Airy – Soft, romantic, and bright.
Look through wedding photos on Pinterest, Instagram, and real wedding blogs to see what style resonates with you.
2. Set a Budget
Wedding photography can range from £500 to £5,000+, depending on experience, location, and coverage time.
Cheaper doesn’t always mean better (or worse), so look beyond the price tag and focus on the quality, experience, and what’s included in the package.
3. Check Out Full Galleries (Not Just Instagram)
A great Instagram feed is nice, but it only shows the highlights. Ask potential photographers to send full wedding galleries so you can see how they capture:
Different lighting situations (daytime, sunset, evening).
Indoor vs. outdoor settings.
Candid and posed moments.
This will give you a better idea of how they handle real weddings from start to finish.
4. Read Reviews & Ask for Recommendations
Nothing beats word of mouth. Ask recently married friends for recommendations, and check Google reviews to see what other couples have said about their experience. Pay attention to comments about:
The photographer’s personality and professionalism.
How they handled the wedding day.
The final photos and turnaround time.
5. Make Sure You Vibe With Them
Your wedding photographer will be with you for most of the day, so you need to actually like them! Book a call or meet for a coffee to see if you click. Ask yourself:
✔ Do they make you feel comfortable?
✔ Do they understand your vision?
✔ Are they someone you’d want to spend your wedding day with?
If the answer is yes, you’re on the right track.
6. Know What’s Included in Their Packages
Every photographer has different packages, so be clear on what’s included. Some key things to check:
How many hours of coverage?
Do they offer a second photographer?
How many final images will you receive?
How long is the turnaround time?
Do they offer albums or prints?
Get everything in writing, and don’t be afraid to ask questions!
7. Trust Your Gut
At the end of the day, go with the photographer who feels right. If you love their work, feel comfortable with them, and trust them to capture your day, you’ve found your match.
Looking for a Wedding Photographer in Scotland?
If you’re planning your wedding and want natural, fun, and storytelling-style photos, I’d love to chat! Check out my work here and let’s capture your day in a way that feels like you.
