How To Choose A Wedding Photographer For Your Special Day | 15 Top Tips
Your wedding photos will outlive the cake. They’ll outlast the flowers. And long after your shoes are boxed away, these images will still tell the story of your day.
Choosing the right photographer isn’t just another tick on the planning checklist. It’s one of the most meaningful decisions you’ll make.
With years of experience hosting Weddings in Surrey, we know how important choosing the right person is. So read on as we share our top tips to help you find the perfect match for your celebration.
Top Tips To Help Choose Your Wedding Photographer
1. Set a Budget
Start with numbers. Wedding photography ranges in price, and it’s easy to fall in love with work that quietly sits outside your budget.
Decide what you’re comfortable spending early on and go from there.
2. Consider Their Photography Style
Light and airy? Moody and cinematic? Traditional and natural?
Every photographer has a signature style. Make sure it matches how you want your day remembered.
Scroll through their galleries and ask yourself if you could imagine these being your photos.
3. Read Real Reviews
Testimonials reveal what portfolios don’t.
Look for patterns in feedback. Are couples praising calm energy, organisation, or creativity?
Past experiences are often the clearest window into your future one.
4. Ask Your Venue for Recommended Suppliers
Venues see photographers in action week after week. It’s always worth asking if they have recommended suppliers.
These professionals are trusted for their quality and already know the venue’s best spots.
5. Get Word-of-Mouth Recommendations
Ask friends, family and colleagues for their recommendations.
If someone lights up when talking about their photographer, that enthusiasm usually means something.
6. Check Availability for Your Wedding Date
It may sound obvious, but always confirm your wedding date with the photographer before going any further.
There’s no point arranging meetings or discussing packages if they’re not available on your big day.
7. Make Sure Their Personality Fits Yours
You’ll spend more time with your photographer than almost anyone else on the wedding day.
If their energy feels awkward or forced, it will show in your photos. Arrange a call or coffee as chemistry matters.
You want someone who feels like a calming presence, not another source of stress.
8. Ask if They Know the Venue
Familiarity with your venue can be a huge advantage.
Experienced photographers already know the best light, secret corners, and rain-safe backdrops.
That insider knowledge can save time and elevate your images without you lifting a finger.
9. Check Full Wedding Galleries (not just highlights)
Instagram shows perfection however full galleries show reality.
Ask to see complete weddings from start to finish if possible. This reveals consistency, storytelling ability, and how they handle tricky lighting or busy moments.
10. Ask What’s Included in Their Packages
Clarify hours of coverage, who will be there, number of edited images, albums, engagement shoots, travel fees, and backup equipment.
Transparent packages prevent surprise costs later and help you compare photographers fairly.
11. Let Them Know if You’re Hiring a Videographer
If you’re hiring both photography and video, harmony is essential.
Ask how they collaborate with videographers or whether they have any recommendations.
A good team works quietly together, sharing space and moments rather than competing for them.
12. Understand Turnaround Times for Photos
After your wedding, excitement turns into anticipation.
Ask how long delivery typically takes and whether previews are included. Some photographers share sneak peeks within days, others take weeks.
Knowing the timeline helps manage expectations and keeps post-wedding blues at bay.
13. Find Out How They Direct (or Don’t)
Some photographers guide every pose. Others blend quietly into the background. Some do a mixture of both.
Neither is wrong but you should know what you’re getting.
If you prefer natural moments over structured shots (or vice versa), make sure your photographer’s approach matches your comfort level.
14. Consider Whether You Need a Second Photographer
For larger celebrations or busy timelines a second photographer can capture moments happening at the same time, from morning preparations to guest reactions during the ceremony.
It’s worth considering if you’d like multiple angles and fuller coverage, ensuring nothing meaningful is missed.
15. Ask Who Will Actually Be Shooting Your Wedding
If you’re booking through a studio confirm exactly who will be behind the camera on your big day.
You want the person whose work you fell in love with, not a surprise substitute.
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We hope this article has helped guide you and your partner towards finding a photographer who truly feels right.
You might also enjoy our sister property’s article "How To Make A Simple Wedding Dress Stand Out" for even more wedding inspiration.
From our wedding team at Gorse Hill, happy planning!
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FAQS Related To: How To Choose A Wedding Photographer
How early should we book our photographer?
Aim to book your wedding photographer around 9–12 months in advance, especially for peak wedding seasons and popular dates. This gives you plenty of time to shortlist your favourites and secure the photographer you truly want before their diary fills up.
Should we meet photographers in person?
Yes, whenever possible. Connection matters as much as technical skill. Take time to see if they put you at ease, and talk through your expectations. If your budget allows, a mini engagement shoot is a great way to test the chemistry and see whether they’re the right fit for your real wedding day.
Is cheaper always worse?
Not necessarily but experience, reliability, and quality usually come at a price. With lots of photographers to choose from be sure to get recommendations, read reviews, meet the person, and see their work before making a decision.
Do we need two photographers?
For larger weddings a second shooter can capture those parallel moments unfolding at the same time. It’s well worth considering if you’d love multiple angles and don’t want to miss a single moment.