Choosing Your Photographer

How to choose your wedding photographer.

Most couples start their wedding planning journey feeling a bit lost when it comes to photography. There are so many styles, packages and price points, and it can feel like everyone online is shouting about being “the best.”

The truth? Choosing your photographer is less about fancy cameras or trendy edits and more about choosing the right person—the one you’ll want around you during some of the most emotional and unpredictable moments of your life.

What are the biggest mistakes couples make when choosing a photographer?

The most common mistake is picking someone based only on a handful of highlight photos on Instagram. Highlights are designed to impress, but they don’t show you how a photographer captures the whole day. I’ve learnt that asking to see full wedding galleries is the best way to judge consistency.

Another mistake is choosing someone just because they’ve shot at your venue before. Any good photographer can adapt to new spaces—what really matters is whether you feel at ease with them.

When should we book our photographer?

Once you’ve set your date, get this booked. Six to twelve months ahead is standard, and popular summer weekends can fill even earlier.

I’ve had couples book me over a year in advance, and I’ve had others get lucky with short notice—but it’s not something I’d recommend relying on.

Booking early gives you the best choice and avoids disappointment.

How many hours of coverage do we actually need?

Most couples go for a full day—around 10 to 12 hours—covering everything from getting ready through to the dance floor.

In my experience, shorter packages can feel rushed and often miss the emotional build-up at the start or the wild fun later on.

If your budget allows, a full day is worth it.

Do we need to meet the photographer before booking?

Yes, 100%. Even if it’s just a video call, you’ll know straight away whether you click.

This is someone who’ll be by your side through tears, laughter and everything in between. The right personality can make you feel calm and cared for; the wrong one can add tension. Meeting beforehand is the best way to avoid regrets.

Are albums usually included?

Not always. Most photographers deliver your photos digitally, with albums offered as an optional extra.

I’ve seen time and again that couples who invest in an album are glad they did—it’s a totally different experience to scroll through pictures on a phone.

A professionally designed and made wedding photography album can become an heirloom item, a piece of treasure that is brought out on special occasions, but equally it can become the family's favourite book with children choosing to look at their parents' wedding photos at bedtime.

If an album matters to you, make sure you check whether it’s included or budget to add it on.

How much should we expect to spend?

Across the UK, the average is around £1,800–£2,400 for a full day.

In London, it can be £2,500+, while rural areas may be more like £800–£1,200.

It’s not pocket change, but it’s one of the few wedding costs that lasts forever. Your photos will outlive your flowers, cake, and decorations—so it’s worth prioritising.

Can we change photographers after booking?

Technically yes, but it’s not simple. Once you’ve signed a contract and paid a deposit, you’ll likely lose that money if you switch. Once a wedding photographer reserves your date, they will likely turn away multiple other work opportunities for the same day before your wedding. Most professional photographers only offer a limited number of bookings per year and having cancellations and issuing refunds can become very personally expensive for the photographer and their family.

That’s why it’s so important to take your time, meet them first, and be confident before you commit.

How do we get the best value from our photographer?

Value isn’t about the cheapest deal—it’s about the best fit for your day. Some tips:

• Ask if they offer weekday or off-season discounts.
  

• See if you can bundle extras like engagement shoots or albums.
  

• Remember: the personality fit is just as valuable as the photos. A photographer who makes you feel relaxed is worth their weight in gold.

What questions should we ask in the consultation?

Here are some useful ones:

• Can we see full wedding galleries, not just highlights?

• What’s your backup plan if your camera fails or you get ill?

• How many photos will we receive, and when?

• Will it be you who photographs our wedding, or will you send an associate?

• How do you back up and protect our images?

These questions aren’t about catching someone out—they’re about giving you peace of mind.

How do we know the portfolio is authentic?

Ask to see two or three full weddings. You’ll soon spot whether the quality is consistent throughout or whether you’re just seeing the “best bits.”

Consistency is the sign of a true professional.

At one wedding in the Cotswolds, everything ran late and the atmosphere was becoming tense. Parents were stressed, the couple looked frazzled, and it could have derailed the whole day. I suggested they take five minutes alone together while I quietly reshuffled the schedule with the venue's co-ordinator, with whom I had a very good relationship. Not only did it calm everyone down, but the photos from that pause—the two of them laughing in the middle of chaos—are now their favourites.

At others I have raced out to fetch a drive-thru McDonalds to sober up drunk bridesmaids before the ceremony, I have negotiated arguing divorced parents into standing together for photos, I have carried 200 chairs from a lawn to the wedding reception after a venue was short staffed, stitched suits and dresses, driven guests home, run extension cables and even carried a bride up a flight of stairs when he heels were too high to walk in.

That’s why the person you choose matters just as much as their portfolio.

Here’s a quick reminder for your planning list:

• Ask to see full wedding galleries

• Meet or video call your photographer before booking

• Confirm hours, deliverables and backup plans

• Book 6–12 months in advance

• Get everything in writing—contract, deposit, cancellation policy

If you only remember one thing, let it be this: your photographer isn’t just someone taking pictures—they’re the person who’ll be beside you all day, shaping how it feels.

Choose someone who makes you feel safe, happy, and understood, and you’ll love the photos even more.