Booking a wedding photographer is one of the most meaningful decisions you’ll make while planning your wedding day. Long after the florals fade and the music ends, your photographs will remain, capturing not just how everything looked, but how it felt.
To help couples navigate this decision with clarity and confidence, we chatted with Nicole Gonzalez of Berlez and Amy Abbott of Amy Abbott Events to share expert insights from both a photographer and planner perspective. Whether you’re just starting your search or narrowing down finalists, these ten tips will help you feel informed and empowered when booking a wedding photographer.
1. Don’t Rush the Decision
“It may take time, but when it fits, you’ll know,” shares Nicole.
When booking a wedding photographer, it’s important to give yourself permission to slow down. This isn’t a box to check, it’s a relationship you’re committing to for one of the biggest days of your life.
“Beyond loving the work, couples should feel a genuine connection with the person behind the camera,” Nicole explains. “This is someone who will be with you during some of the most intimate moments of your day — comfort, trust, and care matter just as much as aesthetics.”
2. Decide What Really Matters to You
Before reaching out to photographers, take time to define your personal priorities.
What do we truly care about? Is it film photography? A second photographer? Guest experience? Editorial portraits? Coverage of cultural traditions or weekend events? These are all questions Nicole recommends asking before booking a wedding photographer.
Once you have clarity, booking a wedding photographer becomes far less overwhelming.
“When you know what matters most, it becomes much easier to find a photographer whose services and priorities align with your vision,” Nicole shares.
3. Ask About Their Background
Experience doesn’t always announce itself loudly.
“Experience often shows itself in subtle ways, through calm direction, adaptability, and an intuitive sense of timing,” says Amy.
When booking a wedding photographer, understanding their background can offer valuable insight into how they’ll perform under pressure.
“Where they trained, how long they’ve worked in the industry, and the types of weddings and destinations they’ve photographed all inform how confidently they navigate a wedding day,” Amy adds.
4. Speak Face to Face
An introductory call isn’t just a formality; it’s essential.
“We recommend scheduling a video call prior to booking,” says Amy.
This conversation helps establish trust and sets expectations on both sides.
“A photographer is present for the most intimate moments of the wedding day, and couples should feel comfortable, understood, and confident in their ability to translate expectations into imagery,” Amy explains. “This is also the right time to discuss delivery timelines, equipment standards, and what is included in the final collection.”
5. Understand What You’re Investing In
When booking a wedding photographer, pricing can feel confusing if you’re only comparing numbers.
“Pricing often reflects experience, personal involvement, creative depth, and a photographer’s signature approach, not just hours or deliverables,” Nicole notes.
Your investment supports far more than the wedding day itself: years of expertise, refined systems, creative vision, and the assurance that your memories are in capable hands.
6. Ask to See a Full Gallery
A curated Instagram grid only tells part of the story.
“A wedding is so much more than a handful of beautiful portraits,” says Nicole.
Before booking, couples should always request a full wedding gallery.
“This shows how a photographer handles the entire day — lighting changes, candid moments, guest interactions, family dynamics, and the in-between moments that truly tell the story,” she adds.
7. Ask How the Team Works Together
Most wedding photographers work with a team, and understanding that dynamic matters.
“A strong team works seamlessly,” Nicole explains. “One photographer may focus on portraits and key moments, while another documents guests, atmosphere, and candid interactions.”
When booking a wedding photographer, knowing how their team collaborates ensures no moment is missed.
8. Ask What They Love Most About Photographing Weddings
This is a question couples rarely think to ask — but it’s incredibly revealing.
“A photographer’s favorite part of a wedding often reflects what they value most,” says Nicole.
“When that passion aligns with what you care about, whether it’s emotional storytelling, fashion-forward portraits, or guest experience, you’re more likely to receive work that feels intentional and deeply considered.”
9. Think of Your Photography as a Service
Wedding photography is about more than images.
“Your photographer is part of the service and hospitality experience,” Nicole shares.
“Photography is deeply rooted in the service industry. Beyond talent, couples should consider how their photographer shows up for them, their guests, and their vendor team. Are they calm under pressure? Respectful of timelines? Kind to family members?”
A true professional enhances the entire wedding experience, not just the final gallery.
10. Trust Over Trends
“Trends will come and go, but your wedding photos should still feel meaningful decades from now,” Nicole reminds us.
When booking a wedding photographer, emotional resonance should outweigh what’s currently trending.
“The best choice is a photographer whose work resonates emotionally — not just visually — and who approaches your wedding with intention, care, and genuine respect for the people involved.”
Booking a wedding photographer is about far more than selecting a style you love; it’s about choosing someone you trust to preserve one of the most meaningful days of your life. By asking thoughtful questions, prioritizing connection, and understanding what you’re truly investing in, you’ll find a photographer who not only documents your wedding beautifully but also elevates the entire experience.
For more wedding planning guidiance, check out What to Look For in a Wedding Venue to Make Your Wedding Day Stress Free
