A step-by-step guide to hiring a wedding photographer, building your shot list, and planning your engagement session and wedding day coverage.
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Photographer Research and Booking
Start searching 9-12 months before the wedding date
Peak season photographers (May-October) book up 14-18 months in advance. Begin your search early and reach out to at least 5-7 photographers to compare portfolios and availability.
Review full wedding galleries, not just highlight reels
Check reviews on at least 2 independent platforms
Compare pricing packages and what each includes
Wedding photography typically costs $2,500-$5,000 for 8 hours of coverage. Ask specifically about travel fees, overtime rates ($150-$300/hour), and whether digital files are included or sold separately.
Request references from at least 2 past couples
Ask references about the photographer's punctuality, how they handled unexpected situations, and turnaround time for final images. Average delivery is 6-8 weeks after the wedding.
Schedule in-person or video meetings with your top 3 choices
Chemistry with your photographer matters more than technical skill. You will spend 8-10 hours with this person on your wedding day, so make sure you feel comfortable and heard during your meeting.
Contract and Details
Review the contract for cancellation policy and backup plan
A solid contract should include a clause about what happens if the photographer is unable to attend. Most require a 50% non-refundable deposit at signing and the balance 2-4 weeks before the wedding.
Confirm copyright and usage rights for your images
Check whether the contract specifies the named photographer or allows substitutes
Discuss whether a second shooter is needed
For weddings over 100 guests or ceremonies with limited sight lines, a second shooter ensures full coverage. Adding a second shooter typically costs $500-$1,000 extra for the day.
Confirm total hours of coverage and overtime policy
Most couples need 8-10 hours of coverage to capture getting ready through the first dance. Build in a 1-hour buffer in your contract so overtime charges do not catch you off guard.
Style and Shot List
Choose your preferred photography style
The three main styles are photojournalistic (candid, documentary), traditional (posed, formal), and fine art (editorial, dramatic lighting). Pick a photographer whose portfolio consistently matches the style you want.
Collect 15-20 reference photos that match your preferred look
Discuss editing style preferences such as light and airy vs dark and moody
Create a must-have shot list for the day
Keep your must-have list to 20-30 shots maximum. Overly long lists eat into candid coverage time. Focus on family groupings, first look, ceremony moments, and any meaningful details.
Share a family photo list with names and groupings
Family formals take about 3-5 minutes per grouping. Plan for 15-20 minutes total for immediate family and wedding party shots. Assign a family member to wrangle people into position.
Engagement Session
Schedule the engagement session 4-6 months before the wedding
The engagement session doubles as a trial run with your photographer. You will learn how they direct poses and how you look on camera, which reduces awkwardness on the wedding day.
Choose a location and time of day for the best light
Golden hour (1-2 hours before sunset) produces the most flattering natural light. Pick a location with personal meaning or one that offers varied backdrops within walking distance.
Check if the location requires a photography permit
Bring a change of outfit for variety in the photos
Use engagement photos for save-the-dates and wedding website
Request 5-10 edited preview images within 2 weeks of the session so you can use them for save-the-dates. Full galleries typically arrive in 2-3 weeks for engagement sessions.
Wedding Day Coordination
Create a detailed timeline and share it with the photographer 2 weeks before
Include addresses, contact numbers for the wedding planner and venue coordinator, and sunset time. A good timeline builds in 15-minute buffers between events for travel and unexpected delays.
Designate someone to point out important guests to the photographer
Your photographer will not know which guests are meaningful to you. Assign a bridesmaid or groomsman to quietly identify grandparents, godparents, or friends who traveled far.
Prepare a flat lay of details for the photographer to capture
Gather rings, invitation suite, shoes, jewelry, perfume, and vow books in one spot before the photographer arrives. Place them on a neutral surface near a window for the best detail shots.
Albums and Delivery
Decide on album options and pricing before the wedding
Wedding albums from your photographer typically cost $800-$2,500 depending on size and material. Ordering at the time of booking often comes with a 15-20% discount compared to ordering after the wedding.
Ask about parent album duplicates at a reduced rate
Confirm image delivery format and timeline
Most photographers deliver 400-800 edited images for an 8-hour wedding via an online gallery within 6-8 weeks. Confirm whether you receive high-resolution downloads or only web-sized files.
Back up your wedding photos in at least 2 locations
Download all images from the online gallery before it expires, which is typically 6-12 months. Store copies on an external hard drive and a cloud service for long-term safety.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a wedding photographer cost?
Wedding photographers charge $2,500-$6,000 on average, with experienced professionals in major cities commanding $5,000-$10,000+. This typically includes 8-10 hours of coverage, an engagement session, and 400-800 edited photos delivered in an online gallery. A second shooter adds $500-$1,000 and is worth it for weddings over 100 guests to capture both ceremony angles and candid moments simultaneously.
How many photos should I expect from a wedding photographer?
Professional wedding photographers deliver 50-100 edited photos per hour of coverage, so an 8-hour wedding typically yields 400-800 final images. Delivery takes 4-8 weeks for culled and edited galleries. Avoid contracts promising 2,000+ photos — that usually means minimal editing. Quality photographers cull from 3,000-5,000 raw shots down to the best 500-700.
Should I hire a second wedding photographer?
A second shooter is strongly recommended for weddings with 100+ guests, multiple ceremony locations, or when the couple gets ready in separate locations. They capture the groom's preparation while the lead photographs the bride, shoot different ceremony angles simultaneously, and catch candid guest reactions during key moments. For intimate weddings under 50 guests in a single venue, one photographer is usually sufficient.
When should I book my wedding photographer?
Book your photographer 10-14 months before the wedding — popular photographers book an entire calendar year by January. After securing your venue, the photographer should be your next vendor booking. Meet with or video-call 3-5 photographers, review full wedding galleries (not just highlight reels), and ask about their backup plan if they get sick or injured before your date.
What is the difference between a wedding photographer's editing styles?
The three dominant editing styles are: light and airy (bright, soft tones, minimal shadows — popular for outdoor and garden weddings), dark and moody (deep contrast, rich shadows, muted highlights — suited for evening and indoor events), and true-to-life (accurate colors with subtle enhancement). Your photographer's editing style is baked into every image, so choose someone whose portfolio consistently matches your aesthetic — restyling after delivery costs $500-$1,500 if even possible.