There is really no other vendor that you will have a relationship with as long as your photographer. You meet before the wedding. You take engagement pictures, sometimes bridal pictures. You are together all wedding day. You meet after the wedding for your pictures. Make print orders, album orders, and more. You may even come back for more.  It’s a long term relationship!

Here are 6 simple tips to remember when hiring your wedding photographer.
These tips are based on the understanding that the Bride/Groom/Couple truly value photography as one of the most important services of the whole wedding experience.


1. Don’t choose a photographer solely based on price. Personality, quality and professionalism is by far more important! Trying to save a couple hundred dollars is not going to be worth compromising a positive relationship for your wedding experience.

2. Don’t choose a photographer that “specializes” in something other than wedding photography! You don’t take your broken down car to a bike shop! Yea, they know how to fix broken things with wheels, but the parts, process, experience and knowledge are completely different!

3. Don’t blindly book your photographer. Even if you have heard 100 amazing things about someone, they may not be the right personality for you. Meeting with the photographer also gives the photographer a chance to learn your personality and style to know what they can do to better serve you. In the end, meeting with them is always a WIN-WIN.

4. If you are using a wedding planner, still meet the photographer yourself. Book all your other vendors through a wedding planner, sure. But for a photographer who bases their business off of a quality relationship, there is nothing more frustrating than blindly booking a bride. Many photographers offer video or phone conference options for out-of-town or really busy brides. Take the time to meet them!

5. Look beyond wedding shows. The wedding show mentality usually comes off impersonal and as a “quantity over quality” service. Don’t get me wrong, you can definitely find some vendors there, and have a great starting point, but that shouldn’t be where you stop.

6. Find a photographer who cares about you, listens to you, and strives to serve you with professionalism, kindness, respect, and quality customer service. This day is about you and your love celebrating a new life together! You need someone who will encourage and help you!