You’re engaged (yay!), and now the wedding planning whirlwind has begun. Somewhere between venue tours and guest list debates, you realize: ‘Omg we need a photographer.’

A thousand questions probably pop up at once, like observing all the options for toothpaste at the grocery. But where do you even start? How do you know who’s the right fit? What if you don’t even know what you’re looking for?

Take a deep breath—I’ve gotchu. As a wedding photographer who’s worked with hundreds of couples in the same boat, I’m breaking down the biggest questions couples have when starting their search, so you can move forward picking the best wedding photographer for you with confidence.

1. When Should We Start Looking for a Photographer?

The short answer? As soon as you book your venue.

Most wedding photographers book out 12–18 months in advance, especially for popular dates. I’m typically booking out 1-2 years at least. If photography is high on your priority list, start reaching out early so you have options. If you’re planning a shorter engagement, don’t stress—there are always talented photographers who might still have your date open, and sometimes we have an odd weekend day open that your wedding aligns with!

Pro Tip: If you’re dreaming of a specific photographer, reach out before finalizing your date to see their availability!

2. How Much Should We Budget for Photography?

Wedding photography pricing varies wildly, and is also dependent on how much coverage you need for your wedding day (look at my FAQ page to help gauge the amount of time you will need) but here’s a general breakdown:

• $1,500–$3,000 – Entry-level photographers, newer to weddings or part-time.
• $4,500–$6,000 – Experienced photographers with a strong portfolio and client experience.
• $8,000+ – Luxury and high-end photographers with extensive experience, a refined artistic style, and premium service.

Photography is one of the few things you invest in that lasts beyond the wedding day, so consider what’s important to you. If high-quality images are a must, prioritize it in your budget.

3. What Should We Look for in a Photographer?

It’s way more than just pretty photos and trendy videos. When choosing a photographer, consider:

• Style: Do you love their editing, composition, and storytelling approach?

• Experience: Have they photographed weddings similar to yours (venue, lighting, cultural elements)?

• Personality: Do you vibe with them? (You’ll spend more time with your photographer than almost anyone on your wedding day, so this is an absolute must.)

• Reviews: Do past couples rave about their experience? Look for key words in the reviews that stick out to you, or set that photographer apart.

4. Where Do We Even Find Photographers?

Start by searching:

• Instagram & Google – Search “[your city] wedding photographer” or use hashtags like #ColumbusWeddingPhotographer.

• Referrals – Ask recently married friends or your venue for recommendations. Ask to see their gallery if they are comfortable so you can get an idea on how their day was captured.

• Wedding Directories – Sites like The Knot or Zola can help, but don’t rely on them exclusively. Many wedding websites rank photographers based off of how much they pay to be ranked first. Look for effort- an active website link, recent wedding photos on the listing, a personal about or business description, and pertinent info.

Once you find some you love, dive into their websites, look at full galleries, and read testimonials.

5. What’s the Booking Process Like?

Most photographers follow a similar process:

Red Flags to Watch For: No contract, unclear pricing, or slow/unprofessional communication (expect a response within 48 hours).

6. Do We Need an Engagement Session?

While not required, engagement sessions are so worth it. They help you:

• Get comfortable in front of the camera.

• Work with your photographer before the wedding.

• Capture non-wedding portraits in a more relaxed setting.

7. How Do We Compare Photographers?

Ask yourself:

• Which galleries make you feel something? Is there a gallery that you connect with emotionally?

• Who has a personality that matches your vibe? Can you see them interacting with your friends and family?

• Who is clear, responsive, and professional? Are they someone you enjoy speaking to, can rely on, and help guide you with experience?

It’s not just about the cheapest or most popular option—it’s about who makes you feel confident and excited.

8. What If We’re Camera Shy or Awkward?

Most people feel this way! This is one of the biggest reasons it’s so important to find someone you feel comfortable around and trust to make you look your best! A great photographer will guide you so you don’t have to worry about posing or looking stiff. Look for someone whose past couples look natural, joyful, and comfortable—chances are, they’ll make you feel the same way.

9. What Are the Biggest Mistakes Couples Make When Choosing a Photographer?

• Waiting too long to book. Photographers fill up fast, but we also only take a limited number of weddings a year. If you wait too long, your wedding date may not be the issue, but we may close our calendar year.

• Not looking at full galleries. Always ask to see a complete wedding day, not just Instagram highlights. Even as a photographer I’ve hired other photographers to work with me who’s social media I admired, but the images they gave me were so hard to work with. It’s easy to post your best images, but the little moments sometimes matter more in a wedding gallery.

• Choosing solely on price. The cheapest option isn’t always the best value. I’ve had sooo many clients tell me after the wedding how they regret going the cheaper route. They were offered MORE for LESS. More people- assistants, second photographers, third photographers, more images, add ons, etc. The only problem is it didn’t change the caliber of the images. It’s great to have more images and more people on a team, but if the images aren’t usable, it doesn’t add to the overall quality of your gallery.

• Not prioritizing personality. You spend your whole wedding day with this person—make sure you like them! Trust me, I’ve heard so many stories on this one too. You will be working with your photographer for a good amount of time on the wedding, but also think about longevity. Down the road, is this someone you’d want to capture your other big life moments? Finding a photographer you trust to document your life is so special!

Final Thoughts

Choosing a wedding photographer doesn’t have to be overwhelming. Start early, do your research, trust your gut, and remember—you’re not just hiring someone with a camera. You’re investing in someone who will preserve one of the biggest days of your life for generations to come!

If you’re in the early stages and have zero idea where to start, let’s chat! I’d love to help guide you, whether or not you end up booking with me. Inquire HERE!

Have you found a few photographers you love but not sure what to ask during your inquiry call? Check out my blog “The Actual Questions You Should Ask a Wedding Photographer (By a Wedding Photographer)“