A step-by-step guide for couples in the UK

Choosing a wedding photographer is one of the most important decisions you’ll make during the wedding planning process. After all, your wedding photos will be a lasting reminder of the big day! But how do you go about selecting the perfect photographer? It can feel overwhelming with so many options out there, but don’t worry — I’m here to help guide you through the process.

1. Understand the different wedding photography styles

Before diving into a search for a wedding photographer, it’s essential to understand the different wedding photography styles available. Every photographer has their own approach, and choosing a style that resonates with you will ensure your photos reflect your personality and the vibe of your day.

Here are some popular styles to consider:

• Candid Wedding Photography: Perfect for couples who want natural, unposed moments. It’s all about capturing the day as it unfolds, focusing on real emotions, laughter, and interactions. This style suits relaxed weddings of all sizes, couples who prefer to stay out of the spotlight. Some direction is given by the photographer to help achieve an unposed and natural look to photos.
• Documentary Wedding Photography: Similar to candid photography, without any direction from the photographer. Documentary photographers aim to tell the story of your day in a photojournalistic way, with minimal interference, so are a fly on the wall capturing everything as it happens, and anticipating moments before they happen.
• Fine Art Wedding Photography: If you’re drawn to timeless, magazine-worthy images, this might be the style for you. Fine art photographers often use creative compositions and focus on lighting and details to produce elegant, stylised photos.
• Traditional Wedding Photography: This style includes more posed and formal shots. It’s often associated with classic group portraits and carefully structured images that might appear in a family photo album.

I consider myself to be a candid wedding photographer who also takes documentary wedding photos throughout the day. Group shots are usually posed, couple photos are usually candid and the rest of the day is documentary.

2. Consider the editing style

Beyond the way photos are taken, the editing style is a big part of how your wedding photos will look. Photographers often have a signature way of editing that can dramatically affect the mood and overall feel of your images. It’s essential to choose a photographer whose editing style aligns with what you envision – no experienced photographer will be happy to edit their photos in a way that isn’t like their style, and will be even more unlikely to supply RAW files if you’re unhappy with your photos (copyright/ownership of property stuff, plus we like to protect our work from being associated with any edits not made by us).

Here are a few common editing styles to consider:

• Colourful and Bold: This is my personal style, where I aim to create vibrant, dynamic images that pop with colour. This approach is perfect for couples who want their photos to feel full of life, energy, and rich in detail.
• Bright and Airy: Soft, light, and romantic, this editing style focuses on bright whites and pastel tones. It’s perfect for couples looking for a light, dreamy atmosphere in their wedding photos.
• Dark and Moody: With deep shadows and rich contrast, the dark and moody style has a cinematic quality. It’s ideal for couples who want their photos to have a more dramatic, atmospheric feel.
• Natural and True-to-Life: Some photographers prefer a more neutral editing style, focusing on making the images look as natural and true to the day as possible. This style works well if you want your photos to feel timeless and authentic without heavy filters or effects.
• Warm and Film-like: This editing style has come under fire from some brides recently (if you’ve heard of Sepia Bride in 2024, this is what I’m referring to), but is a beautiful editing style when appreciated by the right people. The photos have a warm tinge to everything, and looks like a bright and beautifully warm summer’s day.

When choosing a photographer, pay attention to their portfolio and how their images are edited. Do the colours, tones, and mood match what you’re envisioning for your day? It’s essential to pick a style that feels right for you, as this is how your memories will be preserved.

3. Set your budget

Another significant factor when choosing a photographer is, of course, your budget. According to research in 2024, couples in the UK typically spend around £1,200 to £2,000 on a wedding photographer, but this can vary based on the photographer’s experience and what’s included in their wedding photography packages. According to Bridebook, the average cost of a wedding photographer is between £1,300-£1,500, which often doesn’t include the cost of a wedding album or engagement/pre-wedding shoot.

When reviewing packages, look at the value offered rather than just the price. What’s included? Does the photographer offer an engagement shoot, an album, or a second shooter? You might find that spending a little more for the right photographer will make all the difference in ensuring your memories are beautifully captured.

4. Look at portfolios

Once you have a budget and know what style you’re after, it’s time to dive into wedding photographer portfolios. A portfolio is a window into a photographer’s skill and artistic vision. Take note of the following when browsing:

• Do they have experience photographing weddings similar in style or location to yours?
• Is there consistency in the quality of their images?
• Are the emotions of the day captured naturally and authentically?

Most importantly, pay attention to the connection you feel when looking at their work. Do the photos resonate with you? Every wedding is unique, and it’s essential to find a photographer whose style aligns with your vision for the day.

I personally wouldn’t worry about whether your photographer has photographed at the venue you’ve chosen. It’s useful for photographers to know the layout of the venue, where the “good shots” are if they have land surrounding them and so on, but it shouldn’t impact the quality of your photos or the ability of the photographer to take beautiful photos.

5. Meet your photographer in person (or virtually)

Your wedding photographer will be with you for most of the day — from the pre-ceremony nerves to the late-night dance floor antics — so you’ll want to choose someone you genuinely like. It’s important to feel comfortable and at ease around them, as this will show in your photos.

After all, you don’t want to spend your entire day with someone who makes you feel awkward or uncomfortable. Many photographers offer an initial consultation, either in person or via video call. Use this meeting to see if you "click." Do they listen to your ideas? Do they ask thoughtful questions about your plans and preferences? This is an excellent opportunity to gauge their personality and see if they’re a good fit for your day.

6. Ask the right questions

During your initial meeting, it’s a good idea to ask some key questions. This will help you get a better sense of how the photographer works and what to expect. I’ve written a blog about this before – you can take a look at it here:

What to ask a wedding photographer before booking

These questions will give you peace of mind and ensure you’re choosing someone reliable and experienced.

7. Consider what’s included in the wedding photography packages

Not all wedding photography packages are created equal. Some photographers might include an engagement session, a beautiful album, or a second photographer to help capture multiple angles of the day. Others may charge extra for additional hours or travel expenses.

I keep my candid wedding photography packages simple and transparent, offering coverage from the morning preparations through to the evening celebrations. Each package includes a pre-wedding consultation, a fully edited online gallery of high-resolution images, and a pre-wedding shoot/engagement shoot. Two of my packages also include printed albums.

When comparing packages, consider what’s essential to you. Do you want a second shooter to capture more candid moments? Are you looking for a wedding album or digital-only delivery? Ensure that the package you choose aligns with your needs and budget.

8. Read reviews and testimonials

One of the best ways to get an insight into a photographer’s work is by reading reviews from other couples. Look for photographers who consistently receive praise not just for their photography, but also for their professionalism, communication, and ability to put people at ease. Reviews can offer valuable insight into how the photographer interacts with guests, handles unexpected situations, and delivers on promises.

For example, many of my clients mention how much they appreciated how I helped them feel relaxed and comfortable in front of the camera.

Final thoughts on choosing a wedding photographer

Choosing a wedding photographer is about more than just ticking off a task on your wedding planning list. It’s about finding someone who will capture the heart of your day and create memories that you’ll treasure forever.

By considering your wedding photography style, budget, editing preferences, and how well you connect with the photographer, you’ll be well on your way to making the right choice. Remember, you’ll be spending a lot of time with your photographer on the day, so pick someone whose work you love — and whose company you enjoy!

If you have any questions or need further guidance, feel free to reach out. I’m always happy to help couples find the perfect fit for their big day.

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