Congratulations on your engagement! You have some exciting planning ahead.

Choosing your wedding photographer is one of the most personal decisions you’ll make. The right photographer for you depends on your style, your priorities and your budget, and on whether you feel comfortable with them on the day. This guide covers everything to consider, and if you’d like help making the decision, I offer one-to-one consultations to guide you through it.

By the end of this guide, you’ll be one step closer to making that all-important decision, promise!

In this guide:

• How to find your wedding photography style
• Should you create a shot list?
• Pricing: what you’re paying for, and where not to cut corners
• What is an unplugged wedding?
• Why getting to know your photographer matters
• How to spot a real wedding in a portfolio
• Turnaround time: when will you get your photos?
• How important is wedding photography to you?
• Need help choosing? Book a consultation

How do I find my wedding photography style?

Before you start comparing photographers, it helps to know what you’re drawn to. Most wedding photographers fall into one or more of these styles:

• Documentary: natural, unposed photos that tell the story of the day as it happens.
• Editorial: stylish, magazine-inspired images with some gentle direction.
• Traditional: classic posed portraits and group photos.
• Fine art: artistic, carefully composed images with a soft, dreamy feel.

Editing style matters too. Some photographers have a light, airy look, others are darker and moodier, and some keep colours true to life. Save the wedding photos you love on Instagram or Pinterest, then look for patterns. Once you know what you like, it’s much easier to find photographers who shoot that way consistently.

Should I create a wedding photography shot list?

Yes, but keep it short. A good photographer will capture the key moments of your day without being told. Where a shot list really helps is with family group photos. List the combinations you want, such as “couple with both sets of parents”, with names, so they run quickly and nobody gets missed.

It’s also worth sharing anything personal or unexpected: a family heirloom, a surprise performance, or a tradition like a groomsmen’s cigar or a special toast. Your photographer can then plan to be in the right place at the right time.

How much does a wedding photographer cost, and where shouldn’t I cut corners?

Wedding photography prices vary a lot, so it’s important to compare what’s actually included, not just the headline price. Check:

• How many hours of coverage you get
• Whether a second photographer is included
• How many edited images you’ll receive, and how they’re delivered
• Whether albums or prints are included
• Travel costs, especially for destination weddings

It can be tempting to save money here, but a lower price can sometimes mean less experience, no backup equipment, no insurance or no proper contract. Your photos are one of the few things from your wedding day that last forever, so it’s worth investing in someone you trust.

What is an unplugged wedding?

An unplugged wedding is one where you ask guests to put their phones and cameras away, usually during the ceremony, and sometimes all day.

The benefits are simple. Your guests are fully present, and your photos show their faces, not a row of phone screens. It also keeps the aisle clear for your photographer at important moments, like your entrance and your first kiss. A sign at the entrance or a quick announcement from your officiant is usually all it takes.

Why is it important to get to know your wedding photographer?

Your photographer will be with you for most of your wedding day, often from getting ready to the first dance. Feeling comfortable with them makes a huge difference to how relaxed you feel and look in your photos.

Before booking, have a video call or meet in person. Ask yourself whether you enjoy talking to them and whether they understand what you want. Many photographers offer an engagement or pre-wedding shoot, which is a great way to get used to being photographed together before the big day.

How do I spot a real wedding in a photographer’s portfolio?

Many portfolios include styled shoots. These are planned photoshoots with models, perfect styling and plenty of time. They’re beautiful, but they don’t show how a photographer handles a real wedding day, with changing light, tight timings and real emotions.

To see what you’ll really get, ask to see two or three full wedding galleries, not just highlights. A full gallery shows how consistent the photographer is from start to finish, including family photos, speeches and evening receptions.

How long does it take to get wedding photos back?

Turnaround times vary between photographers, typically from a few weeks to a few months. Ask before you book, and check whether they offer a sneak peek of a few images within days of the wedding. It’s a lovely way to relive the day while you wait for the full gallery.

How important is wedding photography to you?

Every couple has different priorities. Some put photography at the top of their budget, while others care more about the venue, food or music. There’s no right answer, but it helps to decide early how much photography matters to you, so you can budget for it.

A good question to ask yourself is: which parts of your wedding will you still have in twenty years? For many couples, the answer is their photos.

Need help choosing? Book a wedding photography consultation

Finding the right photographer can feel overwhelming, especially if you’re planning a destination wedding, comparing photographers in another country, or simply don’t know where to start. That’s why I offer one-to-one consultations for couples who are looking for a wedding photographer.

In a consultation, we can talk through:

• The photography style that suits you and your wedding
• What to look for in portfolios and full galleries
• Questions to ask photographers before you book
• Realistic budgets and what’s included in different packages
• Planning your timeline and family photos around the best light
• Things to consider for a destination wedding in Spain or elsewhere in Europe

I’m a wedding photographer based in Alicante, Spain, photographing weddings across the Costa Blanca, Spain and Europe, for couples from the UK and around the world. Whether or not you end up booking me, I’d love to help you find the photographer who’s right for you.

Book a consultation here

Last updated: October 2026