Questions to Ask a Wedding Photographer Before Hiring Them For Your Big Day

Because your love story deserves to be told beautifully.

You’ve poured your heart into planning your wedding. Every moment, from the first look to the last dance, is something you’ll want to relive again and again. That’s where your photographer comes in: capturing all the beauty and magic of your day.

That’s why the right photographer matters. They’re not just taking pictures, they’re capturing the mood, the moments, and the feeling of the day. It’s about more than just great photos; it’s about finding someone you trust, feel comfortable with, and can be yourself around. In the end, you want to look back and truly feel your day all over again, and the right photographer makes that possible.

With so many amazing photographers out there, it can feel overwhelming to choose the right one. How do you know who’s the best fit for you?

Step 1: Fall in love with their style.

Browse their website, explore full galleries, and follow their Instagram and other socials. Does their aesthetic speak to your soul? Can you see yourself in their images?

Step 2: Feel the vibe.

Do you connect with them on a personal level? This person will be with you more than almost anyone on your wedding day, so make sure you feel comfortable around them; awkwardness can lead to awkward photos.

Once you’ve narrowed it down to you’re A List using our top two tips, it’s time to ask the right questions to find the one who’s perfect for your big day.

 The Basics

1. Do you have our wedding date available?
2. How far in advance should we book?
3. How long have you been photographing weddings, and how many have you done?
4. Have you worked weddings similar in size or style to ours?
5. What sets you apart from other wedding photographers?

   

Photography Style + Vision

1. How would you describe your photography style and your approach to storytelling?
2. What inspires your photography on a wedding day?
3. Do you shoot with digital, film, or both?
4. Do you specialize in indoor, outdoor, or both types of weddings?
5. How do you help couples feel comfortable, and how do you interact with guests?
6. Can we request a mix of candid and posed shots? Can we give you a must-have shot list?
7. Can we see full recent wedding galleries (not just highlight reels)?
8. How do you handle difficult lighting (like dim churches or nighttime receptions)?

9. 

   Will you help us plan the photography timeline to ensure the best lighting and flow?

People + Personality

1. How do you efficiently manage large family or group photos?
2. What’s your plan if guests are disruptive or crowd the camera?
3. Have you worked with our planner, venue, or vendor team before? If not, would you visit the venue ahead of time?
4. What’s been your favorite wedding to shoot and why?

   

Day-Of Logistics

1. Will you personally be our photographer, and will you bring a second shooter or assistant?
2. What kind of equipment do you use, and do you have backups?
3. What’s your backup plan if you’re unable to attend due to illness or emergency?
4. Are you photographing any other events the same day?
5. What time will you arrive, and how long will you stay?
6. If our wedding runs late, can you stay? What are your overtime fees?
7. How will you and your team be dressed?
8. Is it okay if guests take photos while you’re shooting?
9. Do you have liability insurance?

   

Pricing + Packages

1. What is your pricing structure? Can you walk us through your packages?
2. What’s the booking deposit, and when is it due?
3. Do you offer payment plans?
4. What is your refund or cancellation policy?
5. Do you charge travel fees, and what does the fee cover?
6. Do you offer coverage for rehearsal dinners or engagement sessions?
7. Can you create a slideshow to show during the reception?
8. Do you offer retouching, color correction, or editing services?
9. When can we expect to receive our photo gallery, along with any prints or albums we’ve ordered?
10. Will we receive high-resolution digital files, and do we have full printing/usage rights?
11. Will our images be available online for viewing or downloading?
12. How many final images will we receive?
13. Will you help us design our album? Can we see samples?
14. What’s the ordering process like?

    

Post-Wedding + Backup

1. How long do you archive our photos, and can we access them again if needed?
2. Will you help us choose which photos to include in our album if we’re feeling overwhelmed?
3. Will you use our images in your portfolio, website, or social media?

Contracts + Communication

1. When will we receive a written contract?
2. What details do you need from us before the big day?
3. How quickly do you typically respond to emails or calls?
4. Do you offer pre-wedding consultations or planning meetings?

Final Gut Check — Ask Yourself:

• Do we love their work and feel emotionally connected to it?
• Do we trust them to capture us authentically?
• Did they answer our questions clearly and confidently?
• Do we feel relaxed and at ease talking with them?
• Can we see ourselves reliving our wedding day through their lens?

  

We understand that selecting the right wedding photographer is an important and personal decision. They’re not just capturing moments, they’re your storyteller, your calm in the chaos, and the guardian of your most treasured memories. With these questions in your back pocket (or wedding binder), you’ll be ready to find a pro who sees your vision, gets your vibe, and captures your day beautifully.

Click here to download the printable checklist. Schedule consultations with your top choices to dive into the details and see who feels like the perfect fit. For talented photographers in the Nashville area, check out HappilyConnected.com.