35 Key Questions to Ask Your Wedding Photographer

The first thing you need to do when choosing a wedding photographer is narrow down a shortlist (handily, we’ve got a step-by-step guide to doing just that), then you’ll need to go in armed with a list of questions to ask your wedding photographer.

The comprehensive list of queries that we've compiled below for couples wondering how to choose a wedding photographer goes beyond their prices and availability – a photographer’s style, personality and way of working are all really important elements to consider.

That’s why we caught up with London-based professional Julia Legora of Hiro Arts Photography and wedding photographer Paul Gapper for their expert advice. From handy tips and tricks to the most important questions to ask your wedding photographer before booking, they spill the beans on everything you need to know.

The vital thing is to meet with your potential wedding photographer to discuss exactly what it is you want, to find out more about their work and to decide whether or not you just gel with them. If you can’t do a face to face meeting, at the very least speak on the phone or do a video call – you’ll be spending all day with them, after all!

Further down, you’ll also find questions to pose to yourselves before booking your photographer and questions your wedding photographer might ask you – that’s because getting along with and being able to communicate with your photographer is paramount. Your first meeting with your wedding photographer is as much about personality as it is expertise.

So, without further ado, here are the questions to ask your wedding photographer to ensure you find the perfect one. We’ve even turned them into a PDF you can print out to take with you to meetings with potential photographers, too!

Questions to Ask Your Wedding Photographer: What Should I Ask a Wedding Photographer Before Booking?

So, what are good questions to ask a wedding photographer? If you have questions about something specific, jump to the section that’s most relevant to you using the links below – or browse them all for an in-depth wedding photography Q&A!

• The Basics
• Photography Style
• On the Day
• Packages & Payment
• Questions to Ask a Destination Wedding Photographer
• Questions to Ask as a Wedding Photographer

The Basics

 1.Tell us about yourself!

Perhaps the most important question since you need to get to know your photographer to make sure they’re the right person to be around on your wedding day. It can be helpful to know them a little outside of the wedding sphere. 

2. Do you have our date available?

An obvious question to ask, perhaps, but photographers can get booked up 12-18 months in advance. Ask in your initial enquiry email if your date is available and double check when you meet with them that someone else hasn’t reserved it. Check how far in advance you’d need to secure them with a deposit.

3. How many weddings do you shoot per year?

This isn’t to determine how established they are, but rather to assess their availability. Don’t necessarily dismiss a photographer if this isn’t what they do full time but be aware that editing photos is a long process so you might not get your images back as quickly or your wedding date could be booked by another couple if they only do a limited number of weddings each year.

It's also worth noting that highly experienced and the most sought-after photographers may be more selective with the weddings they take on as they’re in high demand.

4. Can I see some full wedding albums?

If you were wondering, should I ask to see full wedding albums, it's a firm yes from us. 

“Viewing a complete gallery – and not just the highlights – is one of the best ways to understand how a photographer captures every part of a wedding,” explains Julia. “This allows you to see how they handle different lighting situations, candid moments, group shots and details. It also helps you assess consistency, storytelling and whether their overall approach suits your vision.”

5. Have you worked at our wedding venue before? If not, will you visit beforehand?

While it can be helpful to know whether or not your photographer is familiar with your venue, don’t write them off completely if they haven’t shot there before. “A fresh set of eyes often brings a unique perspective,” says Julia.

“Even if your photographer hasn’t shot there before, they can always arrange a walkthrough of the venue before your wedding day to familiarise themselves with the space and plan the best shots.”

6. What information do you need from us before the wedding day?

Before your big day, your wedding photographer will need to be informed of logistics: the exact time and place of your ceremony and reception; where you are getting ready and what time you will be leaving on the morning; when the speeches and cake cutting are expected to be; what time the first dance is and what the lighting will be like. The more information they have, the better.

“Lighting is particularly key,” adds Paul. “If you’ve chosen a moody, dimly lit venue then it’s important to find a photographer who perhaps has experience with this type of setting. It often requires someone with a particular style to get it right.”

7. Do you have insurance?

“Professional photographers should carry public liability insurance, which is often required by venues, and possibly equipment or professional indemnity insurance,” says Julia. “This offers peace of mind in case of accidents, damage or unexpected situations as well as being a sign of professionalism.”

Photography Style

8. How would you describe your style of photography?

“This is crucial because it shapes how your memories will be preserved,” explains Julia. “Styles can range from documentary or reportage (capturing moments as they happen) to editorial and more posed, or artistic and moody. Knowing this helps you decide whether the photographer’s presence will be more discreet or involved, and how your final photos will look.”

9. Where can I read testimonials?

“Reviews don’t lie,” says Paul. “Always check to see what other people have to say about their experience with this particular photographer.”

Do they have reviews readily available and are they consistent across a number of sites? Look at reviews on their Hitched listing, on Google and on social media sites like Facebook to see what former clients have to say – and how they respond!

10. Will I be able to give a list of specific shots we’d like?

A shot list is a list of the absolute must-have photos the couple would like captured on the day – this might include a special photo with grandparents, for example. Most photographers should accept this, no problem, although be wary not to request too many as it can take time away from capturing those more candid moments of the day.

Most photographers will know exactly what photos to shoot – remember, they do this for a living! So don’t get too hung up on a list.

On the Day

11. What time will you arrive at the venue?

Get it in your contract whether or not your photographer will be there while you’re getting ready or if they’ll be meeting you at the ceremony. Most couples want the prep and journey to the venue covered as it’s such a special part of the day, but it can be cheaper if you’re on a tight budget to cut down the photographer’s hours and not include these photos.

12. Would you like us to provide you with food and drink?

Ultimately, it’s completely up to you whether or not you provide your photographer with food and drink but it’s the polite thing to do. They’ll usually be working 10+ hours for you and will need sustenance.

Ask your photographer what they’d prefer: you can arrange for them to have a plate and sit at one of the tables, or they might prefer to eat behind the scenes. You could even put some money behind the bar or give them a meal allowance if they’d prefer to look after themselves.

Remember, they’ll unlikely be taking many photos during the meal anyway – no want wants the moment they stuffed half a chicken supreme in their mouth caught on camera!

13. Do we need to cover travel costs?

All this information should be clearly laid out in your contract to avoid unexpected charges. You’ll want to know if petrol, parking or overnight accommodation needs to be covered by you. Side note: always expect that if you’re having a destination wedding, your photographer will require you to pay for travel and accommodation.

14. Will you be the primary photographer on the day?

National agencies have multiple photographers on their books, so you’ll want to know that the person you’re talking to is the photographer you’ll get on the day. Even if they are at the wedding in a second shooter capacity, make sure you meet with the primary photographer in person before paying a deposit.

15. What time will you stay until?

Weddings can be seriously long, and your photographer is only human! It’s a huge ask to suggest they work from the moment you start getting your hair done at 7am to the final dance at midnight. Most photographers will leave after the first dance and/or the cake cutting and will make their timescale clear in the contract.

16. Will other people be able to take photos while you’re there?

There are many benefits to an unplugged wedding where phones are banned. Even if you’re happy for people to take their own pics during the day, you might like to request that they don’t during the ceremony. No one wants their walk down the aisle blocked by Uncle Steve taking snaps on his iPad.

17. What is the back-up plan if you are unable to attend on the day?

People get ill and family emergencies happen. Your photographer will likely have a network of fellow professionals they can call upon if circumstances change unexpectedly. Despite the best laid plans, it’s always recommended you get wedding insurance to cover for last-minute disasters.

Listen to your gut here if they ignore the question – you’re need to trust that they have you covered.

“Choosing a photographer who demonstrates patience is also key,” says Paul. “Weddings don’t always go according to plan and it’s important to choose a photographer who can be flexible with potential schedule changes.”

18. How do you approach the couple’s shoot, and how long do your couples typically spend away from their guests?

“This is especially important if you or your partner feel shy or awkward in front of the camera,” says Julia. “Some photographers will offer gentle prompts and direction to help you look natural and feel more comfortable, while others will take a more hands-off, candid approach which might appeal to couples who are confident posing on their own.

"Understanding their style ensures you’ll feel at ease and enjoy the experience.”

“Talk to your photographer about how long you want to be away from your guests for, too,” adds Paul. “Sometimes it can go on for too long for some couples – for others, not long enough. Be clear on what you envisage for your big day.”

Packages & Payment

19. What’s included in the wedding packages you offer?

If you can’t find the prices or wedding photography packages on their website, ask your potential wedding photographer outright so you can work out if they will fit within your budget.

According to our National Wedding Survey, couples in 2024 spent an average of £1,500 on their wedding photography – but be mindful of the word average. Wedding photography pricing will vary from photographer to photographer and there will be a number of reasons for their price and package structure, so make sure you discuss with them what’s included.

General things you’ll want to know are: how many hours the photographer will be with you, what photos you’ll get and in what form, whether there is an engagement shoot included (see below for why that’s important) and if there is a second shooter. Get all this in writing so both sides have a clear understanding of expectations.

You might be wondering, can I negotiate a wedding photographer's price? Well, if your budget is tight, discuss this with them – they may have some options that will make it more affordable for you, such as being there for a shorter time period or delivering fewer photos.

20. Do you offer an engagement shoot as part of your packages?

An engagement shoot is a brilliant way to get comfortable in front of the camera and to get to know your photographer. You’ll get used to being directed – as well as perfecting that winning smile! If an engagement shoot isn’t included in your package, it might be worth negotiating one or paying extra.

21. How much is the deposit and when do you need payment by?

Much like the final payment, knowing when the deposit is needed will help you budget for your wedding and secure your photographer for your date. All due dates for payment instalments should be given in writing.

22. Can we pay an extra fee if we require you to stay longer?

It’s always worth finding out how much it will cost for a bit more of your photographer’s time if you want to capture a late evening sparkler send-off, for example, or just because the day runs over.

23. How much is a second shooter?

Unlike more affordable wedding photographers, higher-priced wedding photography packages will often include a second shooter as standard. This is another photographer who is there to supplement the photos of the first, usually by capturing different angles or being in places they can’t – like the drinks reception while the couple photos or group shots are taking place.

A second shooter is essential for larger weddings and also means the morning preparations of both halves of the couple can be captured.

24. How will we receive our photos?

Most photographers will shoot with digital, not film, so you can expect a full set of edited digital images as standard in your wedding photography package.

Typically, for a full day’s coverage, this could be between 650-850 photos but the number will vary – speak to your wedding photographer to determine how many images they usually supply.

25. Can we share the photos online?

Check your contract here to make sure you can share the images online and print them for personal use (also known as personal use copyright). It’s good etiquette, of course, to credit or tag your photographer where appropriate.

If you do want to submit your photos for a real wedding feature in a magazine or website, check your photographer is happy to either supply the images or for you to do so on their behalf.

26. Do you offer a printing and/or album service?

An album of photos may be included in more expensive photography packages, otherwise, enquire as to how much this might cost and ask to see samples. As you’ll have a licence to print the photos for personal use, you might be able to create something more personalised by doing this yourself.

27. Is retouching included in the price?

Basic editing and retouching of photos to remove things like shadows or rogue strands of hair is usually included, but it’s always worth checking. If you want to go beyond this – for example, editing two group shots together to make one family photo – this will cost extra.

28. Can we create a bespoke package?

For most photographers this shouldn’t be a problem and they’re often happy to negotiate. If you’re going through a national agency, however, a bespoke package might be more difficult.

29. How long will the photos take to arrive?

These days, your photographs will likely arrive via an online gallery typically anywhere between two and six weeks after the wedding. But this can vary, so always pose this question to your potential photographer.

Many will also send a small selection of edited images – often called ‘sneak peeks’ or ‘previews’ in the days following your wedding, so you can get an idea of how they look. Exciting!

Remember, you should expect to wait longer during busy periods – your photographer will give an indication of how long the process should take, and many often share their 'edit queues’ on Instagram so you can see their pacing.

30. When will we need to make the final payment?

Knowing how many instalments you need to pay, and your final deadline, can help you budget for your wedding. Remember, most photographers are small, independent businesses and they need to pay the rent like the rest of us! So avoid any delays if you can.

Questions to Ask a Destination Wedding Photographer

Many of the questions to ask your potential wedding photographer above will also apply to couples getting married abroad – but below are some additional things to ask your wedding photographer for a destination do.

31. Have you visited or shot in our chosen wedding destination before?

It’s not a dealbreaker, but it’s helpful to know how many destination weddings they’ve shot before and where they were. Are they familiar with the country’s language, culture and venue rules, for example? Experience counts for a lot here, and they may even be able to offer you some guidance in your planning.

32. How will travel and accommodation plans work?

We’ve already stressed that it’s more than likely you will need to pay for your photographer’s travel and accommodation, but ensure it’s clear on how this will be handled and who is responsible for booking.

Some photographers, particularly those who are used to shooting abroad, will include travel in their packages, while others don’t. Just be sure it’s clear from the get-go.

33. Are there any other expenses to consider?

Will they bring a second shooter that will also require accommodation? Will you need to pay for expenses such as food and drink while they’re out there?

34. What’s the contingency plan?

Because getting to your destination wedding is a bigger commitment than a dash down the motorway, it’s going to take a lot of planning to ensure everything runs smoothly. Ask your photographer about insurance, back-up equipment and what will happen in the case of travel delays.

35. Is there flexibility for longer coverage if needed, and if so, how much does that cost?

In the case of said travel delays or your wedding running over, will your photographer have time to stay – or will they need to dash for a flight home? If they can stay, ask if this will come at an additional cost. Ensure this is discussed ahead of time so your photographer can book their flights accordingly.

Questions to Ask as a Wedding Photographer

Whether you're a pro who wants to ensure they have everything covered, or you're a newly engaged couple wondering what your wedding photographer might ask you in your first meeting, it helps to be informed…

Tell me about your vision for your wedding day – what kind of feeling do you want your photos to capture?

“This helps us to understand a couple’s style (for example, romantic, candid, editorial, fun…) and our role in achieving it,” explains Julia.

Do you have your venue booked?

This is crucial for understanding travel logistics, lighting conditions, venue rules and whether or not they should do a reccy beforehand.

How many guests are you expecting?

“This influences timeline planning, group photos and the need for a second shooter,” explains Julia.

Are there any family dynamics or sensitivities I should be aware of?

This question is vital for handling potentially delicate situations with grace and avoiding awkward groupings.

How comfortable are you with posing, or do you prefer candid moments?

“This helps a wedding photographer tailor their shooting style and direction accordingly during the wedding day,” adds Julia.

Finally, here are a few questions you might want to ask yourselves before you confirm your booking and pay a deposit:

• Do we have a good rapport with the photographer?
• Do we trust them to take the best pictures of our day?
• Will we feel comfortable with this photographer?
• Is the price and level of service what we expect?

If your answer to these questions is 'yes', it’s likely you’ve found your wedding photographer. Now it’s time to take a look at our ultimate wedding photo checklist!