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5 Tips for Choosing Your Wedding Photographer -By Allie Marion

Writer's picture: Jennifer ArmentaJennifer Armenta

Updated: May 15, 2020

Not all photographers and photography businesses are created equal. We each have our own way of differentiating ourselves. So the question is, how do you choose the right team for you?


Photo: Allie Marion Design & Coordination: Peachy Keen Weddings & Event Design
Game of Thrones Styled Shoot

For most of us, wedding planning is a foreign concept. We get engaged and then we realize we get to plan our dream wedding. Amazing, right?! Well, yes and no. Planning the biggest celebration of your life (to date) is not something to be taken lightly; and quickly you probably realize your engagement didn’t come with a planning manual. The state of nirvana can be squandered when an abundance of decision making comes into play. You start to wonder: Where will we get married? Who will we invite? What will be our first dance song? What is my wedding style? How will I find my vendors? The list is mighty. Luckily, there are amazing wedding planners out there to help answer these questions and ease stress. And, Yes! You should definitely plan to hire a planner!


After hiring a planner, one of the most important questions you should ask yourself is, who will my photographer be? After all, your photographer is the one who will document your entire day so that you can remember it for a lifetime. Choosing this vendor should not be taken lightly. So, as a seasoned pro, I wanted to help you with this process by sharing a few tips for your consideration. Hopefully this will help deciding who to hire a breeze!


Choose your right style. These photographs will be blasted all over your social media, hung on your walls, printed in your album and shared for many generations to come. Therefore choosing a photographer based on their style is important. Will you choose someone with a more timeless aesthetic that you likely wont tire of? Or will you choose a photographer with a style that may be more trendy? The choice is up to you, but do consider the pros & cons.

Hire the team you can laugh with. Your photography team will be in your face ALL DAY, make sure you get along with them. You want to feel comfortable with your photographer and this will also ensure more natural feeling captures. Pro tip: Talk to your vendors on the phone before hiring them. Gasp! I know chatting on the phone isn’t our most favorite thing, BUT I guarantee you will be glad you invested a few minutes of your time to ensure your personalities align. Also, you are going to be spending a decent portion of your budget on your photographer…understanding them, their business and the services they will be providing will help you to feel more comfortable with your decision.

Your photographer should be a good communicator. As a couple planning a wedding you don’t always know what to expect. Therefore, hire a photographer that is a good communicator. You want them to be able to guide you, to remind you of tasks before you have to wonder about them on your own, and who is clear in what services they will be providing. For example, knowing when you can expect your images, how you will receive them, what your printing options are, and will you be able to share them, are all questions your photographer should be able to answer without you having to hunt for the answers.

Does your photographer have client reviews they can share with you? It is always a comfort to know your photographer comes recommended. Ask your vendor to provide a testimonial sheet or link to their reviews so that you can read what previous clients have to say about their experience. Knowing the positives (and sometimes negatives) before you make your decision will give you better insight to what you can expect.

Your experience matters. Planning your wedding is a luxury occasion and hiring a photographer is a luxury service. Therefore, choose a team that will make you feel like you are part of a 5 star experience. Attention to detail, clear communication, personal touches and a little bit of spoiling are all things your photographer should provide.

Photo: Allie Marion  Design & Coordination: Peachy Keen Weddings & Event Design
Game of Thrones Styled Shoot

…And those are the top 5 in my opinion! I hope this list has given you better insight for hiring your vendors.


Tell me, is there anything else you are considering as part of your musts for hiring your team? If so, share in the comments! I would love to hear!


Learn more about Allie and her photography at www.alliemarion.com.


Styled Shoot Team


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