Wedding Photography: What to Know Before You Book

Choosing a wedding photographer is one of the biggest decisions you’ll make in the planning process. Unlike décor or flowers, your wedding photos will last long after the day is over, capturing moments you’ll look back on for years to come. But with so many styles, price points, and packages to choose from, where do you even start?

This week on 52 ‘Til I Do, we’re breaking down everything you need to know before booking a wedding photographer—from understanding pricing and packages to knowing what questions to ask.

If photography is a priority for you, this guide will help you book with confidence and find a photographer who matches your style, budget, and expectations.

Understanding Wedding Photography Pricing

Wedding photography pricing varies widely, and it’s not just about how many hours a photographer will be there. Here’s what influences cost:

• Time & Coverage – How many hours the photographer will be present on the wedding day
• Second Shooter – Some packages include a second photographer for more coverage
• Editing & Retouching – Post-production takes time, and high-quality edits add to the overall price
• Engagement Session – Some photographers include this in their packages
• Albums & Prints – Physical products like albums or framed photos may be additional costs

It’s important to ask for a full pricing breakdown before booking so you know exactly what’s included and whether there are any add-ons.

The Importance of Engagement Photos

An engagement session isn’t just about getting cute photos for your save-the-dates—it’s a test run with your wedding photographer. This session helps you:

• See how they work behind the camera. Every photographer has a different way of giving direction, posing, or capturing candid moments.
• Get comfortable in front of the camera. Most couples aren’t professional models, and an engagement session helps shake off any nerves before the wedding day.
• Determine if their style fits your vision. You’ll get to see their editing, composition, and how they capture you as a couple.
• Build a relationship with them before the wedding. Your photographer will be with you for most of your wedding day, so it helps to establish trust and feel comfortable with them beforehand.

If you don’t love your engagement photos, it could be a sign that the photographer’s style or approach doesn’t align with what you want. This is why engagement sessions are an essential part of the decision-making process when choosing your photographer.

How to Choose the Right Photographer for You

1. Start with Their Portfolio

Photography is an art, and every photographer has a unique style. Some focus on light and airy images, while others specialize in moody and dramatic tones. Browse full wedding galleries, not just Instagram highlights, to get a sense of how they capture an entire wedding day.

2. Read Reviews & Ask for Referrals

Reviews from past couples can tell you how the photographer operates on a wedding day. Were they organized? Did they give helpful direction? Did couples feel comfortable in front of the camera?

3. Make Sure Their Approach Fits Your Comfort Level

Some photographers take a documentary-style approach and capture candid moments, while others pose and direct more formally. Think about what feels best for you—do you want a photographer who blends into the background, or someone who gives clear direction?

4. Ask About Their Experience at Your Venue

If your photographer has shot at your venue before, they may already know the best spots for photos and how the lighting works at different times of day. If not, ask if they do venue walkthroughs or how they plan for new locations.

Key Questions to Ask Before Booking

Before signing a contract, make sure you ask:

• What’s included in the package? (Hours, second shooter, engagement session, albums, etc.)
• What is your turnaround time for edited photos?
• How do you handle low-light settings or unpredictable weather?
• Do you provide sneak peeks before the full gallery is ready?
• What happens if you are unable to shoot the wedding due to an emergency?

Getting clear answers upfront prevents surprises later.

Making the Most of Your Wedding Photos

Once you’ve booked your photographer, there are a few things you can do to ensure great wedding photos:

✔ Communicate any must-have shots – If you have specific moments or family members you want captured, let them know in advance.
✔ Trust your photographer – They know how to find the best lighting and angles, so relax and be present in the moment.
✔ Schedule enough time in your timeline – Rushed photos often lead to more stress. Work with your planner and photographer to ensure you have enough time for portraits, first looks, and any other key moments.

Final Thoughts

Your wedding photographer plays a huge role in how you remember your day. By researching styles, asking the right questions, and ensuring their approach aligns with yours, you’ll feel confident in your choice.

For a full breakdown on choosing the right wedding photographer, listen to the full episode of 52 ‘Til I Do on Spotify or Apple Podcasts. 

‍Want to get a jump start on the process? View our preferred vendors list to help you get started.

Have more photo-related questions? Send us a message at hello@marryment.com or get in touch on our social media—we love helping couples navigate this part of wedding planning!

Photo Credit to JNA Visuals

‍Marryment proudly serves couples all across Chicago and the surrounding Chicago Suburbs including popular areas such as Schaumburg, Elmhurst, Naperville, Evanston, Joliet, Oak Park, Skokie, Barrington, Downers Grove and Northbrook, to name a few. We also love destination weddings. We'd love to be a part of your wedding day! Schedule your free planning call with us today.

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