Booking a wedding photographer is a tough task and one that worth taking your time over. After all, once the canapes are gone and the flowers have died, you should be left with three wonderful things – being married, lots of lovely memories and a set of beautiful photographs capturing all the magic, joy and emotion of your day.
Having been a wedding photographer for over 20 years now and having been a part of over 400 weddings, I know how vital it is to have a great fit between couple and photographer. I want to help you ask the right questions to get the information you need to help you book the best wedding photographer for your special day. From ‘boring’ logistical questions to ensure everything is taken care of professionally, to creative questions to help you strike up a good conversation and connect with the person you’re trusting to capture your day – Some of these are questions we’ve been personally asked and some are the ‘standard’ questions a lot of couples feel they ‘need’ to ask, some are questions I’d be asking to help me learn about the photographers approach and way they handle the wedding day.
The following 50 questions—and my own answers—are here to guide your decision-making. They cover everything from logistics and pricing to creativity, backup plans and delivery. For each, I’ve included what to expect or look out for when asking another photographer.
But by all means, use this list to inspire your questions and help guide your process in deciding what is important to you! – but please don’t just print it off and rattle the questions off to the photographers you’re considering. Firstly, dropping 50 questions on anybody is at best cold and at worst, just plain rude… we’ve had this ‘interrogation’ approach a few times before and it rarely gets the relationship off to the best start!
50 Questions to Ask Your Wedding Photographer
(with Answers & What to Look For!)
Are you available? How far in advance do you book?
We typically book 12–24 months in advance, especially for peak summer weekends.
What to look for: Gauge their availability and popularity. If they’re in-demand, you may need to book sooner than expected.
How much do you charge and what do we get?
We send a brochure with transparent pricing and package details.
What to look for: Clarity. Are prices upfront or vague? Watch for unexpected add-ons.
Can we customize packages to meet our needs?
Yes, all packages can be tailored to suit you.
What to look for: Flexibility. If your needs change, will they adapt?
Do you charge extra for travel?
Travel within our area is included. Others are quoted individually.
What to look for: Clear policies. Travel costs can add up—get specifics early.
How much deposit do you charge?
£300 secures your date.
What to look for: Know the amount and whether it’s refundable.
When is the outstanding balance due?
Four weeks before the wedding.
What to look for: Timelines vary—note deadlines for your budget planning.
Can we pay in instalments?
Yes, flexible payment plans are available.
What to look for: A sign they’re client-focused and accommodating.
Are you the person who will be capturing our day?
Yes, always.
What to look for: Ensure the person you’re speaking with is the one attending.
Do you work with assistants?
Solo or with a second shooter depending on size—always discussed in advance.
What to look for: Transparency about who’ll be present.
Are you insured?
Yes—public liability and indemnity.
What to look for: Insurance is a non-negotiable sign of professionalism.
Do you have a contract?
Yes—shared during booking.
What to look for: Contracts protect both parties. Read it carefully.
What happens if you’re ill or can’t attend?
I’ll source a trusted replacement or refund in full.
What to look for: A clear contingency plan shows responsibility.
What equipment do you use? Do you have backups?
Canon pro gear and full redundancy.
What to look for: Backup gear is essential. Avoid anyone without it.
What is your refund or cancellation policy?
Non-refundable deposit. Full fee due within four weeks.
What to look for: Understand timelines and consequences.
How long have you been a photographer? How many weddings?
Since 2005—400+ weddings.
What to look for: Experience equals preparedness.
Is this your full-time job?
Yes, for over 20 years.
What to look for: Full-time professionals typically offer more responsiveness and faster delivery.
How would you describe your style?
Relaxed, documentary-led.
What to look for: Does their style align with your taste?
How much coverage do we need? Do you stay all day?
From prep to post-dance—but flexible.
What to look for: Does their schedule work with yours?
Do we need to feed you?
A hot meal is appreciated but not expected.
What to look for: It’s a courtesy—some even include this in contracts.
What do you wear to weddings?
Smart guest attire.
What to look for: You’ll want them to blend in, not stand out.
Do you recommend an engagement session?
Yes—it builds comfort and confidence.
What to look for: Insight into their client preparation.
Do we meet you before the day?
If possible, yes—in person or virtually.
What to look for: Availability and willingness to connect.
How do you work on the day?
Quiet, observant, moment-driven.
What to look for: Compatibility with your preferred experience.
Can guests take photos?
Yes, absolutely.
What to look for: Some photographers discourage this—ask early.
Can we give you a photo list?
Group shots, yes. Otherwise, keep it relaxed.
What to look for: How they balance requests with spontaneity.
Do you do group photos?
Yes—efficiently and with a smile.
What to look for: Comfort with organising people matters.
Do you pre-scout the venue?
Not always, but I arrive early to adapt on the day.
What to look for: Confidence in working anywhere.
What are your travel plans for our day?
I plan to arrive early or travel the night before.
What to look for: Reliability. Avoid photographers who cut travel close.
How many weddings around ours?
Only one that weekend.
What to look for: You don’t want to be squeezed between events.
Do you do more than one wedding per day?
Never.
What to look for: Exclusivity ensures full focus.
Do you often shoot weddings like ours?
Most likely—I’ve shot all kinds.
What to look for: Familiarity with your style or cultural traditions.
Have you worked at our venue?
Probably. If not, I’ll research thoroughly.
What to look for: Familiarity helps but isn’t essential.
Can we see full galleries?
Yes—just ask.
What to look for: Consistency across the whole day—not just hero shots.
What draws you to weddings?
The people and their stories.
What to look for: Passion and genuine love for the job.
What makes a great wedding?
Positive energy and connection.
What to look for: Emotional intelligence and people skills.
What have you seen go wrong?
Not planning for elderly guests or venue travel gaps.
What to look for: Their insights can help your day run smoother.
When do we get our images?
4–6 weeks, with a preview sooner.
What to look for: Set expectations on turnaround.
How are the photos delivered?
Online gallery—high res and shareable.
What to look for: Accessibility and convenience.
What editing do you do?
Light, natural edits – Bright, bold and colourful – no heavy filters.
What to look for: Style and approach to retouching.
Can we print and share the photos?
Yes—enjoy them however you like.
What to look for: Usage rights vary. Ask clearly.
Can friends and family access the photos?
Yes—your gallery can be shared easily.
What to look for: Ease of access and downloads.
Will you share our images online?
Only with permission.
What to look for: Your privacy should be respected.
What’s your backup process?
Dual card cameras + 3-tiered storage.
What to look for: A clear data safety plan.
How long do you keep the photos?
At least a year—usually much longer.
What to look for: You may want a backup copy later.
Do we get an online gallery? For how long?
Yes—online for at least 12 months.
What to look for: Know when to download and archive.
Can you recommend suppliers?
Yes, lots! Just ask.
What to look for: Bonus points if they’ve worked with your other vendors.
Do you offer albums? Can we see samples?
Yes—I can show you through them during our meeting.
What to look for: Materials, layout options, and flexibility.
Do you design albums yourself?
Yes—carefully and collaboratively.
What to look for: Does their design reflect your story?
Who produces your albums?
UK artisans like Folio and World reknowned makers like Kiss & Queensbury.
What to look for: Reputable, quality suppliers.
How long do albums take to deliver?
2 weeks to design, 6–8 weeks to print.
What to look for: Timelines that fit your expectations.
Final Thoughts
This isn’t about grilling your photographer—it’s about building trust. The more open the conversation, the more confident you’ll feel. If you’d like to talk through these questions (or your own!), I’d love to hear from you.