15 Questions to Ask Your Wedding Photographer Before You Book
15 Questions to Ask Your Wedding Photographer Before You Book
Hiring your wedding photographer is a big decision. Your photos are what you’ll look back on for decades — so it’s important to choose someone you trust, someone whose work you love, and someone who makes the experience enjoyable from start to finish.
To help you feel prepared, here are the top 15 questions every couple should ask before hiring a wedding photographer — plus what the answers should tell you.
👉 Already thinking through these? You can find even more helpful answers on our FAQ page.
✅ 1. Are you available on our wedding date?
This should always be your first question.
If your date is flexible, ask for the photographer’s availability window.
✅ 2. How would you describe your photography style?
Do they focus on candid/documentary, editorial, light and airy, or dark and moody?
Make sure their editing and posing style fits your vision.
✅ 3. Can we see a full gallery from a real wedding?
Social media shows highlights, but full galleries show consistency.
Ask to see weddings similar in setting (indoor vs outdoor, day vs night).
✅ 4. Do you offer engagement sessions?
These help you get comfortable in front of the camera.
Engagement sessions may be included in your package — ask for bundle options.
👉 Check out our guide to the Best Engagement Photo Locations in Orange County
✅ 5. How many weddings have you photographed?
Experience helps with lighting, posing, and navigating busy timelines.
Photographers with 30+ weddings typically handle pressure better.
✅ 6. Do you work with a second shooter?
Second shooters help capture more moments and different angles.
Some packages include this automatically, others offer it as an upgrade.
✅ 7. What happens if you're sick or unavailable?
A professional should have a reliable backup plan or photographer.
Ask if you’ll be involved in that process or if they handle it directly.
✅ 8. How many hours of coverage do you recommend?
This depends on your wedding size and timeline.
A great photographer will help guide you to the right coverage amount.
📖 Want to break it down? Read: How Many Hours of Wedding Photography Do You Need?
✅ 9. Can we customize a photo package?
Look for flexible options that suit your budget and day-of priorities.
You shouldn’t have to pay for things you don’t need.
👉 View our Wedding Photography Packages & Pricing
✅ 10. What’s your turnaround time for delivering photos?
Typical delivery is 4–8 weeks, with sneak peeks within a few days.
Ask about their delivery process, gallery format, and whether you get high-res files.
✅ 11. Do we get full printing rights?
This gives you the freedom to print and share your photos however you like.
Confirm you’re getting high-resolution digital downloads without watermarks.
✅ 12. How do you handle low-light or nighttime situations?
Indoor receptions and evening weddings require solid flash or off-camera lighting.
Ask to see examples from similar lighting scenarios.
✅ 13. Do you help create the timeline?
A helpful photographer will assist in building your photo timeline.
This ensures nothing gets rushed and all important shots are captured.
📅 Need help with the full schedule? Check out: How Long Does Wedding Photography Take?
✅ 14. What’s your approach on the wedding day?
Some photographers are more hands-off, others give posing guidance.
Make sure their energy matches your preference.
✅ 15. How do we book and make payments?
Clarify the booking deposit, final payment schedule, and accepted payment methods.
Ask if there’s a written contract and what it includes.
🧠 Bonus: Use This Conversation to Build Trust
These questions aren’t just about collecting info — they’re about getting a feel for the person behind the lens. You’ll be spending one of the biggest days of your life with your photographer, so make sure it feels like a good fit.
📸 Ready to Chat?
We’d love to answer these questions (and more!) — honestly, transparently, and with no pressure. We believe every couple deserves beautiful photos and a stress-free experience.
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Ready to learn more about Shoreline Weddings and our commitment to affordability?