Wedding Photographer: How to Choose the Right Photographer for Your Wedding: A Complete Guide for Couples
Your wedding day is one of the most important days of your life — and your photos are something you’ll look back on for years to come. Obtaining the right wedding photographer means having your memories documented perfectly and in a way that tells the story of these moments, making you feel known and understood.
With so many photographers to choose from, it can be hard to even know where to begin. In this guide, we are going to show you what to look for so that you can make sure that you find the best wedding photographer for you in your area.

1. Find Your Style
There are as many wedding photography styles.
– Traditional/Posed: Classic portraits and formal shots.
– Photojournalistic: Candid, documentary-style pictures taken during an event as they occur.
– Fine Art: Artistic, creative photographs that concentrate on lighting and composition.
– The Upshot: Glossy and dramatic, straight from a magazine.
Spend time on Pinterest, Instagram, and wedding blogs to figure out what you like best.
2. Seek Experience Relevant to Your Needs

A wedding is a special kind of event — fast-moving, emotional, and full of unpredictable things.
– Shooting in various light (i.e., bright sun, dark reception halls)
– Documenting candid moments without being intrusive
– Planning Family Portraits Efficiently and Stress-Free
– Being there at the right time
Don’t be shy about asking how many weddings they have shot and if they are familiar with the location where you are holding your reception.

3. Review Full Galleries
It’s easy to be seduced by a handful of highlight photos, but it’s crucial to ask to see full galleries from real weddings. This way, you will have more of a sense of how they represent the whole day, from the preparations to the final dance, as well as the professionalism and quality level of their work.
4. Read the Reviews and Request References
What do former clients have to say about working with them? Instead, look for reviews that at least mention not just pretty photos, but stuff like:
– Easy to communicate with
– Made the couple feel comfortable
– Remained calm and helpful under pressure
– Delivered photos on time
You may also want to request references if you would like a more direct report on their experience.
5. See Them in Person
Your photographer will be present during some of the most intimate and emotional moments of your day — so if you don’t feel comfortable around them, that’s a problem. Meeting in advance lets you gauge whether your personalities click, if they grasp your vision, and if you feel comfortable and at ease during the shoot.
6. Understand Their Packages and Pricing
Photographers have a great variety of packages so be sure you know what you’re getting:
– Number of hours of coverage
– Number of photographers
– Engagement session
– Prints, albums, or digital files
– Timeline for delivery
Find out if a deposit is needed and when the balance is due, and make sure those details are clearly spelled out in the contract. It is this clarity and integrity to the contract that will assure you peace of mind in making the decision to hire me to be your photographer.
Checklist: How to Choose Your Wedding Photographer
- Define your style in photography. Though you can be part of many of these niches, you need to decide on the style you prefer to focus on in photography.
- Make a short list of photographers with experience and good reviews
- Look at entire wedding galleries alongside highlight photos
- Meet and see if you all get along and share the same vision
- Compare packages and know what the plan includes
- Ensure the contract is open and fair
Why Our Couples Select In The Mix Photographers
Couples choose to work with us because we’re more than just a person that takes a picture- we tell your story, making sure no moment of love, laughter, or obscure details goes unnoticed.
Here’s what some of our couples have told us:
“Our photographer Mary handled both our engagement photos as well as all photography for the actual wedding day. She made us so comfortable with a fantastic mix of posed pictures and candid snaps. We had a ton of fun and plenty of laughs and the quality of everything we received was excellent.” – Matthew and Samantha Magenheimer
“There’s always a level of awkwardness when first getting photos done, but Mary was so fun to be around that we immediately felt comfortable during our engagement session. My husband and I couldn’t stop talking about how fun it was after that session, and it built up our excitement for the wedding day. Mary was absolutely a crucial member of our team on 11/03, she made sure we were all on schedule, and our preview photos are already so beautiful that I am counting down the days until we get the full album.” -Erin Coleman
Here at In The Mix Event Group, our photographers are seasoned professionals who easily integrate with our DJs, videographers, and coordinators to ensure your day is worry-free and memorable.
Pro Tip: Don’t Wait Too Long
Frequent photographers get snapped up quickly — over a year ahead for some! Once you book your venue, start searching for your photographer so you can reserve your desired date.
Ready to Book Your Photographer?
If you are looking for the best wedding photographer near you, In The Mix is here to help. Our crew of talented photographers is prepared to shoot an epic story at your wedding, and we do it with artistry, professionalism, and love.
Contact us today to inquire about availability and our photography packages!
