How to Actually Choose the Right Wedding Photographer (Without Regret Later)

There’s a moment when everything clicks. You’re in the dress, walking towards the aisle, and you see the one you love standing at the other end. That feeling? It’s a once-in-a-lifetime kind of thing. And the person behind the lens has to be someone who gets it. Not just technically, but emotionally too.

So, how do you choose the right photographer for something this personal? It’s not just about liking pretty pictures on Instagram. It goes a lot deeper than that.

Here’s what actually matters when you’re picking the one person who’ll capture the day you never want to forget.

First things first – what really matters?

Let’s get the obvious out of the way: yes, you need to like their photos. But don’t stop there. Liking their work is just step one. What you’re really trying to figure out is whether they can consistently deliver images that match your style, your vibe, and your story.

So instead of scrolling through highlight reels, dig into full wedding galleries. Ask yourself:

Do the photos tell a full story?

Are the emotional moments captured naturally?

Is there variety, or does every wedding look exactly the same?

You’re not just looking for “good photos”. You’re looking for good storytelling every step of the day.

Don’t skip the vibe check

This part’s non-negotiable. Your Perth wedding photographer is going to be with you more than almost anyone else on your wedding day. Right in the room while you’re getting ready. Around during emotional family moments. Right up close during the ceremony.

You have to feel comfortable with them. Safe, even.

Pay attention to how they communicate. Are they easy to talk to? Do they listen? Are they calm and reassuring or overly salesy and pushy?

Some photographers might be super talented, but if their energy stresses you out or feels off, it’s a hard pass. Chemistry matters just as much as technical skill.

Know your style (and trust your gut)

Not every photographer shoots in the same way. There’s a big difference between someone who leans into editorial, fine art shots and someone who’s more documentary-style and unobtrusive.

Ask yourself what kind of photos you picture when you think about your wedding album. Are you drawn to:

• Candid emotion – teary-eyed hugs, real laughter, unposed magic?
• Romantic portraits – soft light, elegant framing, more directed?
• Editorial vibes – a bit moodier, more stylised and dramatic?

You don’t need to become a photography expert. You just need to pay attention to what draws you in, and choose someone who clearly delivers that style.

Check how they handle pressure

Weddings are unpredictable. Light changes. Timelines shift. Things run late. What you want is someone who can stay calm in chaos and still get the shot.

This is where experience comes into play. Not necessarily years, but real-world wedding experience. Ask about:

• How they handle bad weather or difficult lighting
• Whether they’ve shot at your venue or a similar setting
• How they work with tight or shifting schedules

Don’t be shy about asking specific questions. A good photographer won’t just tolerate your questions; they’ll welcome them.

5 things to check before you book

1. Full galleries – Not just highlights. Look at a full day, start to finish.
2. Communication style – Are they responsive, kind, and professional?
3. Editing consistency – Do the colours and tones match across weddings?
4. Backup plans – What’s their process if something goes wrong?
5. Contracts and clarity – Is everything clearly laid out in writing?

Each of these matters more than fancy marketing or a pretty Instagram feed. You’re trusting this person with your memories, so details matter.

Ask the right questions (and listen closely)

Sometimes it’s not the answers that tell you the most. It’s how someone answers. When you meet with a photographer (whether in person or virtually), ask:

“What do you love about shooting weddings?”

“Can you walk me through a wedding day from your perspective?”

“What do couples usually say about working with you?”

You’ll learn a lot from the way they respond. Do they light up when they talk about their work? Do they speak with confidence and care? Or do they sound scripted and rehearsed?

It’s about more than what they say; it’s whether they actually connect with what your day means.

Don’t get distracted by trends

This one’s important. Trends in editing come and go. What looks cool and moody today might feel dated in a few years. So think long-term.

Ask yourself, “Will I love these photos in ten years?”

Look for photographers who create timeless work. That doesn’t mean boring; it just means photos that focus on emotion, connection, and light, rather than the latest filter. Your wedding day is personal, so your photos should be too.

What about pricing?

Let’s be honest, photography is an investment. And yes, it can be a big one. But here’s the thing: when the cake is gone, the flowers wilt, and the dress is packed away, your photos are what you keep. They’re what you show your kids, your grandkids, your friends.

So don’t shop on price alone. Of course, you have a budget. But focus on value, not just cost.

A photographer who charges less but doesn’t communicate well, misses key moments, or delivers inconsistent work? That’s not cheaper; it’s riskier.

If someone you love is slightly over budget, it might be worth finding room elsewhere. Memories are the one thing you can’t recreate.

Keep it personal

At the end of the day, the right photographer is someone who makes you feel seen. Someone who understands your vision and knows how to bring it to life without making it feel forced or performative.

Look for the person who listens more than they talk; someone who asks about your relationship, your style, and your priorities. Someone who treats your day as something special, not just another job on the calendar.

That’s how you know you’ve found the right one.

Make the Choice That Feels Right

Choosing your wedding photographer isn’t just ticking a box. It’s choosing the eyes that will see what you saw, the moments you lived, and all the little things you missed.

Take your time. Ask questions. Trust your instincts.

Because these aren’t just photos—they’re your story. And you only get one chance to tell it right.