36 Important Questions to Ask Your Wedding Photographer

The key to finding wedding vendors you love? Interviewing them before you sign the contract. This is especially true when talking about a wedding photographer. You’ll be spending the entire day with the photographer you choose, so in addition to loving their style, having an in-person or phone interview is a great way to make sure you’ll be happy to have them around.

Not sure where to start when it comes to interviewing your wedding photographer of choice? We've rounded up a list of questions to ask your photographer that will help you narrow down your options when it comes to everything you need to know.

The Basics

These are the very first questions you'll want to ask when talking to prospective wedding photographers, as they'll indicate whether or not it's worth having additional conversations. After all, if they're not available on your wedding day or you feel uncomfortable with answers around who will actually document your day, this is likely not the best fit.

Is my wedding date available?

This one is likely pretty obvious, but it's a poor use of everyone's time to have a conversation with a photographer who isn't available on your wedding date. You don't want to get attached to a professional you won't be able to hire, and your time will be better spent contacting available photographers instead.

Will you be the one shooting my wedding? If not, can I meet the photographer who will be on-site?

Some wedding photographers work as part of a collective, so it's important to understand who you are hiring for your wedding day. If the person you're talking to isn't the person who will document your big day, it's important to know that upfront; you'll want to be sure you have just as strong of a connection with the photographer who will be with you throughout the celebration.

How many other weddings will you photograph that weekend?

Ultimately, there's no right or wrong answer to this question, but you'll want to feel comfortable with the response they give. Some photographers will only shoot one wedding per weekend, but others are willing to take on more than one event. If you're having a far-flung destination wedding and know that the photographer is already contracted for a celebration somewhere else the night before, you may have concerns about whether or not they'll make it to your nuptials on time.

Will you have any assistants with you on our wedding day?

Some photographers always work with an assistant, while others determine if they need one based on the size of your event. If they do not always work with an assistant, adding an assistant or second photographer to your contract will most likely incur an additional fee.

How long have you been shooting weddings? How many weddings have you photographed?

While there's absolutely nothing wrong with hiring new talent, it is important to know if you're talking to a seasoned pro or someone who is just getting started so that you can prepare accordingly.

Do you often shoot weddings that have a similar size and style to the one we are planning?

A great wedding photographer can capture any type of celebration, but there is a difference between shooting a 75 person wedding and a celebration with over 300 guests. It's important to know that your photographer has an understanding of how they'll document the day, whether or not they need to bring in additional photographers, and if they're the right fit for what you want. Even if they haven't shot a wedding that's just like yours, confident answers about how they'll document your day will be important.

Can we see the full galleries of a few of your recent weddings?

The answer to this questions should always be yes. If they're not willing to show you complete samples of their work, it's impossible for you to understand the value you're actually getting. Plus, it makes it seem as if there's something about their finished galleries that they don't want you to see.

Have you ever shot a wedding at our ceremony and reception venues? If not, do you plan to check the venues out in advance?

It's perfectly fine if your photographer hasn't documented a wedding at your venue; it's even okay if they can't check out the property before the big day—assuming you're comfortable with that, of course. Many photographers will arrive early on the wedding morning to scout the location if they're unfamiliar with it or unable to visit before the big day, so ask about their process.

Have you ever worked with our wedding planner or videographer?

As long as these vendors don't require you to work with someone they approve of, it doesn't matter how the photographer answers this question. However, knowing that your wedding photographer works well with other key vendors—especially the planner and videographer—is a major plus.

Style

Your photographer has a big job ahead of them: They're responsible for creating the tangible memories of your big day, and the photographs they create are the ones you'll look back on for years to come. Ensuring that their style is in line with what you've been envisioning, therefore, is key.

How would you describe your photography style? What would you compare your work to?

There's no right or wrong answer here; you should feel good about how the photographer talks about their work and as though it's reflective of what you're hoping for in a final wedding album.

How would you describe your working style? Do you prefer to blend into the background to capture candid moments, or do you like to be more visible and take charge to choreograph images?

It's important to understand your preference here: Do you want someone who will organically document the day as it happens, or are you looking for a professional to guide you? The photographer's answer should align with what you've been envisioning.

Do you shoot digitally? With film? Or both?

If you have your heart set on an album full of film photos but the photographer only shoots digital, it could be a sign that this isn't the right fit.

Pricing and Packages

They're available on your wedding day and you feel confident that their aesthetic is entirely in line with what you want. Great! Now it's time to get down to the nitty gritty. Here's what to ask as you discuss pricing and packages.

What is included in your standard package? What add-ons do the more expensive packages include?

Most photographers will answer this question by giving you a one-sheet that breaks down their standard packages. If you have questions about what sets each package apart or what's included in each, always ask.

Can I customize a package to fit my needs?

If you want to further customize one of the photographer's standard offerings, always ask; they might not be able to accommodate every request, but it's worth having a conversation.

Do you include engagement photos in your packages? What about pre-wedding events like rehearsal dinners?

This will likely be outlined in the one-sheet that includes their package breakdowns, but if you don't see any information about other events, it can't hurt to ask, especially if these are things that are extremely important to you.

How many hours are included in each package? How much do extra hours cost?

Don't forget that coverage hours really begin when the photographer arrives, which is generally at some point during the getting-ready process. They'll take photos of the couple preparing for the day and capture any detail shots, such as invitation flat lays, welcome bags, and the ceremony or reception spaces.

Do you offer a photo booth?

Some photographers will offer photo booths for an additional cost; it's certainly not a deal breaker if they don't (there are plenty of vendors you can hire for this solo!), but it can be nice to bundle packages when they're available.

Do you offer retouching, color adjustment, or other corrective services? Are those included or an additional charge?

Most wedding photographers will include editing of photos as part of their standard package offerings, but what if you want additional changes (such as removing a guest from a photo, fixing a flyaway hair, or adjusting the color)? Ask about how many rounds of edits are available to you and what this process looks like.

Do you charge a travel fee? For what distance? What does that cover?

Most photographers have a radius outside of which they charge a travel fee. Over a certain distance, you may be required to pay for your photographer’s lodging, as well.

Prints and Albums

Once the wedding is over, it's time to enjoy those beautiful photos! Make sure you have a clear understanding about deliverables—when you'll get your photos, if you'll receive high-res files or actual prints, and whether or not your photographer can help you make an album—before you sign on the dotted line. These questions will ensure you're both on the same page.

Can we order prints or albums directly from you?

Any answer is acceptable here, but if you're the type of person who wants to work with just one vendor, you'll likely prefer being able to order prints and albums straight from your photographer. If they don't offer this service, ask if they can recommend a person or company who does.

What type of album do you offer? Do you provide assistance selecting images and designing the album?

If there's one thing too many couples neglect to do, it's create a wedding photo album. Ask your photographer if this is a service they provide—both in terms of laying out the album and printing it—or if they can connect you with someone who does.

Are albums or prints included in your packages? How many pages or prints are included, and what is the turnaround time?

This will likely be outlined in their one-sheet of packages, but do inquire about it if the information isn't there. After all, there's nothing worse than paying for an album and not actually getting it because you didn't realize it was part of the package!

How long after the wedding will we receive the images? How will they be delivered?

Wedding photographers are busy people, and while they're absolutely prioritizing getting those beautiful photos back to you, it's unrealistic to expect the same weekend—or week for that matter. Ask about their turnaround time (which can be a few weeks or even a few months) and make sure you feel comfortable with the answer.

Will we have the rights to the images?

Generally speaking, photographers will own the copyright to the image, but most will grant rights to the couple to post, print, and share the images. Always inquire about your rights and make sure you feel good about the answer.

Will we receive the negatives and/or high resolution digital images? Is there a fee for that?

Most photographers will share a downloadable link with high-res imagery, which you can then share and print to your liking, but it's key to ask what their standard procedure is.

Will the images be accessible online? For how long?

It's important to ask how long your images will be available to you so that you can make arrangements for safe keeping. Generally speaking, downloading photos to an external hard drive is a good way to ensure you always have access to them.

Logistics

They're available on your big day, you've aligned on a package, and you feel great about the price. Now, it's time to sign on the dotted line. Unsurprisingly, there are questions to ask about this part of the process, too. Here are a few to pose to your photographer!

When will we receive the contract?

You have a lot of paperwork to juggle right now, and you already know that no vendor is officially booked until you've both signed the contract. Understanding how long it takes to get this documentation in hand is important for your own peace of mind and organization.

How much of a deposit do you require? When is it due?

Those budgets aren't going to manage themselves! Asking about the deposit necessary—and how you'll need to pay it—will be important.

Do you accept payments in installations?

Ask about the full payment process before signing your contract; you'll want dates of when payments are due and how you can make each one.

What is your refund or cancellation policy?

Every wedding needs a backup plan, so ask what your photographer can do in the event that you need to move or postpone the big day.

Do you have liability insurance? Does it cover your assistants, as well?

Your wedding venue may require that every vendor holds their own liability insurance policy, so it's a good idea to ask this early.

Do you carry backup equipment?

The answer to this question should—and likely always will be—yes. If your photographer doesn't plan to arrive with backup equipment, you may want to reconsider your plans.

What is the backup plan if you are unable to shoot my wedding for an unexpected reason?

Wedding photographers—they're just like us! They get sick, injured, or deal with unexpected circumstances in the same way anyone else does. Most will have a line included in their contract that stipulates what happens if they can no longer shoot your wedding (generally, they will find you an equal or greater replacement), but be sure to ask about this early.

How will you and your assistants be dressed?

Most photographers will arrive in neutral, understated attire in keeping with the theme of the day, ensuring that they can blend in with the rest of the day's guests. That being said, if you're planning on asking your family and friends to arrive in a specific color or attire style, let your photographer know and ask if they're open to wearing something similar.

Can we request a list of specific shots we would like?

You're hiring a wedding photographer because you trust their eye, so you want to let them capture the day as they see fit. However, if there are any important photos you don't want them to miss—say, a picture of you with all of your cousins or the special dessert the groom's mom is making—ask if creating a curated list is possible.

Will you be posting about our wedding on your website and social media? Will you be submitting our photos to magazines or blogs?

There's no right or wrong question here, but you should feel comfortable with the response you get.