Our Guide to Finding Your Dream Wedding Photographer

Your wedding day is one of the most important days of your life — a day filled with love, joy, and unforgettable moments. As you plan every detail, from the venue to the flowers, one crucial aspect you can't overlook is choosing the right wedding photographer. These are the photos that will adorn your walls, fill your albums, and be cherished for generations to come. How do you find the perfect photographer who not only captures your vision but also understands the essence of your love story?

In this guide, we will walk you through everything you need to do to find the photographer who will make your memories of your wedding as lovely as the day itself! When giving advice to our clients, Availed organizes photo styles into 3 categories. Here are some photos from past weddings we have planned that fit into each, and how we recommend you choose what you want for your big day!

Light, Bright, and Airy

Photo by Trish Allison Photography

Photo by Decora Topp Photography

Naturally Enhanced (a middleground, if you will!)

Photo by Joe + Jen Photo

Photo by Rachel Traxler Photography

Dark and Moody

Photo by Type & Timber

Photo by Ali Leigh from Aline Photo Co.

After taking a look at these images, do you find yourself gravitating to a certain style? Remember, there’s no wrong answer! All of these weddings ended up with gorgeous collections of pictures, just with different styles. Your wedding photographer is based on your preference and nothing more. When you imagine flipping through your wedding album, what do those pictures look like? 

Once you’ve decided on your style, take a look at different photographers' portfolios to see if there’s someone you’d be interested in working with. The photographers we have listed above are a perfect place to start! Another aspect to think about is the photo style you prefer: do you like portrait style or candids? Make sure the photographer you choose has examples of the style you want so you’re ultimately happy with the end result! Pro tip: once you find someone you like, schedule a consultation with them. We looove this list Brides put together earlier this month on the best questions to ask your wedding photographer.

Last but certainly not least, Availed highly recommends you schedule your photographer to shoot your engagement photos as well! Think of it as a test run for the big day, and it’s a great way to feel more comfortable in front of the camera prior to the wedding. Many photographers include engagement photos in their wedding packages as well!

We hope this guide helps you find a photographer that will tell your love story with their camera.

Thanks for reading, and happy planning!