Questions to ask a wedding photographer before you book

Start with the work, not the price

Ask to see complete galleries and complete films from real weddings, not only a highlights page. Look at how the light, the guests and the quieter moments are handled across a whole day, and whether the style is one you would be happy to live with for years.

Then ask who will actually attend your wedding. With us, a photo and video booking means Cam and Beth working together as one team, after 400 weddings together.

Questions about coverage

Ask how many hours are included, whether they run continuously and who chooses the start time. Ours begin at a start time you choose, usually about two and a half hours before the ceremony, and we never leave before your agreed coverage is complete. For example, 10.5 hours from 10:30am finishes at 9pm.

Ask whether a second photographer or videographer is needed. Ours is optional: we cover most weddings with the core team, and an extra person is worth considering for preparations in separate places, a large guest list or two things happening at once.

Ask what happens if the evening runs late, and what extra hours cost. Each extra hour of photo and video coverage with us is £350 up to 13 hours (then £220 an hour), or £190 an hour for photography or videography on its own.

Questions about protection and backups

Ask what happens if a camera or memory card fails. We bring backup cameras and equipment, our main cameras record to two memory cards, and we make two separate backups after the wedding.

Ask whether they are insured. We have full indemnity and public liability insurance, should the venue require it.

Questions about delivery

Ask exactly what you will receive and when. With a combined photo and video booking, our usual guide is around one month for the photographs, around two months for the highlight film and around three months for the documentary, and Standard includes 15 sneak peeks within 24 hours.

Ask how the files arrive and how long they stay available. Ours come with a private online gallery or online viewing, downloads and a custom USB, and we suggest you keep your own copies somewhere safe too.

Questions about money and travel

Ask what the deposit is, whether it is refundable and when the balance is due. Ours is a non-refundable £120 deposit that secures your date, with the balance due one month before the wedding and a receipt after each payment.

Ask whether travel and accommodation are included. Travel throughout England and Wales is included in our packages. If it is more than two hours’ drive, we usually stay in a hotel the night before and cover it. For a wedding abroad, travel and accommodation are £450, included free on larger bookings.

Questions about the day itself

Ask how they work with people who dislike being photographed. We hear it often, and the answer is gentle direction when it helps and no need to know how to pose. Ask what they need from you, too: a short list of family groups and the day’s schedule go a long way.

Ask what they do about food and drink. It sounds small, but a photographer or videographer who has eaten works better, and we are very limited in what we can bring on the day. If you cannot feed us, tell us beforehand and we will find a local cafe while you eat.

Questions couples ask