So, you’re getting married! Congratulations!
You’ve probably started looking at venues, thinking about flowers and saving far too many wedding inspiration photos to Pinterest. And somewhere along the way, you’ve realised you also need to choose a wedding photographer.
Easy enough, right?
Until you discover there are approximately a million different photography styles, packages and personalities to choose from!
Whether you’re planning a big wedding in Port Douglas, an intimate beachfront ceremony in Palm Cove or a relaxed celebration in Cairns, choosing your wedding photographer is one of those decisions worth giving a little thought to.
After all, your wedding photographs will be one of the few things you get to keep long after the day is over.
Here are five things I’d encourage every couple to consider before booking their wedding photographer.
1. Find a photography style you genuinely love
Before comparing packages or prices, spend some time looking through photographers’ work.
And I don’t just mean their Instagram highlights!
Look at their website, blog posts and, if possible, complete wedding galleries. This will give you a much better understanding of how they photograph an entire wedding day rather than just a handful of beautiful portraits.
Do you love photographs that feel natural and candid? Are you drawn to editorial, fashion-inspired portraits? Perhaps you prefer traditional photographs with everyone looking at the camera.
There’s no right or wrong answer.
Some photographers specialise in dramatic, heavily directed portraits, while others focus on documenting the moments as they naturally unfold. Many offer a beautiful combination of both.
My advice? Choose a photographer whose work already looks the way you’d love your wedding photographs to look.
You shouldn’t need to ask someone to completely change their style to suit your vision.
2. Choose someone you actually enjoy being around
This one is SO important, and I think it’s something couples sometimes overlook.
Your wedding photographer will be spending a significant part of one of the most important days of your life with you.
They might be there while you’re getting ready with your mum, helping you settle those pre-ceremony nerves, organising family photographs and sharing a laugh with your wedding party.
So, while loving their photographs is essential, it’s also worth considering how you feel around them.
Do they make you feel comfortable? Can you have a laugh together? Do you feel like you can be yourselves?
If you’re naturally a little camera-shy, choosing someone who makes you feel relaxed can make such a difference to your experience.
Personally, I think the best wedding photographs happen when couples are enjoying themselves rather than worrying about how they look in every photograph.
And if you find someone who can make you laugh when the nerves kick in? Even better!
3. Read reviews from real wedding couples
Beautiful photographs are wonderful, but they only tell part of the story.
One of the best ways to learn what it’s actually like to work with a wedding photographer is to read reviews from their previous couples.
And don’t just look at the star rating. Read what people have to say about their experience.
Did their photographer make them feel comfortable? Were they helpful in the lead-up to the wedding? Did they communicate clearly? Were they organised, friendly and able to adapt when things didn’t quite go to plan?
These are the things that can make a huge difference on your wedding day.
I always think it’s lovely when couples mention not only how much they love their photographs, but how much they enjoyed having their photographer there.
Because the experience matters just as much as the end result.
If you’re comparing wedding photographers in Port Douglas or Cairns, Google reviews can be a great place to start. Look for consistent feedback that reflects the kind of experience you’re hoping to have.
4. Consider how you actually want to spend your wedding day
Here’s something worth thinking about.
Do you want to spend an hour or two exploring beautiful locations for couple portraits? Or would you rather have a shorter portrait session and get back to celebrating with your favourite people?
Maybe you love the idea of getting ready photographs, a first look, family portraits and all the little moments throughout the reception.
Or perhaps you’re planning an intimate wedding and only want your ceremony, family photographs and a few beautiful portraits documented.
Neither approach is better than the other.
But it’s important to choose a photographer whose approach and coverage options suit the wedding you’re planning.
Some photographers specialise in full-day wedding storytelling, while others offer shorter coverage for intimate weddings and elopements. Some, like me, offer options for both.
It’s also worth asking how your photographer approaches the wedding timeline.
A photographer who understands your priorities can help you plan enough time for beautiful photographs without making the entire day feel like one long photoshoot.
Because your wedding day should be about getting married, celebrating and spending time with the people you love.
Not just having your photograph taken.
5. Understand what’s included before comparing prices
Wedding photography is an investment, and naturally, budget will play a part in your decision.
But when you’re comparing photographers, make sure you’re comparing more than just the price.
Ask what’s included in their packages.
How many hours of photography will you receive? Are the edited digital photographs included? How and when will your gallery be delivered? Is there an option to purchase an album? What happens if plans change?
It’s also worth understanding what support your photographer provides before the wedding.
Some photographers offer timeline guidance, planning advice and recommendations for other wedding suppliers, which can be incredibly helpful if you’re organising everything yourselves.
The cheapest option isn’t necessarily the best value, just as the most expensive photographer isn’t automatically the right fit for you.
Instead, think about what matters most to you and choose someone whose experience, approach and photographs reflect those priorities.
So, how do you know when you’ve found the right wedding photographer?
I think you’ll usually have a pretty good feeling.
You’ll love their photographs, feel comfortable talking to them and trust that they understand what’s important to you.
You won’t feel like you need to perform for the camera or turn your wedding into something it isn’t.
And hopefully, you’ll be excited to have them there!
Your wedding photographs should remind you not only of how everything looked, but how it all felt.
The anticipation before the ceremony. The laughter during speeches. The hugs from your grandparents. The way your partner looked at you when you weren’t paying attention.
Those are the photographs that become more valuable with time.
Looking for a wedding photographer in Port Douglas, Palm Cove or Cairns?
I’m Lizzy, a Port Douglas based wedding photographer, and I believe the best photographs come from couples who are free to enjoy their day.
My approach is relaxed, gently guided and focused on capturing genuine connection. I love beautiful, timeless portraits, but I’m equally interested in all those little moments happening in between.
Whether you’re planning an intimate elopement, a relaxed wedding with your closest family and friends or a larger celebration, I’d love to hear what you have planned.
You can explore my wedding photography packages or get in touch to see whether we’re a good fit.
Because finding the right wedding photographer isn’t just about finding someone who takes beautiful photographs.
It’s about finding someone you trust to tell your story.
