What do you actually pay for when you book a wedding photographer (And how to choose the right wedding photographer for you.)

You've just started planning your wedding planning journey. You sit down and open your computer just to have a quick look at whats available. You decided to look at photographers and you're met with a sea of options. Photography packages ranging from £500 for full day's coverage with an album to £2500 for half a day. Theres a million different styles and a million different personalities out there and you sit back and think to yourself "What the fuck do you actually pay for when you book a wedding photographer, and how the hell do I know which one is right for me?"

How to choose the right wedding photographer for you.

The problem that has plagued the wedding industry is that it's not regulated. There is ZERO barrier to entry. If you can afford a 10 year old digital camera, congrats! You can call your self a wedding photographer.

Unfortunately over the years, this has meant that the wedding photography industry has a very, VERY diverse range of skill, talent, and most importantly, experience.

So, let's have a gander. What do you actually pay for when you book a wedding photographer, and how do you choose the right wedding photographer for you.

Aside from the obvious.

Before we go anywhere, you know what you're hiring a photographer for. Photos. This is ultimately it. We're not here to be your "wedding bestie" or there to provide "the vibes". You want photos.

However, there is a little more to it than just taking photos. Here is what you're paying them for.

The boring stuff.

This is the point normally where photographers will give you a list of stuf they pay for. It's completely patronising to you and you know that there are costs when it comes to running a business. Websites, Subscriptions, Camera Gear, Maintenance, Insurance etc but these are just the costs of doing business (CODB). You'll never see any other business justify their pricing this way, so why the hell are photographers any different? That's all I'm going to say on this.

Heres what you're paying for:

Their Experience

Weddings rarely go exactly to plan. Hair runs late. Transport gets delayed. The weather does its own thing. A well meaning relative suddenly decides it’s group photo time.

An experienced photographer has seen all of this before.

They know how to work around tight timelines without making the whole day feel rushed. They know how to handle tricky lighting in dark churches, bright marquees, and everything in between. They know how to quietly organise group photos without barking orders, and how to spot moments before they happen.

Just as importantly, they know how to stay calm when things wobble.

That calm on a wedding day matters more than couples realise. When someone’s been through dozens (or hundreds) of wedding days, they don’t panic if plans change. They adapt. They problem solve. They keep things moving while letting you enjoy your day.

Experience also shows in the little things. Anticipating hugs. Knowing when to step back during emotional moments. Reading a room. Understanding family dynamics. These are not skills you learn from YouTube tutorials. They come from being there, again and again.

It’s not about perfection. It’s about having someone beside you who knows how to handle real wedding days, not just ideal ones.

Personality

What couples dont tend to realise is, you’ll spend more time with your photographer than almost anyone else on your wedding day.

If you feel awkward around them in a meeting, that probably will not magically disappear on the day itself.

You want someone who helps you feel relaxed, who fits in with your friends and family, and who understands when to crack on and when to give you space. The chemistry between you and them matters more than you may realise.

Their Approach

This is one of the most overlooked parts of choosing a photographer, but it has a huge impact on how your wedding day actually feels.

Some photographers take a very directed approach. They’ll guide you through most moments on the day, pose you frequently, and step in whenever something looks slightly out of place. For some couples, that feels reassuring. For others, it can feel a bit like being on a photoshoot all day.

Other photographers (myself included) work in a more documentary way. That means letting things unfold naturally, focusing on real moments as they happen, and stepping in only when it genuinely helps. You’re not constantly being told where to stand or how to hold each other. Instead, you’re encouraged to just be present with your friends, your family, and each other.

Neither approach is right or wrong. The important thing is knowing which one suits you.

If you’re the kind of couple who loves structure and guidance, a more hands on photographer might feel like the right fit. If you’d rather forget the camera is even there and just enjoy your day, a relaxed documentary approach often works better.

It’s also worth remembering that approach affects more than just portraits.

It shapes how your morning prep feels. How group photos are handled. Whether moments are interrupted or quietly observed. Whether your photographer blends in or becomes a central part of the day.

A good photographer adapts to what’s happening around them. They know when to gently guide things along, and when to step back. They can organise family photos efficiently without turning it into a military operation. They can give direction when it’s needed, but disappear when it’s not.

That balance is everything.

Before you book, ask photographers how they work on a wedding day. Not just what they shoot, but how they move through the day. Their answer will tell you far more than any package list ever could.

Consider your budget.

Before you even start looking for a photographer, then you need to understand your own budget. "But how much do I need to allocate?" I hear you say?

Historically, 10% of your total wedding budget was a good place to start, but weddings are SIGNIFICANTLY more expensive than they used to be. The average cost of a wedding in the UK according to Hitched.co.uk is £23,250 but you can look a little lower thatn 10% nowadays. Anywhere betwee. £1700-2300 for a full day is a pretty good place to start.

If you're sat there thinking you got yourself a bargain because someone is offering full day's coverage with an album for £500, then please PLEASE make sure at minimum, they have public liability insurance, and you can get a copy of their certificate (but, in all fairness, you should be doing this with anyone you hire for your wedding)

How to choose the right photographer for you.

Once you strip everything back, choosing a wedding photographer is less about ticking boxes and more about how someone makes you feel.

Yes, style matters. Experience matters. Approach matters. But the real question is this:

Do you feel comfortable with them?

Look through full galleries, not just highlight reels. Ask how they work on a wedding day, not just what’s included in their packages. Pay attention to how they communicate. Do they explain things clearly? Do they listen to what you actually want? Do they feel like someone you could happily spend most of your wedding day with?

Trust your gut.

If a photographer’s work speaks to you, their approach matches your personalities, and you feel relaxed chatting to them, that’s usually a good sign. You’re not just booking someone to take photos. You’re inviting someone into some pretty personal moments. That connection matters.

And finally, try not to rush it. This is one of the few suppliers who stays with you for almost the entire day. Take your time, ask questions, and choose someone whose work you love and whose presence you’ll enjoy.

If you’re still early in your planning and just want to talk things through, I’m always happy to help. Sometimes a simple conversation is all it takes to make everything feel a lot clearer.