32 Questions to Ask Your Wedding Photographer - Answered by a Wiltshire Wedding Photographer (Updated for 2026)

We've all been there, right? You're searching for a service you've never needed before, and you're not quite sure where to start. Do you just dive into Google and hope for the best?

Well, a well-known wedding website recently posted a list of "32 Questions to Ask Your Wedding Photographer," and I thought it’d be fun to answer each of them for you. Plus, I’ll sprinkle in a bit of extra insight along the way.

Your Questions Answered: Everything You Need to Ask a Wedding Photographer Before You Book

1. Do You Have My Date Available?

This one's pretty obvious, right? Make sure to ask every photographer you chat with.

2. How Long Have You Been Working as a Wedding Photographer?

Me personally? This (2026) marks my 16th year in the biz, and my sixth year doing it full-time after having my daughter in late 2019 (we don’t count 2020!). Everyone’s journey is different, and just because someone’s been around longer doesn’t mean they have more experience. In my early years, I focused more on learning than on booking weddings.

3. How Many Weddings Do You Shoot a Year?

Currently, I aim for about 30 weddings a year. Some photographers can handle 40-60, but I’ve got a young family to juggle.

4. Can I See Some Full Wedding Albums? Are All the Images Yours? How Recent Are They?

If you don’t ask to see this before booking me, I’ll be a bit worried! Of course, you can see full galleries—actually, I encourage it! Other than the shots taken by a second photographer (which I’ll always point out), all the images are my own.

5. Have You Worked at Our Venue Before? If Not, Will You Visit Beforehand?

If I haven’t, that’s totally fine! Photographers often don’t feel the need to visit beforehand since the lighting and weather can change everything. I love to think on my feet and find inspiration as I explore. You might see an old doorway, and I’ll see an epic shot for you two to stand in. Honestly, I cover so many venues that it’s rare I shoot at the same one twice!

6. Have You Photographed a Wedding of a Similar Size to Ours Before?

I’ve shot weddings of all sizes—everything from two guests (thanks, COVID) to 250! I particularly enjoy laid-back weddings with around 60-100 guests.

7. What Wedding Packages Do You Offer?

My packages cover different parts of the day. Whether you want just the ceremony or the whole shebang, including a second photographer, premium album, print credit, and a pre-wedding shoot, I’ve got you covered! Check out my pricing page for more details.

8. What Information Do You Need from Us Before the Wedding Day?

I want your whole life story! Just kidding. I need the basics for the contract—your names, contact details, timings for the day, and who you want in group photos. I also need the venue addresses and your permission to use your photos in my marketing once you’ve received your gallery.

9. How Would You Describe Your Photography Style?

I’d say my style is documentary with a sprinkle of traditional. I prefer capturing real moments over posed ones, but there’s definitely a time for posed photos too. Even when I do pose you, I keep it relaxed. I might ask you questions to make you laugh or suggest a kiss for those intimate shots. The rest of the day? No posing! I want to capture the genuine laughs, the happy tears, and those awkward faces during the speeches. Check out my wedding portfolio to see what I mean!

10. Can I Speak to Some Former Clients or Read Testimonials?

For GDPR reasons, I can’t give out previous couples’ details, but I promise that’s not a reflection of my work. Feel free to read the testimonials instead. I swear on my children’s lives that they’re all true!

11. Will I Be Able to Give You a List of Specific Shots We’d Like?

Absolutely! If there are specific people you want me to capture, like your grandparents, just let me know. If you have special moments you want covered, like confetti shots or sparklers, I’m all in. Most of my job is documenting the day as it unfolds, so I usually cover everything anyway. Just keep in mind that weddings can be fast-paced, and some moments might slip through the cracks. If there’s something you absolutely can’t miss, please tell me!

12. Do You Offer an Engagement Shoot as Part of Your Package?

Yes, it’s included in the Eucalyptus Package, but you can add it to any other package too. It’s a great way for us to get comfortable with each other before the big day. If you’re camera shy, this is especially helpful. After the engagement shoot, you’ll see there’s nothing to worry about, and you’ll feel more relaxed on your wedding day.

13. What Time Will You Arrive at the Venue?

What time do you want me to arrive? I usually show up about half an hour before the ceremony to capture guests arriving. If I’m covering prep, I’ll typically arrive 2-3 hours before the ceremony.

14. Do We Need to Provide You with Food?

Ah, the age-old debate! Personally, I prefer to bring my own food. Caterers are often busy serving you and your guests, and they leave our meals until the end. It’s great to get fed, but I don’t want to rush through a three-course meal in 10 minutes! If you do want to provide food, I’d appreciate being served at the same time as the top table. Oh, and just so you know, I’m allergic to shellfish and not a fan of spicy food.

As lovely as it is to sit with your guests, this is likely our only break during the day. So, please don’t be offended if we choose to eat in a quiet corner to recharge a bit.

15. Do I Need to Cover Travel Costs?

Only if you’re outside my two-hour radius. I’ll let you know about any travel costs before you book.

16. Will You Be the Primary Photographer on the Day?

If you’re booking me, then yes! If I’m ill, I’ll arrange for someone equally skilled (if not better!) to step in.

17. What Will You Be Wearing?

It depends on the weather! On a hot summer day, I’ll likely wear a comfy dress. I usually stick to black jeans, comfy shoes, and a nice top. If you’re having a black-tie event, please let me know!

18. What Time Will You Stay Until?

It depends on your chosen package. If it’s until dancing, I typically stay for about 30 minutes after the first dance. Unless the dance floor is packed, you might have a hard time getting me off it!

19. Can We Pay an Extra Fee If We Require You to Stay Longer?

Absolutely! I charge £150 for each additional hour, but I cap my total hours at 12.

20. How Much is a Second Shooter?

I charge between £350 and £500 for a second photographer, depending on how long they're needed.

21. Can You Put Together a Slideshow for the Wedding Breakfast?

I don’t offer this at the moment. I’m a bit of a perfectionist and hate the idea of rushing through a slideshow. Plus, I edit on a desktop PC, which isn’t exactly portable!

22. Will Other People Be Able to Take Photos While You Are?

During group photos, it’s common for guests to snap away behind me. I don’t mind as long as they’re not in my way or holding things up. However, during the couple’s photos, I ask that no one else join us. It’s your first chance to be alone since the ceremony.

23. What Is Your Back-up Plan If You Can’t Attend on the Day?

Fingers crossed this never happens! But if it does, I’m part of a large network of photographers who can provide emergency cover if needed. I’ll still edit the photos, so you’ll see the same style you love from my website.

24. Do You have Back-up Equipment?

Absolutely! I carry two cameras and a whole bunch of lenses. I’d love a third camera, but let’s be real—I can’t afford it yet! I once smashed a camera and lens at a wedding, but you’d never know from the photos. I just used my other camera and two lenses for the rest of the day.

25. Do You Have Insurance?

You bet! I have public liability insurance up to £5 million and professional indemnity insurance too. If you want to see my certificate or your venue needs a copy, just ask. All photographers charging for their services should have this.

26. How Much is the Deposit and When Do You Need It By?

The booking fee is 25% of the total price and is due at the time of booking.

27. Will We Receive Digital Copies of All Images – and How Many Will That Be?

Yes, you’ll receive digital copies of all final, edited images. Trust me, you don’t want every single photo I’ve taken—some will have eyes shut, be blurry, or feature someone pulling a funny face. I don’t promise a set number of photos since it varies by day, guest count, and what’s happening. But typically, for a 10-hour wedding package, you can expect around 600 images.

28. Do You Offer a Printing and/or Album Service?

Yes! You can buy a wedding album that I design and is professionally made. Plus, I have an online store through the gallery where you can purchase prints and wall art.

29. Is Retouching Included in the Price?

Basic editing is included, which means making the photos look consistent with the style you see on my site. I don’t do dramatic retouching as standard, like removing people or airbrushing skin. If there’s something specific you want, we can discuss it, and I can find out the cost.

30. Can We Create a Bespoke Package?

Definitely! My packages cover most options, but I’m always happy to chat about custom solutions.

31. How Long Will the Pictures Take to Arrive?

Typically, you’ll receive your photos within 6-8 weeks. During busier times, it might take a bit longer. I’ll keep you updated, and you’ll have access to a client area with an up-to-date editing queue.

32. When Will We Need to Make the Final Payment?

The final payment is due 28 days before the wedding. I prefer not to have instalments, as it complicates my accounting. So, I suggest sticking that money into a savings account until it’s due, so it can earn you a little interest—like a penny or two!

Well, there you have it! That answers all the questions you’ve been told to ask. If I’ve missed any, feel free to let me know in the comments.

Ready to Book a Wiltshire Wedding Photographer?

If I sound like your kind of photographer, I’d love to hear from you! You can check out my wedding packages or drop me a message. I promise I don’t bite!