It might feel helpful to give your photographer a long list of must-have wedding photos, but doing so could actually limit the magic. The best images often happen in the in-between moments, not from a checklist. Instead, share what truly matters to you and trust your photographer to create photos that feel real, emotional, and uniquely yours.

Choosing a wedding photographer isn’t just about pretty pictures, it’s about finding someone who can capture the heart of your day. This guide walks you through everything to consider, from reviewing full galleries to finding a personality match, so you can hire someone you trust to preserve the moments you’ll cherish forever.

Do you need a second shooter? Not always. But when it comes to capturing your wedding day fully: your tears, your partner’s reaction, your mom’s quiet gestures, a second set of eyes can mean the difference between remembering what happened, and discovering what you didn’t even know was there.