Finding the right wedding photographer is crucial for capturing the special moments of your big day. With countless options available, it can feel overwhelming. But don’t worry! This guide will help you discover the best places online and offline to find a wedding photographer that fits your vision and budget.

The Best Places to Find a Wedding Photographer (Online)

Social Media Platforms (#1 Choice)

Social media is probably the best place to find a photographer. Photographers use social media like Instagram as their secondary portfolio (first being the website). This is a great way to be able to see multiple photographers work in a short time to find a style you really like and narrow down some options. There is not a lot of bias with using social media since it’s not a platform the photographer has to pay for. Its the best way to find a photographer that fits your style and needs.

1. Instagram: Searching hashtags like #WeddingPhotographer or #YourLocationWedding can yield stunning portfolios. You can also just use the search function and search things like “Your state wedding photographer” or just “wedding photographer” if you don’t mind paying for their travel if you REALLY love them. A lot of social media platforms now act as search engines, keep that in mind. Follow photographers and interact with their content to gauge their style and personality.
2. TikTok: The ever-growing platform of tiktok can be a useful tool for finding a photographer and getting a better look at their personality. Not all photographers post on TikTok since there are too many social platforms to keep up with but its a good place to look.
3. Pinterest: While not a traditional platform for finding photographers, Pinterest is great for inspiration. You can find photographers’ work and then search for them online or on social media.
4. Facebook Groups: Facebook groups over the years have become a bit too oversaturated so I would use it as a last resort but it can be a good place to get some ideas of photographers from other couples in the past. However keep in mind that you will probably get 1000000 other comments from photographers posting their links.

Photography Blogs (#2 Choice)

Many wedding photography blogs feature curated lists of talented photographers. Websites like Style Me Pretty and Green Wedding Shoes often showcase real weddings and the photographers behind them, giving you inspiration and contact details. You can also look into actual photographers blogs. They often provide a lot of info like this one! Photographers that take the time to share info like this does not benefit them so if they are willing to put out blog posts for free to help couples, they will most likely take time to help you with your own wedding.

Google (#3 Choice)

Google is a great place to look for local photographers, however google is pretty strict on picking the “best” companies for you to see based on your search and may not show everyone if a brand doesn’t have an amazing SEO setup on their site for google to see. You may also see “sponsored” above some of them which just means they are paying to be seen at the top of the list (which is not a bad thing). I would recommend taking a look at the first few pages of google after searching for a wedding photographer.

Wedding Websites and Directories (#4 Choice)

These can be a good place to start your search, however we do not recommend strictly using these as your only source of finding a photographer. Wedding directories like The Knot & Wedding Wire tend to be a “pay to play” system for the vendors on the platform. Meaning whoever pays the most usually gets the tops spots in the searches. This means you are shown companies who are willing to pay the most for the platform vs companies that will fit your needs the best as a client. That being said, there are still some awesome photographers on the platform so don’t count it out completely. From our experience, we are unfamiliar with Zola’s platform and system. The wedding wire and knot are both also now owned by the same corporation.

1. The Knot: This popular wedding planning site features a comprehensive directory of wedding photographers, complete with reviews and portfolios. You can filter by location, budget, and style.
2. WeddingWire: Another resource, WeddingWire offers a similar directory of photographers. You can read reviews, compare prices, and view galleries to find the perfect match. You may find similar photographers as the knot due to the links between the companies.
3. Zola: Zola’s vendor marketplace allows you to search for photographers based on your wedding date and location. It also includes reviews and price ranges.

How to Find a Wedding Photographer In Person

Wedding Expos and Fairs

Attending local wedding expos is a fantastic way to meet photographers face-to-face. You can view their portfolios, ask questions, and often take advantage of exclusive expo discounts. Plus, it’s a great opportunity to meet other vendors you might need for your wedding! Just note that most wedding expos only allow X amount of each type of vendor so your options will be quite limited compared to online.

Local Photography Studios

Visit local photography studios to see if they specialize in weddings. Many studios will have a portfolio available for you to browse, giving you a sense of their style and approach. You can also inquire about packages and availability.

Recommendations from Friends and Family

Don’t underestimate the power of word-of-mouth. Ask recently married friends or family for recommendations. Personal experiences can lead you to trustworthy photographers who might not be heavily advertised online. Plenty of photographers skip traditional advertising and just rely on referrals.

What’s the Best Way to Find a Wedding Photographer?

The best way to find a wedding photographer is to combine online research with in-person exploration. Start with online platforms to shortlist photographers whose style resonates with you. Then, set up meetings or attend expos to gauge their personality and professionalism.

Steps to Follow:

1. Create a List: Start by listing photographers you find online. Use directories, social media, and blogs to gather names.
2. Read Reviews: Look for reviews on multiple platforms to get a balanced view of each photographer’s strengths and weaknesses.
3. Schedule Consultations: Reach out to your top choices to set up consultations. This is your chance to discuss your wedding, ask questions, and see if you click.
4. View Full Galleries: Always ask to see a full wedding gallery, not just highlights. This gives you a better idea of how they capture the entire day.

Where Are the Best Places to Find a Wedding Photographer?

The best places to find a wedding photographer vary based on your location and preferences. Here are some top recommendations:

1. Online Directories: As mentioned earlier, sites like The Knot and WeddingWire are fantastic starting points.
2. Social Media: Instagram and Pinterest can lead you to hidden gems and local photographers.
3. Wedding Shows: These events allow you to meet multiple photographers and other vendors in one place.
4. Local Listings: Don’t forget to check community bulletin boards or local wedding magazines, which may feature local photographers.

Conclusion

Finding the right wedding photographer doesn’t have to be stressful. By exploring online directories, engaging with social media, attending local events, and seeking recommendations, you can discover a photographer who fits your style and budget. Remember to view full galleries, ask questions, and trust your instincts. Happy hunting, and may you find the perfect photographer to capture your special day!