If you're planning on having an indoor and outdoor wedding, make sure your photographer has experience shooting in both settings. This will ensure they are equipped to capture dimly lit reception photos just as well as golden hour portraits.

Ask your wedding photographer how many hours are included in each package and what additional services cost. This will give you an idea of whether their prices are in line with your budget.

1. How long have you been in business?

This question is important because it shows that they are a legitimate business and have been around for a while. It also helps to ensure that they have the experience needed to handle any unforeseen circumstances that may arise on your wedding day.

Ask to see full galleries from their past weddings, and make sure that these are all the work of this photographer (not an associate or team member). You want to be able to connect with the person you hire!

2. What is your photography style?

Every photographer has a distinct style. It is important to know what you are getting when hiring someone to photograph your big day.

You can often get a good idea of their working style from their website and social media pages. This is also a great time to communicate any specific shots you liked from their portfolios!

It is always good to ask if they have worked at your venue before. This will help ensure that they know how the light works and where to get the best photos.

3. What is your turnaround time?

This question is important to ask because it will give you an idea of how long it may be before you receive your photos. This will also help to set expectations for your wedding day.

It is normal for photographers to take a little longer to turn around photos during peak season. This is because they have a lot of photos to cull and edit.

4. What is your pricing structure?

There are roughly a zillion decisions for engaged couples to make when planning their wedding. Choosing the right photographer for them starts with their pricing structure.

It is important for a wedding photographer to set their prices in a way that doesn't scare away their target market and contributes to profits. Most photographers offer packages and a la carte pricing options.

5. How do you handle unforeseen circumstances?

If something goes wrong on your wedding day, it’s important to know if your photographer has a backup plan in place. This could include everything from having extra memory cards on hand to saving your images in multiple places.

It’s also a good idea to ask about second shooters. Some photographers hire super new talent as a way to grow their business, so be sure to ask about this!

6. Do you have any references or client testimonials?

It's always a good idea to ask about the photographer's backup plan in case they become ill or are unable to attend your wedding due to unforeseeable circumstances. Many photographers have a list of local wedding photographers they trust that can cover your day if needed.

Also, be sure to ask them for full galleries from recent weddings. This will give you a better idea of their photography style.

7. Do you have a contract?

A contract is a crucial document that outlines the most important details for your wedding day. It should include important information like copyright ownership, usage terms, and cancellation policies.

You should also ask your photographer about their approach to editing photos. This will give you an idea of whether their style is a good fit for you. You may also want to ask about their retouching and color-adjustment services.

8. What is your availability on my wedding day?

If you're a bride or groom looking for a wedding photographer, this question can help you understand if the pro's heart is really in their business. "

A lot of wedding photographers work with second shooters to scale their business but you need to be sure that the portfolios and full galleries you're viewing are truly their work. Also, ask if they're willing to let you use images for their own marketing purposes.

9. What is your pricing structure?

Wedding photographers invest a lot of time and money in their gear. They also have other expenses, like travel fees and tax.

Some photographers choose to offer all-inclusive packages, while others choose a la carte pricing. Whatever the photographer's structure, it is important for couples to know the pricing upfront. This way, they don't waste their time pursuing a photographer that is outside of their budget.

10. What is your turnaround time?

As a potential client, you should have clarity around how long it will take to receive your final wedding images. Asking about this at the consultation will help you know what to expect for your day.

Benson encourages to-be-weds to pad their timeline a bit so that they have room for the moments to unfold naturally. This will also allow for a bit of downtime, which is always a good thing!