Finding the Perfect Wedding Photographer for You
- Sun Valley
- 6 days ago
- 3 min read
Your wedding day is one of the most meaningful and emotional days of your life—and your photos should reflect that. Long after the cake has been cut and the last sparkler has fizzled out, your wedding photos will tell the story of your day. But how do you find a photographer who not only captures beautiful images, but truly gets you? Here’s your step-by-step guide to finding the perfect wedding photographer for you and your partner.
1. Know Your Style
Before you even open Instagram or Pinterest, ask yourself: What kind of images are you drawn to?
Light and airy: Romantic, pastel-toned, and dreamy. (A style that looks stunning with Sun Valley’s open skies and soft sunsets)
Dark and moody: Rich in emotion and artistic shadows.
Classic and timeless: Clean, elegant, and true-to-life color.
Documentary-style: Natural, candid storytelling with little posing.
Editorial: Fashion-inspired and dramatic.
Knowing what resonates with you visually will help narrow down your search quickly—and make sure your photos feel like you.
2. Set a Realistic Budget
Photography is one of the few things you’ll take away from your wedding day, and it’s worth investing in. That said, photographers offer a wide range of pricing based on their experience, demand, equipment, editing, and time commitment.
Have a ballpark number in mind, but keep an open mind—you might decide it's worth spending a bit more once you find "the one." Consider putting aside around 10% of your overall wedding budget towards a wedding photographer.
3. Do Some Online Digging (The Good Kind)
Start browsing:
Wedding websites like The Knot, Zola, or WeddingWire
Instagram (try hashtags like #ClevelandWeddingPhotographer or #OhioBride)
Photographer directories or local venue preferred vendor lists
Create a short list of 3–5 photographers whose work gives you that "wow" feeling.
4. Schedule A Chat
Always hop on a call or meet in person. A great photographer will ask questions about your story, your vision, and your priorities—not just hand you a pricing sheet. They'll want to ger to know you, your partner, and your story as a couple.
This conversation is all about connection. You want to walk away feeling like they see you, not just another client.
5. Ask the Right Questions
Here are a few great questions to ask during that consultation:
Have you shot at our venue before?
What all is included in your pricing? An engagement session or a second shooter?
Can we see a full wedding gallery or two? Pro tip: If they’ve photographed at Sun Valley, ask to see that gallery specifically so you can picture how your day might look!
What’s your backup plan if something happens to you or your equipment?
How do you handle family photos and group shots?
How many images will we receive, and when?
6.Lean Into Local Talent
We’ve been lucky to work with dozens of incredible photographers, and there are clear benefits to choosing someone who’s already familiar with Sun Valley:
They know the best angles and secret little corners (like the ivy wall that glows at golden hour)
They’re prepared for indoor and outdoor transitions
They already love the vibe here and know how to bring it out in your photos
Want a shortcut? Ask us—we’re happy to share a few photographers our couples rave about.
Final Thoughts from the Sun Valley Team 🌿
The perfect wedding photographer for you is someone who connects with your energy, understands your venue, and knows how to capture the real, unscripted magic.
If you’re still searching, we’re more than happy to share our favorites—people who have walked our grounds with cameras in hand and hearts in the moment.
Let us help make this part of planning easy (and even fun). We can't wait to see your story told through a lens you'll love forever.
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Want to meet some of our top-recommended photographers or tour the venue again to scout photo spots? Reach out anytime—we’re here for you every step of the way.
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