Do I Need a Wedding Photographer?
Helping you decide what’s best for your big day
When planning your wedding, one question that might come up is whether you actually need to hire a professional wedding photographer. With smartphones, friends with good cameras, and the rising costs of weddings, it’s easy to wonder if hiring a photographer is such a necessity and an easy way to save some money.
In this post, we’ll explore some situations where you might decide against hiring a photographer and when it’s essential to have a professional capturing your special moments. The key is making a choice that suits your priorities for the day. This is an unbiased look at what could be one of the biggest decisions of your wedding planning.
When you might not need a wedding photographer
While it might surprise you to hear a photographer like myself say it, there are a few valid reasons why some couples might decide not to hire one:
Budget restrictions: Weddings can be expensive – the venue alone is likely causing your eyes to water. Sometimes the budget just doesn’t stretch to include a professional photographer. If you’re hosting a very small wedding or an elopement, you may prefer to keep things simple and rely on friends and family to take photos. Don’t stop reading here - there’s a counter argument to this coming up.
You prefer an unplugged day: Some couples want to keep their wedding incredibly intimate, with no distractions so that they and their guests can relax, be themselves and stay in the moment. In these cases, they may choose to not to have a photographer altogether.
You’re having a low-key celebration: If your wedding is a casual affair, like a simple registry office ceremony followed by a pub lunch, you might feel that you don’t need professional photographs. In some cases, informal celebrations may not have as many “key moments” that need documenting, so couples may opt out of hiring a photographer.
While these are perfectly valid reasons, as I hinted at above it’s still important to weigh up the opposite side of the argument and the long-term value of having professional images to look back on. After all, weddings are one of life’s most special days!
Why hiring a wedding photographer is important
For many couples, hiring a wedding photographer is a crucial part of the day’s planning, and here’s why:
Your photos are the lasting memories: Long after the cake is eaten and uncle Bob has showed off his signature dance moves, your photos will be one of the only things that remain. Wedding photographs serve as a cherished keepsake, allowing you to relive those special moments for years to come. Many couples look back on their wedding albums as one of the most meaningful ways to remember the day, and do so year after year. We’ve all seen our parents and grandparents wedding photos, right?
You’ll be in the moment: Hiring a professional wedding photographer allows you to fully relax and enjoy your day without worrying about capturing every important moment, or relying on your already-tipsy guests to get perfect shots. A professional will know exactly how to capture candid moments, key family shots, and all the little details that matter, while you focus on celebrating.
Unseen moments: A professional photographer knows how to be in the right place at the right time. Whether it’s the look on your partner’s face as you walk down the aisle or the joyful tears of your family members, they’ll capture the moments you might not even notice happening around you. I’m personally always on the lookout for little moments that will make couples smile when they get their final album.
Friends can’t replace professionals: While your guests might be eager to snap a few photos, they won’t have the skill or experience that a professional photographer brings unless they themselves are a photographer. Professionals know how to handle tricky lighting conditions, set up the perfect group shots, and edit photos to create stunning albums that tell the story of your day.
The pros of having a wedding photographer
Still on the fence about hiring a photographer? Here are some reasons to consider it:
Quality over quantity: While anyone with a phone can take a picture, it takes skill and experience to capture professional-quality photos. An experienced photographer knows how to work with light, compose a shot, and use professional equipment to create high-quality images.
Creative storytelling: Many wedding photographers offer a unique style that adds an artistic touch to your wedding album. Whether you love bold and colourful shots (like mine), or prefer something more bright and airy, a professional will know how to bring out the best in every moment.
Backup and security: One of the lesser-known benefits of hiring a professional is that they’re prepared for any hiccups. They bring backup cameras, lenses, and memory cards to make sure nothing is lost, and they’ll store your photos safely for future editing and delivery. So, you won’t have to worry about technology failing or missing shots. I back up my photos on an external hard drive as well as via an online backup system for example.
When a photographer becomes essential
Even if you’re on a budget or considering skipping a photographer, there are certain moments in a wedding where professional photography becomes invaluable. These include:
Ceremony and vows: The moment you say "I do" is one you’ll want to remember forever. Capturing this in beautiful, professional photos ensures you have a visual record of this milestone moment.
First look and couple portraits: Whether you choose a traditional first look at the altar or have a private moment before the ceremony, professional portraits of just the two of you are something many couples cherish. These images are often the ones you’ll hang on your walls for years to come.
Family photos: Weddings often bring together people who don’t see each other regularly. Having professional photos of you with your family and friends is a special way to document these connections.
Alternatives to traditional wedding photography
If you’re not sold on the idea of a traditional wedding photographer, there are other options to consider. Some couples hire a photographer for only part of the day, such as the ceremony and couple portraits, rather than the entire day - sometimes referred to as a half day, or pay a photographer for a select number of hours.
Another option is to hire a photographer for an engagement shoot beforehand, which allows you to have beautiful couple photos without the commitment of full-day wedding photography. This can be a cost-effective solution if you're having a smaller event and aren’t too bothered about not being photographed in your wedding day outfits.
Alternatively, if it’s important for you to have an experienced, professional photographer on the day itself, ask a photographer you like whether they accept payment in instalments.
You could also consider asking a talented friend or family member to take some pictures. This is how I started out! While this won’t provide the same level of quality as an experienced photographer, it might work if you’re having a very informal celebration.
Likewise, hiring a student or less experienced photographer for a lower cost might also be something you’re happy to do.
Final thoughts: Do you need a wedding photographer?
Choosing whether to have a wedding photographer or not is a deeply personal choice. If professional photographs are a priority for you, then it’s worth investing in a skilled photographer who can capture the magic of your day.
However, if your wedding is small, intimate, or you prefer a more low-key approach, you may decide that a photographer isn’t necessary. Just remember that your wedding photos are one of the few tangible memories you’ll have of the day — they capture the emotions, the laughter, and all the little details that make your wedding uniquely yours. They can bring back memories that are long forgotten, and are a great visual aid for sharing stories of your day with loved ones.
I encourage couples to think about what matters most to them. Whether you choose to have full-day coverage, part-day photography, or opt out altogether, what’s important is that your wedding day reflects you and your love story.