Picking a wedding photographer can be a difficult decision and you have to consider more than just whether or not you like the photos on their website. And even though there are some incredible wedding photographers out there, unfortunately it’s easier than ever to buy a camera from costco, take a few photos from a friends wedding and put up a website. So here is a list of questions to ask the potential wedding photographers you meet with to make sure you don’t get ripped off.

1. What happens if our wedding date gets pushed back?

I've seen family emergencies and even venues that accidentally double booked a couple cause a couple to have to push back their wedding date. As much as you don’t anticipate having to move your wedding date, it might happen. Ask your photographer what their policy is if your date has to be moved so you are better prepared.

2. What will be delivered to me

Some photographers will just send you a link to view your photos online after your wedding. Others will hand wrap a USB drive or prints and mail them to you with an album. Talk to your fiance about what you want from your wedding photography after the wedding so you can make sure you pick a wedding photographer who will deliver what you're looking for!

3. Can we print our photos?

This may seem like a crazy questions but there are some photographers whos business model is to shoot your wedding for cheap and try to make the majority of their money on the back end through prints and therefore don’t allow you the print rights allowing you to print whichever photos you chose. Ask your photographer if the print rights are included, allowing you to print your own photos.

4. What is the turnaround time on wedding photos?

I’m sure you have heard horror stories of brides having to wait 4, 5, 6 months or more for their wedding photos. This happens more often than not. Even if your photographer promises that you will have your wedding photos in a timely manner, ask for a delivery date to be listed in the contract to protect you.

5. Can we pick or can you help us pick a location for our engagement photos?

The last thing you want is to book the perfect photographer only to find they only shoot engagements in 2 or 3 different places without charging some sort of fee. If you have an idea of where you want your engagement photos feel free to ask your photographer if they will be open to your suggestions. On the other end you may have no idea where you want to take your engagement photos and would welcome any suggestions from the photographers expertise.

6. What happens if we don’t like our engagement photos?

It’s entirely possible you could look through a photographers entire portfolio, fall in love with their work and hire them for your wedding only to find that when it’s time for your engagement photos you aren't happy with the results. This is rare, sure but entirely possible. You don’t want to be stuck with your photographer if you discover they can’t deliver what you want from your engagements and wedding photos. Ask the photographer what would happen if you found yourself in that situation.

7. What happens if your camera dies while I’m walking down the aisle?

Your Wedding day is once in a lifetime, and walking down the aisle is a pretty important moment. If your photographers camera decides to die right then and there… you need to know what your photographer is going to do. Although it would be a bummer to have a camera die a professional should have backup equipment to be able to keep going no matter what happens.

8. Have you ever had to make a claim on your business Insurance for an incident that has happened at a wedding?

Any professional will have liability insurance. A plumber, a bank, a doctor, and also so should your photographer. Ask them if they have ever had to file a claim from something that happened at a wedding. Often times at weddings there is alcohol and great dance moves, sometimes mistakes happen. Ask the photographer you’re interviewing what would happen if an accident were to happen.

Asking any potential wedding photographer that you interview these questions will give you a great idea of what to expect and give you a good idea of their personality so you don’t get ripped off!

See More: Complete Wedding Planning Guide!

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