How to Choose the Best Wedding Photographer for Your St. Louis Wedding

Planning your wedding is one of the most exciting milestones in life, and selecting the perfect wedding photographer is a key part of capturing your day beautifully. With so many talented photographers in St. Louis, it can feel overwhelming to narrow down your options. To make the process easier, we’ve compiled a guide to help you choose the best wedding photographer and ensure your memories are preserved for a lifetime.

1. Determine Your Style

Every photographer has a unique style, and it’s important to find one that resonates with your vision. Do you prefer bright, airy images? Or are you drawn to moody, dramatic tones? Perhaps a photojournalistic approach that captures candid moments speaks to you. Browse portfolios online and create a mood board of your favorite photos to help identify your preferred style.

2. Set a Budget

Before reaching out to photographers, establish a budget for your wedding photography. Keep in mind that this is an investment in your memories. St. Louis photographers offer a wide range of pricing options, so you’re likely to find someone whose services align with your financial plan. Be sure to inquire about packages, hours of coverage, and any additional costs for albums or prints.

3. Check Reviews and Testimonials

Client reviews and testimonials can provide valuable insights into a photographer’s professionalism, reliability, and ability to deliver high-quality work. Websites like Google, The Knot, and WeddingWire are great resources for honest feedback.

4. Meet in Person or Schedule a Consultation

Your wedding photographer will be with you throughout your big day, so it’s important to choose someone you feel comfortable with. Schedule a consultation—either in person or virtually—to discuss your vision, ask questions, and ensure your personalities mesh well.

5. Ask to See a Full Gallery

While portfolio highlights showcase a photographer’s best work, a full gallery from a wedding will give you a better sense of how they capture every part of the day. Look for consistency in quality, attention to detail, and how they handle various lighting scenarios.

6. Ensure They Know Your Venue

St. Louis is home to stunning wedding venues like The Caramel Room, The Missouri Botanical Garden, The Coronado, Silver Oaks Chateau, The Chase Park Plaza, and The Ritz-Carlton. Each venue offers its own unique charm, from historic elegance to modern luxury. If your photographer has worked at your venue before, they’ll already know the best spots for photos and how to make the most of the space. If they’re unfamiliar, make sure they’re willing to do a walkthrough or research the venue ahead of time.

7. Understand the Timeline and Contract

Once you’ve chosen a photographer, review their contract thoroughly. Make sure it includes details about the timeline, number of images you’ll receive, delivery schedule, and cancellation policy. This will help ensure there are no surprises down the road.

A Special Thank You to Those We Met at the St. Louis Wedding Show

We were thrilled to meet so many wonderful couples at the St. Louis Wedding Show on January 4th, 2025! It was a joy to hear about your unique love stories and wedding plans. If you stopped by our booth, thank you for taking the time to connect with us. We’re excited about the possibility of working together to capture your special day.

Ready to Find Your Photographer?

Choosing the right wedding photographer takes time, but it’s worth the effort to find someone who understands your vision and values the importance of your big day. If you’re planning your wedding in St. Louis and looking for a photographer who will go above and beyond to capture every moment, we’d love to chat with you. Visit our website at auroraphotodesign.com to learn more about our wedding photography services and schedule a consultation.