By aweddingstory 
Hiring the right photographer for your wedding is about more than just beautiful pictures—it’s about making sure they understand your vision, know your schedule, and can anticipate the moments that matter most. This checklist will help you ensure your Wellington wedding photographer is fully prepared to capture your day from start to finish.
Use this as a guide to communicate with your photographer and confirm nothing is missed.
1. Before Booking: Questions to Ask
- Are you available on our wedding date?
- What is your photography style?
- Have you shot weddings in Wellington before?
- Can we view full wedding galleries (not just highlight reels)?
- What is included in your wedding photography packages?
- How many weddings do you shoot per season?
- Do you work with a second shooter?
- What’s your approach to editing and delivery?
2. Planning and Communication
- Schedule a pre-wedding consultation
- Create a mood board or share example shots you love
- Discuss lighting needs for ceremony and reception venues
- Share your timeline and discuss ideal photo windows (e.g., golden hour)
- Clarify number of hours of coverage
- Review and sign a written contract
- Confirm cancellation policy and refund terms
3. Must-Have Shots: Before the Ceremony
- Wedding attire hanging or laid out
- Bride/groom getting ready (makeup, hair, dressing)
- Detail shots: shoes, rings, invitations, bouquet
- Emotional moments with parents or bridal party
- First look (if planned)
- Portraits of bride/groom individually
4. Must-Have Shots: Ceremony
- Venue wide shot before guests arrive
- Guests arriving and being seated
- Bridal party entrance
- Groom’s reaction
- Vows and ring exchange
- First kiss
- Recessional
- Guests throwing petals/confetti (if applicable)
5. Must-Have Shots: Post-Ceremony
- Group family portraits (make a shot list in advance)
- Wedding party portraits
- Couple portraits (scenic locations in Wellington)
- Candid moments with friends and family
6. Must-Have Shots: Reception
- Decor and venue details (table settings, signage, lighting)
- Grand entrance
- First dance
- Speeches and toasts
- Cake cutting
- Dancing and party moments
- Candid guest interactions
- Sunset or nighttime couple shot
7. Delivery and Post-Production
- Confirm photo editing style and preferences (natural, cinematic, etc.)
- Timeline for receiving previews and full gallery
- Format of delivery (online gallery, USB, printed proofs)
- Album design process and revision options
- Archiving policy: How long will photos be stored?
8. Backup Plan and Emergency Protocols
- Does your photographer have backup equipment?
- Is there a backup shooter in case of emergency?
- What’s the plan if it rains or lighting is poor?
9. Bonus: Engagement Session Prep
- Schedule time and location for engagement shoot (if included)
- Coordinate wardrobe ideas
- Use images for save-the-dates or a wedding website
Final Thoughts
A thorough checklist keeps your expectations clear and ensures you and your photographer for wedding day coverage are on the same page. Whether you’re planning an intimate gathering or a large celebration in Wellington, these points will help build a solid working relationship and result in a beautiful, story-driven photo collection.
Don’t forget—communication is key. The more your photographer knows, the better they can preserve the story of your love with every meaningful detail.
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