How to Choose the Right Wedding Photographer & Videographer in LA

Why This Decision Actually Matters

Here's the thing: your photographer and videographer will follow you around for 8–10 hours on your wedding day. That's longer than you'll spend with almost anyone else.

And once the wedding's over? The photos and videos are what you keep. The flowers die. The cake gets eaten. But 20 years from now, you'll still be looking at these images.

In LA and Orange County, you've got tons of options. Maybe too many. Some photographers shoot dark and moody. Others do bright and airy. Some videographers make 3-minute films that look like movie trailers. Others give you the full ceremony, uncut.

Your job is to figure out what you actually want — then find someone who does that well.

Used successfully at weddings across Southern California, the right team won't just show up and click buttons. They'll help you feel comfortable, keep things moving, and capture moments you didn't even notice happening.

Step 1: Figure Out What Style You Want

Before you Google "Orange County wedding photographer," stop. Look at some wedding photos first.

Spend 20 minutes on Instagram or Pinterest. Save 15–20 images you love. Then look for patterns.

Photography styles:

• Editorial / Fine Art: Soft, dreamy, looks like a magazine spread

• Documentary: Candid moments, barely any posing

• Traditional: Formal portraits, everyone looking at the camera

• Dark & Moody: Heavy shadows, dramatic lighting

• Light & Airy: Bright, soft, lots of natural light

Videography styles:

• Cinematic films: Short highlight reels (3–8 minutes) with music and maybe some audio from your vows

• Documentary: Longer films that show the whole ceremony and reception

• Same-day edits: They make a video during your wedding and show it at the reception (cool but expensive)

Here's what most people don't realize: you can't change a photographer's style. If they shoot dark and moody, they can't suddenly do light and airy for your wedding. Pick someone whose natural style matches what you want.

Pro tip: Make that Pinterest board. When you talk to photographers, you can just show them your board and say "this is what I like."

Step 2: Set Your Budget (and Know What You're Paying For)

Wedding photography and videography in LA costs anywhere from $3,000 to $15,000+. Sometimes more.

That's a huge range. Here's why:

• Experience matters: Someone who's shot 100 weddings costs more than someone who's shot 10

• Hours of coverage: Most packages are 6–10 hours. More hours = more money

• Second shooters: An extra photographer or videographer costs extra

• What you get: Just digital files? Albums? Prints? All of that changes the price

• Travel: If your venue is far from LA, they might charge for drive time

A good rule: spend 10–15% of your total wedding budget on photography and videography combined.

So if your wedding costs $40,000, plan on $4,000–6,000 for photos and video.

And look — if your budget is tight, that's fine. You have options. You can hire someone for fewer hours. You can skip the videographer (though you might regret it). You can book a newer photographer who's building their portfolio.

Just don't pick someone based only on price. You can't redo your wedding day.

"We almost went with the cheapest option. So glad we didn't. Our photographer caught things we didn't even see." — Bride, Pasadena

Step 3: Research Without Losing Your Mind

Start looking 9–12 months before your wedding. Good photographers and videographers book up fast, especially for summer and fall weddings.

Where to look:

• Google: Search "Orange County wedding photographer" or "LA wedding videographer"

• Wedding sites: The Knot, WeddingWire, Zola (read the actual reviews, not just the star ratings)

• Instagram: Search hashtags like #LAweddingphotographer

• Ask around: Friends who got married recently, your venue, your wedding planner

Red flags:

• They only show 10 perfect photos on their website (where are the full weddings?)

• Their style changes completely from wedding to wedding (means they don't have a consistent approach)

• They won't give you straight pricing

• They take forever to respond to emails

• They don't have backup cameras or a plan if they get sick

Step 4: Look at Full Weddings, Not Just Instagram

This is the most important step. Don't skip it.

Anyone can make 10 beautiful photos from a wedding. A good photographer gives you 75–100+ great shots from every event.

When you're checking out someone's work, ask to see full wedding galleries. Not their Instagram highlights. Not their website homepage. Full. Wedding. Galleries.

What to check:

• Consistency: Do they handle bright sun and dark reception halls equally well?

• Variety: Wide shots, close-ups, details, candids, formal portraits — do they do all of it?

• Real moments: Can you tell the story of the day through their photos?

• Everyone looks good: Not just the bride. The guests, the parents, the wedding party

• Technical stuff: Are things in focus? Is the lighting flattering? Do skin tones look natural?

Ask to see 2–3 complete weddings that match your situation. Getting married outside? Look at their outdoor work. Ballroom reception? Check their indoor photos.

For videographers, watch full ceremony videos. Not just the pretty trailer they put on Instagram.

Step 5: Meet Them Before You Book

You're going to spend most of your wedding day with these people. Make sure you actually like them.

Set up a call or meeting. Come with questions.

What to ask:

1. How many weddings have you shot? (Look for at least 20–30 if you want someone experienced)

2. Will you actually be there, or are you sending someone else?

3. What happens if you're sick on my wedding day?

4. How do you handle bad weather or terrible lighting?

5. What's your approach to family photos? (Some photographers are great at wrangling families, others... not so much)

6. When will we get our photos and video?

7. What exactly is included in our package?

8. Do you have insurance? (Most venues require this)

Good signs:

• They ask you questions too (about your wedding, your priorities, your concerns)

• They've shot at your venue or at least looked it up

• They explain their process clearly

• They're excited about your wedding but also realistic

• They offer to help with your timeline and shot list

Bad chemistry? Move on. Even if their work is great.

Step 6: Read the Contract (Actually Read It)

Don't just sign and hand over money. Read the whole contract.

What to look for:

• What you're getting: How many edited photos? How long is the video? Digital files or physical products?

• Usage rights: Can you print the photos? Share them on social media? Most photographers keep the copyright but give you permission to use the images

• When you get everything: Photos usually take 6–12 weeks. Videos take 3–6 months

• Payment schedule: Usually 25–50% upfront, rest before the wedding

• Cancellation policy: What happens if you need to reschedule?

• Overtime: What if your reception runs late?

If something's not clear, ask. If they promised something verbally but it's not in the contract, get them to add it.

Pro tip: Some photographers will add a clause guaranteeing you still get your photos if they go out of business. Worth asking for.

Step 7: Book Early, Then Stay in Touch

Found the right photographer and videographer? Lock them in with a contract and deposit.

Then keep talking to them. Don't just disappear until two weeks before the wedding.

Before the wedding:

• Share that Pinterest board you made

• Give them a shot list (more on this below)

• Tell them which family members and friends are most important to photograph

• Share your timeline — when everything happens and where

• Introduce them to your wedding planner or coordinator

Must-have shots:

• Getting ready (if they're shooting that early)

• First look (if you're doing one)

• Ceremony: entrance, vows, rings, kiss, walking back down the aisle

• Family photos (list out exactly which combinations you want)

• Wedding party photos

• Just the two of you (this is where golden hour matters)

• Reception details: your décor, cake, flowers, place settings

• First dance, parent dances, toasts

• Cake cutting, bouquet toss, exit

Plan a final call 2–3 weeks before the wedding to go over everything one more time.

Step 8: Set Them Up to Succeed on the Day

Your photographer and videographer can only work with what you give them.

Day-of tips:

• Build in time: Don't schedule couple photos during cocktail hour. Give them 20–30 minutes minimum

• Assign a helper: Pick someone (not you) to round up family members for group shots

• Share the timeline: Make sure everyone knows when key moments are happening

• Trust them: They'll tell you where to stand and how to pose. Just go with it

• Stay in the moment: Don't stress about getting the perfect shot. That's their job

About lighting: If you want beautiful photos, schedule your couple portraits during golden hour (the hour before sunset). If your ceremony is at noon in July, understand that harsh overhead sun is tough to work with.

Test your plan 24 hours before. Need help? Contact Us Now!

Don't Make These Mistakes

Things to avoid:

• Booking the cheapest option without seeing their full work

• Thinking they can Photoshop out major problems (they can't fix bad lighting or messy backgrounds)

• Skipping the engagement session if it's included (it helps you get comfortable in front of the camera)

• Trying to direct everything on the wedding day (let them do their job)

• Forgetting to feed them (hungry photographers are grumpy photographers)

Things to do:

• Pick based on quality and fit, not just price

• Read reviews from real couples

• Book both photo and video if you can afford it (you can't recreate the day later)

• Back up your files as soon as you get them

• Leave them a review when you're done

"Our videographer got our vows on film. We were so nervous we barely remember saying them. Watching it back made us cry all over again." — Groom, Santa Monica

When to Hire a Pro vs. Having a Friend Do It

Can your friend with a nice camera shoot your wedding? Sure. Should they? Probably not.

Why pros are worth it:

• They've done this dozens (or hundreds) of times

• They have backup cameras and lenses in case something breaks

• They know how to handle family drama, timeline changes, bad weather

• They carry insurance

• They know how to direct 50 people into a group shot in under 5 minutes

• Their editing makes everything look cohesive

The downside:

• Costs more than asking your photographer friend to do it for free

• Less flexible if you want to change plans last-minute

If money's tight, consider hiring a pro for just the ceremony and key reception moments (4–6 hours) instead of all-day coverage. That's better than having no professional coverage at all.

And if you want something extra without the stress — free backdrops, instant sharing, on-site support. Your guests get fun photos while your photographer captures the important stuff.

Your 7-Step Checklist

1. Figure out your style — Spend time looking at wedding photos to know what you like

2. Set your budget — Plan for 10–15% of your total wedding budget

3. Research options — Use Google, Instagram, wedding sites, and ask for referrals

4. Review full galleries — See complete weddings, not just highlights

5. Meet before booking — Make sure you actually like working with them

6. Read the contract — Know exactly what you're getting and when

7. Share your vision — Give them shot lists, timelines, and key details

Final Thoughts

Picking your wedding photographer and videographer is personal. These photos and videos are what you keep forever.

Take your time. Don't settle because you're stressed or running out of time.

The right photographer won't just take good pictures. They'll make you feel comfortable. They'll catch moments you didn't see. They'll tell the story of your day in a way that feels true to you.

And 20 years from now, when you're showing your kids (or grandkids) what your wedding was like, you'll be glad you put thought into this decision.

If the whole thing feels like too much work, we handle the setup, the props, the sharing, everything. You just show up and let your guests have fun.

Questions People Actually Ask

Q: How far ahead should I book? A: Nine to twelve months before your wedding, especially if you're getting married between May and October. Good photographers in Orange County and LA book up fast.

Q: Should I book photo and video from the same company? A: Sometimes companies offer package deals if you book both, and it can make coordination easier. But don't compromise on quality. It's better to have great separate vendors than a mediocre package deal.

Q: What's the difference between 6 hours and 10 hours? A: Six hours usually covers ceremony through first dance. Ten hours gets you getting-ready photos, ceremony, cocktail hour, full reception, and your exit. If you're doing a first look or shooting at multiple locations, you'll want more hours.

Q: Do I need a second shooter? A: If you have 100+ guests or if the bride and groom are getting ready in different places, yes. A second shooter makes sure nothing gets missed. Worth the extra cost.

Q: Can I post photos on Instagram right away? A: Check your contract. Most photographers want to share a few sneak peeks first, but you should be able to post once you have the full gallery. Just tag them when you share.

Q: What if I don't like the edited photos? A: Most photographers will do small fixes (adjust brightness, recrop something). But they won't completely re-edit in a different style. This is why seeing their full galleries before booking matters so much.