Choosing a photographer can feel… a lot. There are roughly one million options, fifty different photography styles, and everyone on Instagram looks amazing. So how do you actually find the person who’s the right fit for you?
As a Colorado wedding and elopement photographer, I’m a big believer that you’re not just hiring someone to take pretty photos – you’re choosing the person who’s going to third‑wheel your day, hype you up, and help you feel like yourselves in front of the camera. Here are my favorite tips for finding your dream photographer, whether you’re planning a Rocky Mountain National Park elopement, a Denver wedding, or something in between.
1. Make sure you love their style
Before you fall in love with a photographer on TikTok, take a second to figure out what kind of images you’re actually drawn to. Do you love warm, true‑to‑color edits with lots of candid moments, or are you obsessed with dark and moody or super‑bright, airy photos?
Look through full galleries on their website (not just the highlight reel) so you can see how they photograph everything from getting ready to the dance floor. Ask yourself: “Can I picture our day documented like this?” If the answer is yes, you’re on the right track.
2. Check how they make people feel
You spend 6–10 hours with your photographer on your wedding day – more than almost anyone except your partner – so the vibe check is huge. You want someone whose energy helps you feel relaxed, confident, and a little bit feral in the best way.
A few questions to ask yourself:
Do I feel like I could actually be myself around them?
Do they feel calm, kind, and organized (and a little fun)?
Would I be okay with them hearing my nervous rambles and seeing my ugly‑cry face?
Read their “about” page, scroll their Instagram stories, and skim reviews to see what past couples say about working with them.
3. Look for real‑life reviews and experience
Pretty photos matter, but real client experiences tell you what it’s actually like to work with someone. When you’re reading reviews, look for words like “calming presence,” “made us feel comfortable,” “handled family drama,” and “helped with our timeline.”
If you’re getting married in Colorado, it’s also worth asking how familiar they are with mountain weather, Colorado venues, and locations like Rocky Mountain National Park, Sapphire Point, Estes Park, or Boulder. Local experience means they’ll know how to handle surprise storms, shifting light, and crowded overlooks without stressing you out.
4. Ask to see a full wedding or elopement gallery
Instagram is the trailer – you want to see the full movie. Before you book, ask to see at least one full wedding gallery or elopement gallery from a day similar to yours (similar venue, season, or vibe).
As you look through, pay attention to:
Getting‑ready and detail photos
Ceremony moments and family photos
Candid in‑between moments and dance floor chaos
You want to feel confident they can handle every part of the day, not just golden hour portraits
5. Make sure their communication style matches yours
From the first email, you should have a sense of how they communicate. Do they respond in a timely way, answer questions clearly, and make the process feel easy?
Notice things like:
How long it takes them to reply
How clearly they explain the booking process and next steps
Whether they offer guidance with timelines, locations, permits, or planning
If you already feel calmer after emailing them, that’s a good sign.
6. Understand their packages, pricing, and what’s included
Nobody likes surprise fees. When you’re comparing photographers, look beyond just the number and make sure you understand exactly what’s included in each package.
Things to look for:
Hours of coverage
Second photographer or solo coverage
How many edited images you can expect
Online gallery, printing rights, albums, or add‑ons like 35mm film
Travel or permit fees for locations like Rocky Mountain National Park
If you’re not sure which package is right for you, ask them! A good photographer will help you choose what’s actually going to fit your day instead of upselling you into something you don’t need.
7. Consider your location (especially for Colorado weddings and elopements)
If you’re getting married in the mountains, having a photographer who knows the area is a game‑changer. Colorado has its own quirks – afternoon thunderstorms, high altitude, tricky lighting, and popular locations that can get busy fast.
Ask:
Have you shot in this area or at this venue before?
Do you help with location scouting, permits, and timing for places like RMNP or Sapphire Point?
Do you have backup plans for weather or crowds?
Someone who regularly shoots Colorado weddings and elopements can help you build a timeline, pick the best light, and navigate all the logistics so you can stay present and enjoy the day.
8. Trust your gut
At the end of the day, you can compare checklists and spreadsheets forever – but your gut usually knows. If you love their work, feel comfortable with them, and can picture them hanging out with you on your wedding day, that’s your sign.
Your wedding photos are one of the few things you’ll keep long after the cake is eaten and the flowers are gone. Choose someone who feels like a teammate, a hype person, and a storyteller you trust with your memories.
Looking for a Colorado wedding or elopement photographer?
If you’re dreaming of a day that feels like you – full of real laughter, epic views, and zero stiff posing – I’d love to chat. I specialize in Colorado weddings and elopements, from tiny “just us” vows in Rocky Mountain National Park to full‑day celebrations in Denver, Boulder, Estes Park, and beyond.
Reach out through my contact form and tell me all about your plans, your people, and what you’re most excited for. We’ll make sure the photos feel like your story – honest, emotive, and a little bit wild in the best way.
