Choosing a wedding photographer is almost as important as finding the perfect venue. Your photographer has a pretty big job—you know, capturing memories that will last you a lifetime. They’re responsible for the pics you’ll go back to in order to relive your special day, the images you’ll post on Instagram on your anniversary, and the photos you’ll bore your grandkids with.

Typically couples book their photographer 10 months before their wedding date. Booking your photographer so far in advance gives you ample time to find a pro who fits your vision, style, and personality. Be as thorough in your research as you were when selecting your venue. When selecting your photographer you must first decide what services you require: Are you interested in an engagement session? How many hours do you need your photographer the day of your wedding? Do you want your photographer to shoot any other events over the wedding weekend? Do they offer the option adding a second shooter? Every photographer offers different packages at varying costs. Typically couples spend anywhere from $1,500-$3,000 on their photographer depending on their needs.

Choosing such an essential wedding pro can feel like an intimidating task. That’s why we’ve put together a list of some of our favorite local photographers that our past couples have loved working with.

Tara Photography
Silverbell Photography
Redwood & Rye
617 Weddings
Kim Chapman Photography
Katie Arnold Photography

Looking for other vendor recommendations? Find out more about the Vendors We Love.

TARA Photography
Dover, NH

Maybe you’re planning your mountain top wedding, expecting your first baby, or maybe you have always wanted a photo of you and children but you’re always the one taking the photos. I will capture those beautiful moments for you! I love to capture for you all of my favorite things in life: details – like the pin from nana that you fasten to your bouquet, a gentle touch on the small of your back from your new husband, drooly hugs from your squishy baby, finger dimples (that’s what I call them!), laughing with your children…I carefully document all the little things that make life beautiful, and the big gestures too. -Taraphotography.com

More Photos & Videos

Silverbell Photography
Belgrade, Maine

As a self-taught chaser of light; refined by life experience. Life + Photography have been interwoven creating the fabric to my soul; evolving in sync with lessons, growth + style. I believe in magic; moments matter, time is fleeting and there is something profound in freezing it. It's a silly thing; to think that my journey has led me here; in ripped jeans + birkenstocks with an accounting degree; playing aside the ocean waves + stomping through barnyards that were so much a part of my childhood. -Silverbellphoto.com

Redwood & Rye
Boston, MA

Located in Worcester, Massachusetts, our studio tells stories as unique as our clients. We believe creating wedding and engagement photography that truly captures the special connection between two people means taking the time to get to know them. Really know them. We believe that forming these genuine connections with our couples is what enables us to make each experience so unique. We want you to be obsessed with your wedding and engagement photography! -Redwoodandrye.com

617 Weddings - John LoConte
Boston, MA

His style tends to take a more natural/candid approach. This allows you to enjoy your entire wedding day with family and friends with the peace of mind that his photographs are telling your story. When it comes time for your family portraits and formals, gone are the days of awkwardly long poses! John can make them fun, fast, loving and exciting! He believe that it’s always the moments in between poses that make the best photographs! -617weddings.com

Kim Chapman Photography
Scarborough, Maine

Being hired to document your wedding and photograph all of the great moments and details is so fulfilling to me as photographer. I like to be unobtrusive in order to tell the real story...shoot moments as they unfold. But of course I am available for any shot requests throughout the day. If you were to sum up my style in just a few words, I'd say "exquisite, whimsical fun with a touch of a vintage vibe." -Kimchapmanweddings.com

Katie Arnold Photography
Portland, Maine

To me, taking photos is so much more than just snapping away at what may look “insta worthy.” My heart goes much deeper than that. I live for the in between moments and capturing the raw genuine emotion that sparks when no one is looking. My approach is inspired by the golden glow of the setting sun with its warmth and ease, using nature as part of our canvas. I have a wandering soul and a steady heart for delivering lasting memories that will transport you back in time to your most magical moments for years to come. -Katiearnoldphotography.com

After you find the right photographer it’s time to move on to booking your DJ, officiant, hotel room blocks, and florist. Don’t forget to keep our Wedding Planning Checklist handy to keep you on track.