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You are now engaged and you are actively looking to hire someone but don’t know the questions to ask a Montreal wedding photographer. Your wedding photography is an investment in memories that will last a lifetime. Choosing the right photographer is about more than liking a few pretty images—you want someone who understands your vision, communicates clearly, and captures your day authentically. If you’ve read our Just Engaged? A Guide to Montreal Wedding Planning, this is the next step in building your dream vendor team.

Before asking questions to your photographer you need to do some work prior. 

Questions to ask yourself

1. Determine your budget 

First, when booking your wedding photographer I would suggest to have a budget in mind but also to stay a bit flexible. You can look on instagram, google or facebook and look for a photographer whose work will speaks to you. I would strongly recommend staying away from trends as they tends to not age gracefully. You want to be able to look at your photos and still be proud of it. 

2. Take a look at their google reviews 

Before emailing a photographer, I would suggest that you take a look at their google reviews. It always says a lot. However don’t look down on people that have only 5 reviews. They might be starting their business and it doesn’t mean they are not good.

3. Determine what you want to be photographed.

• When inquiring with a photographer ask them if they are available for your date and tell them straight away what you want them to photograph. 
• Getting ready 
• First look 
• Couple photos 
• Ceremony 
• Cocktail 
• Family photos 
• Reception 
• Party 

When saying in your first email what you want to be photographed and the time of your ceremony the photographer will be able to prepare you an estimate for your call.

4. What is their communication? 

Lastly, once you’ve selected a few photographer that are available, look at how much time they take to get back to you. That will give you a idea of how the communication will be in the future. If they take a week to reply to every email, is that ok for you or is it a red flag?

1. Availability

• Are you available on our wedding date?
• Can we schedule a call? This one is really important as you will see if you are a good fit.
• How long do you hold the date for us?
• What do we need to do to book you?
• Are you booking other wedding at the same date as us?
• Are you going to be the one photographing our wedding?

2. Style & Approach

• How would you describe your photography style—editorial, documentary, or a mix?
• How do you balance candid moments with guided portraits?
• How much direction do you give?
• How do you help us feel natural?
• How do you manage large family portrait lists efficiently?
• Can we see full galleries from past weddings with a similar vibe?

3. Coverage & Packages

• How many hours do we need based on what we want to capture? (getting ready, couple photos, ceremony, cocktail hour, reception, party)
  What is included in your packages?
• Do we need a second shooter?
• How do you handle delays or unexpected schedule changes?

4. Timeline & Direction

• Will you help us create a timeline for our wedding?
• Do you create a timeline and include buffers for smooth transitions?

5. Deliverables & Albums

• How many photos will we receive?
• How and when will the photos be delivered? Private gallery? sneak peek, or full set?
• Do you offer album design and parents’ albums?

6. Process

• We are ready to book, what is the process?
• How much is the first payment
• When is the balance due ?
• If we want to add hours to our package is it possible?

Conclusion

To conclude, a wedding photographer does more than document your day—they shape how your memories are preserved. Asking these questions ensures you choose a professional who aligns with your vision, style, and personality. Once you’ve booked your photographer, you can confidently continue your Montreal wedding planning journey, following the steps in our Just Engaged? Guide, keeping every decision thoughtful and stress-free.