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About this vendor

Michael Stephens
Michael Stephens
Owner

15 years in business

We speak English

2 team members

Michael Stephens Photography is a photography service based in San Luis Obispo, California. The owner and photographer, Michael Stephens, promises his clients beautiful and stunning images that artfully capture the greatest day of their lives. He delights in capturing the natural and genuine moments of weddings and has a true passion for offering clients something they can look back on for the rest of their lives.

Experience
Michael Stephens Photography began in 2010. With wonderful referrals from his past clients, he has seen his business grow into more than a photography business. He is allowed the opportunity of gathering with people to share laughs, smiles and to make new connections. Living in California with his family, he enjoys working with couples and considers it one of his greatest blessings in his career.

Services Offered
Based in California, Michael Stephens Photography gives his clients exceptional photographs encompassing the surrounding beautiful and natural landscapes. His services include:

  • Additional hours
  • Destination/travel
  • Engagement shoot
  • High-resolution images
  • Liability insurance
  • Multiple locations
  • One event/day
  • Second shooter
  • Slideshow
  • Toning
  • Trash the dress
  • Wedding portraits

Pricing

Starting at $1,999
Couples usually spend $4,000
Cherished Vows Collection
$1,999 / starting price
5 hours
Ideal for intimate elopements or small weddings.
Online Photo Gallery
Share Copyright Release
Digital Files to Download
4 Hours Photography Coverage
Golden Hour Collection
$2,400 / starting price
6 hours
A balance of coverage and stunning portraits.
6 Hours Photography Coverage
Share Copyright Release
Online Photo Gallery
Digital Files to Download
Timeless Moments Collection w/ Engagement Session
$3,200 / starting price
8 hours
8 Hours Photography Coverage
Digital Files to Download
Share Copyright Release
Online Photo Gallery
Full day wedding coverage with plenty of coverage.
60 Minute SLO County Engagement Session

Availability

No availability details yet

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FAQ

Which of the following are included in the starting price?

2nd Shooter
Add'l Hours
High-Res Images
Multi. Locations
One Event / Day
Digital Files

Which of the following are included in the price of your most popular wedding package?

2nd Shooter
Add'l Hours
High-Res Images
Multi. Locations
One Event / Day
Toning
Digital Files

What primary photographic style do you identify with?

Contemporary
Natural
Photojournalism
Traditional

What photography services do you offer?

Additional Hours
Destination / Travel
Engagement Shoot
High-Res Images
One Event / Day
Second Shooter
Wedding Portraits

What photography items do you offer?

Albums
Canvas
Digital Files
Flush Mount
Matted Prints
Prints
Proofs
Save the Date
Thank You Cards

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Wedding couple

Reviews of Michael Stephens Photography

This AI-generated summary gives you a snapshot of the overall ratings and feedback from the reviews this vendor has received.

Review summary

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Michael Stephens Photography received glowing reviews from multiple couples who were highly satisfied with the service provided. Michael's attention to detail, ability to capture candid moments effortlessly, and professionalism were consistently praised. Reviewers highlighted the stress-free and enjoyable experience working with Michael and his team, noting the beautiful compositions and emotional depth in the wedding photos. Additionally, the team's warm personalities and exceptional service were commended, making them a top choice for capturing special moments.

Review summary

Powered by AI
This AI-generated summary gives you a snapshot of the overall ratings and feedback from the reviews this vendor has received.

Michael Stephens Photography received glowing reviews from multiple couples who were highly satisfied with the service provided. Michael's attention to detail, ability to capture candid moments effortlessly, and professionalism were consistently praised. Reviewers highlighted the stress-free and enjoyable experience working with Michael and his team, noting the beautiful compositions and emotional depth in the wedding photos. Additionally, the team's warm personalities and exceptional service were commended, making them a top choice for capturing special moments.

Nathan
Nathan Sent on 12/20/2024
5 out of 5 rating

Amazing photographer and he makes you feel incredibly comfortable. Cannot recommend enough

Michael is easily the best photographer that I have had the pleasure of working with. We worked with him over several days for my wedding including:
- A multi-site engagement shoot
- Rehearsal dinner
- The wedding day itself

and I couldn't be more pleased with everything. He uses charm to disarm any nerves and makes you feel incredibly comfortable and he has an amazing eye for lighting and angles. He really does the most to ensure you're happy with the shots during the photoshoot and also that you're happy with the edit.

I cannot recommend him enough. Thank you for everything!
VIP
Vip Sent on 02/23/2025
5 out of 5 rating

An Amazing Photographer

When we first started dealing with Michael we somehow knew he would be the best photographer for our wedding at the Dolphin Bay Resort & Spa. We were not disappointment.

Michael's amazing attention to detail is second to none. That detail will serve you well because Michael does not appear to miss anything when photographing a wedding, or any other event I would imagine.

Michael knows how to stunningly capture an event and what makes him that much more special when doing so is that you barely notice that Michael is even there snapping great photographs. He has an uncanny ability to just sit in the shadows while taking amazing photographs of the event. That is a true talent. Half the pictures he took of my wife and me were taken at times we did not even know our pictures were being taken, which is scare for me in particular as I am not photogenic. Fortunately for me, my wife is extremely photogenic, and Michael was able to balance those disparities incredibly.

Not only is Michael a great photographer with an incredible eye for great pictures, he is also a wonderful person.

If you are looking for a great photographer, look no further than Michael Stephens Photography. A truly amazing photographer well worth the cost.

Thank you, Michael. We are sincerely grateful for your work.
Alicia
Alicia Sent on 02/03/2025
5 out of 5 rating

Best Day Ever

We couldn’t be happier with our decision to hire Michael Stephens Photography! From our very first conversation, Michael and his team were incredibly professional, warm, and attentive. They worked seamlessly with our videographer, ensuring everything flowed effortlessly throughout the day, making the entire experience stress-free and enjoyable.

Mike’s eye for detail and artistic talent truly set him apart. Every image was beautifully composed and thoughtfully edited, capturing not just the moments but the emotions of our wedding day. His team blended in so naturally with our guests that I barely noticed the cameras, yet we now have the most incredible candid shots to relive every special moment. Our friends and family couldn’t stop raving about them!

A special thank you to Laura, who was such a joy to have with us throughout the day. Her kindness and calming presence made everything feel effortless. Booking Michael Stephens Photography was one of the best decisions we made, and we will cherish these photos forever.

Thank you, Mike and Laura, for making our wedding day so unforgettable! Don’t hesitate—book them now!
We're all about trust. Our community relies on honest reviews to help you make those big decisions with ease.

Awards

116
WeddingWire Couples' Choice Awards 2025 Winner
WeddingWire Couples' Choice Awards 2024 Winner
WeddingWire Couples' Choice Awards 2022 Winner
WeddingWire Couples' Choice Awards 2021 Winner
WeddingWire Couples' Choice Awards 2020 Winner
WeddingWire Couples' Choice Awards 2019 Winner
WeddingWire Couples' Choice Awards 2018 Winner
WeddingWire Couples' Choice Awards 2017 Winner
WeddingWire Couples' Choice Awards 2016 Winner
WeddingWire Couples' Choice Awards 2015 Winner
WeddingWire Couples' Choice Awards 2014 Winner

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Wedding couple

Real Weddings

Christopher & Alexandria
31 photos · 07/16/2017
Ian & Katie
28 photos · 05/15/2017
Mike & Heather
27 photos · 04/29/2017
Doug & Vanessa
24 photos · 02/22/2017

Team

Michael Stephens
Michael Stephens
Owner

Professional Network & Endorsements

Amanda Holder Events Amanda Holder Events Wedding Planners

It was such a pleasure working with Michael Stephens! He was super chill and easy to work with, not to mention...a lot of fun. A great addition to our vendor team!

Flowers by Kim Flowers by Kim Wedding Florists

Michael Stevens Photography never fails to capture the most meaningful parts of your special day! His work is stunning. He has an eye unlike any other and will surely grasp hold and capture every moment of whats most important to you. He's absolutely lovely to work with. The perfect choice for anyone who wants to treasure and relive their magical day forever! -Kim ~Flowers by Kim

Central Coast Premier Entertainment Central Coast Premier Entertainment Wedding DJs

Michael is great to work with! Such an easygoing and laidback photographer that has an eye for talent. He captures magnificent photos and very flexible on the style you look for. Overall great photographer and great to work with!

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5.0 out of 5 rating , 401 reviews
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Map

Location
Travel range
This vendor will travel up to 10000 miles

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Michael Stephens Photography frequently asked questions

Michael Stephens Photography includes the following photography services in the starting price:
  • 2nd Shooter
  • Add'l Hours
  • High-Res Images
  • Multi. Locations
  • One Event / Day
  • Digital Files
Michael Stephens Photography includes the following photography services in their most popular wedding package:
  • 2nd Shooter
  • Add'l Hours
  • High-Res Images
  • Multi. Locations
  • One Event / Day
  • Toning
  • Digital Files
Michael Stephens Photography offers the following photography styles:
  • Contemporary
  • Natural
  • Photojournalism
  • Traditional
Michael Stephens Photography offers the following photography services for weddings:
  • Additional Hours
  • Destination / Travel
  • Engagement Shoot
  • High-Res Images
  • One Event / Day
  • Second Shooter
  • Wedding Portraits
Michael Stephens Photography offers the following photography materials for weddings:
  • Albums
  • Canvas
  • Digital Files
  • Flush Mount
  • Matted Prints
  • Prints
  • Proofs
  • Save the Date
  • Thank You Cards
Michael Stephens Photography is recommended by 100% of couples who have used their services. Their overall rating is 5.0, with the same score awarded for quality of service, flexibility, value, professionalism and average response time.

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