No photographer!?

Maybe look into family members who are good at taking pictures and give them disposables and ask them to take pictures. I got lucky enough to have my MOH's father who I grew up with do my photos for free. If you have family that loves taking pictures..I am sure some people will happily do it. Ask around

That's tough one, I couldn't imagine my wedding without a photographer. When the day is over all you'll have to relieve these moments are pics and video. Is there any way at all that you guys can get a small photography package at least to cover your ceremony and parts of your reception?

That's a tough sitch. My photographer was actually the FIRST thing I booked because it was probably the most important thing to me when I envisioned my wedding day and all the memories. I would not trust your family and friends to take your pictures - but if you don't have the money then I'm not really sure what to tell you...?

That's a good idea Susan..

Patricia, I had found someone in our budget. I liked her too but my FH really did not. It was a personality clash. I don't want him annoyed at the wedding for whatever reason.

I have 3 photographers....but that is because I am a photographer and they are all friends doing it for free thank god. Where are you getting married?

Ashley- we're in the same boat. There just isn't money to do it. I have a good friend whose hobby is photography (he's not a pro, but you wouldn't know it to see his pics). I asked him if he would do it and he said no. I think he puts too much pressure on himself to do pro-level work, and I couldn't get across to him that's not what I expect. Anyways, I will also be relying on friends/family for my photos. I guess I'm not quite as worried because the first time I got married, my photographer didn't show, so I was forced to rely on friends and family, and everything turned out fine.

Just a suggestion: why don't you try posting an ad on craigslist for an ametuer photographer looking to expand their portfolio. I actually found my videographer on craigslist and he's doing my wedding and reception for FREE!!!! We just met with him 2 weeks ago and he shot footage of me and the FH's family for a bonus DVD. Craigslist has it's quirks, but there are some honest people who do advertise for business on that site. Just use your better judgment and proceed with caution. I hope this helps; good luck!!!!

Thanks FutureMrs!

@lindsay, i'm getting married in south florida

I was going to suggest craigslist as well. That is a really tough situation. Good luck!

I dont know anyone down there lol I'm sorry but I would def do the craigslist every new photographer needs to get their name out there and the best way is doing wedding for next to nothing and using the photos.

Oh and just in case you choose to go the craigslist route, be sure to ask for references and samples of their prior work. Luckily for me, my videographer is very experienced because he's shot low budget music videos and interview videos for the artists. He's trying to start a business doing wedding videography and needs to do a few weddings to add to his professional portfolio.

Have you gone to the college in your area? Photog students are less expensive and need help building their portfolio.

They don't have to be perfect by any means. I know better than to expect that. I just want someone with a good eye. I want them to be honest and say, "hey, that doesn't look so great"...

I just emailed someone on craiglist.

I'll be going to the college today! Great idea!

The local college student is a great idea. In addition, you might also want to call photo stores in the area... I used to work at a mom and pop 1-hour photo store where the owner did photo shoots and he's EXTREMELY reasonable. (I'm lucky that he's doing my wedding as a result.) You may also want to check into buying the rights to the photos and seeing if you can get prints later - you might pay less this way. Or just seeing if you can pay for the photographers time before the wedding and pay for the photos after (when you'll have some money from the wedding) - if they can withhold the photos 'til you pay, they shouldn't have a problem with that.

Where is your wedding? what is your budget?

Try talking to a college and seeing if they have any students who'd be willing to do it for you! A - as a college student, any money helps and unless they are vain, they wouldn't be too greedy on how much you pay them ($500 would be a good starting amount to pay a photog college student, imo.) B - They would be able to put that down on resumes as experience. This, of course, is just my opinion and you should check into it with other people

I'm with Brian on this one. I understand the budget issues but I think you might need to reset your expectations because even if you get the best college student you are still getting someone who is just starting their portfolio. I'd be willing to bet that Brian wouldn't even display/advertise a picture he did when hew as just starting as compared to now.

I also booked my photographer first and foremost as pictures are the most important thing for me as far as the wedding is concerned.

Look into friends. my MOH sister in law is doing my wedding for 200.

It's not like i'm going to be heart broken if the pictures aren't perfect. I want to live in the moment. I will always have the memories. Pictures or no pictures. I just wanted to get some suggestions. I know I should have booked a photographer sooner...but honestly, I was more worried about my family having a good time. Food, space, etc. What's important to me is everyone being happy and having a good time celebrating such an amazing day.

Definitely don't go the disposable camera route - those things are crap, and people aren't going to capture the things you want them to. I would also suggest contacting a local college that has a photography program, I'm sure there are lots of students looking for experience, a couple of them might even team up together to do your photos. You can keep your costs down by just having your ceremony and photo session covered, likely wouldn't be more than a couple hours of coverage. Hope it all works out for you!