No photographer

Posed photos typically make up a very small number of the wedding photos. There are lots of pro photographers who specialize in candid shots/photojournalism

Have you done a professional engagement session by chance? I think finding the right photographer/style and going through a photoshoot experience might help sway your decision either way.

My FH and I are terrible at taking selfies but were also nervous about having our professional pictures come out as awkward or inauthentic. We actually like the fine art/posed photography style, and our photographer did a great job at helping us feel comfortable and having our personalities shine through. After being so apprehensive about how our engagement pictures were going to turn out, we couldn't have been more thrilled, and are so confident with how she'll capture our wedding day.

I would definitely regret not getting a photographer. At my sisters wedding I’d say about 10% of the photos were posed and the best ones were candies that the photographer took.

As someone who completely hates most photos of myself taken, I was pleasantly surprised by how many of my engagement photos I liked. Guests aren't going to be able to get the best angle of me like the pro I hired.
That's why I'm doing the unplugged til the reception thing.

Honestly, I think photos are a #1 priority. Otherwise, why spend all that time and stress on the planning? And miss capturing photos of friends & family who are finally altogether, and looking fabulous? It has been three years and I still glow over my photos. One set of dear friends moved a few states away but so glad we have photos of them partying with us. I have priceless photos of each of my parents, that I’ll cherish even more when they pass away. And of course, some sweet & funny photos of my now spouse.


We hired a photographer for 4 1/2 hours (no wedding party & skipped “getting ready” pics). Happily he had a 2nd shooter for 90 minutes. I agree with others maybe having a shorter photo package will be best.

If you’re looking to just collect guest photos... do you know of a family or friend who you is particularly better with photography? You could pay them to take some nice photos for much cheaper.

View Quoted Comment I’d explain these exact thoughts to potential photographers and see if they’ll work with you on pricing since you’re asking so little. Alternatively, reach out to art departments at local colleges/jr colleges to see if a student needs to build their portfolio.

I dont know but i feel a photographer is needed

View Quoted Comment I think both could be good. I do agree that guests can take some candid shots too. To the op at the end is your day and your fhs so you two need to do what you feel is best.

Photography is one of the most important things to me. $4500 is an insane amount of money to spend on photography. Mine is $2500. Shop around! You can definitely find someone cheaper.

View Quoted Comment

You can hire a wedding photojournalist to capture all the beautiful moments of your wedding without posing or faking anything. You can relive and remember the fun and emotions of that day and all you have to do is enjoy your wedding. my 2c

I have to agree with everyone else - I think you would regret not hiring a photographer. It’s such a special moment having those closest to you all together, and down the road when those people are no longer with you, I think you would regret not having photos of them on such a happy day to look back on. And if you and your spouse decide to have children, They will likely want to see pictures of your wedding. My best advice would be to meet with some photographers. Tell them you do not wish to have any poses photos (or a very limited amount). Most photographers are skilled at going unnoticed throughout the evening, while discreetly capturing those special moments.

The way I look at it is, I would much rather have photos and think “well, that was a waste of money”, then to not have any photos and wish i would have taken them

View Quoted Comment Even though it's not about the money, if you do decide to get a photographer and want to spend less book a photographer from outside the area that travels. The cost of a package and covering their travel expenses should be considerably less than $4500.

Ladies (not all of you), the OP asked you to share your experience about either not having a photographer or regretting having them. She didn't ask you to teach her, it is her choice, come on.

My FSIL had no photographer at her wedding and while her family complains about that (my FMIL asked me several times whether we will be having a photographer at our wedding and calmed down only when I told her several times that yes) she doesn't seem unhappy because of that. Somehow it worked for her, it was not all about money but about the fact that she doesn't like herself in the pictures.

Photos are the one thing you'll get to look back on and you can really take with you. You can hire a photography student to save some money, but I definitely wouldn't skip it for Uncle Frank's iphone.

View Quoted Comment So it all depends on your photographers style and what you want. I hate posing (the line up, everyone looks at camera and smiles) but there are ways to get candid shots throughout the day that truly reflects all the love you feel for each other. Finding the right person is key.

Mine is 2k.. look around for cheaper.

I would skip the "posed" shots since you don't want those and find a photographer who can capture the real-life moments. I only have one grandparent still alive and love that I have a candid picture of her beaming at our wedding from the front row. Phone cameras are great nowadays but can't compare to someone who knows what they are doing with the right equipment. If you hire someone, your guests won't be required to "work" at your wedding.

I was anti photographer as well..and the mothers weren't happy. A couple months away from our wedding, my husband (FH at the time) finally made it known that he felt photos would be nice to have. He hadn't said anything because I felt strongly about not taking the time and money to have it. Now that the wedding is over, I am so glad he spoke up and we hired a photographer. We haven't seen many family photos and the ones we have aren't the best. We got sneak peak photos the Monday after tour wedding and they just make me so happy to look at. I'm not a photo person, at all,..and I hate all photos of me.. but I can't wait to get the rest of the pictures back to make an album with and hang in our room.


We went with lily & lime. We chose to do eight hours so we would be able to pick the photographer whose portfolio we liked the most. We also used a code to get a free 16x20 canvas photo and added $100 of prints for $50. It was less than $1200. Our photographer was great.. He was nice and thoughtful and I couldn't have asked for a better person to include in our wedding day.
I would have been really sad to not have photos by a professional to remember the day with