Out of State Engagement & Wedding Photos

I wouldn't want to travel just for engagement photos, especially not during a global pandemic. There are plenty of couples who don't get to meet their photographer before their wedding, especially those have destination weddings. There are other ways to get to know your photographer like Skype calls or over the phone.

Congrats to you! We didn’t know our photographer, just went with her off of word of mouth and portfolio. We did a zoom call last year before our engagement shoot just to give her details of what was a no and a go. As far as knowing her, couldn’t tell you when her birthday is, where she lives and she knows very little about me. I trusted her portfolio and the referral that was given to me. She came and did some shots for our backyard wedding. She said she would be sending out the email again with pictures that we wanted taken at our wedding as fast as guests, candid and must haves. I wouldnt worry too much about knowing your photographer but I do think a nice zoom chat will be sufficient enough for you to be able to make a a decision on whether or not to hire that vendor. Good luck to you!!

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Thanks, Caytlyn! This is very helpful.

We hired a separate engagement photographer bc we had to. Both photographers did a wonderful job. We picked people with portfolios we liked, reasonable pricing, and they were easy to get along with.

I was in a very similar boat. We chose not to do engagement photos with our MI wedding photographer. Knowing that we were from out of state she was fine with it and even adjusted her package price to compensate for the unused engagement session. I feel that we talked to her and reviewed her work enough to know that she'll be good on the big day.


We had an enagement party locally and hired Candidly (nationwide company). We were assigned a photographer and we were able to talk to him and view his website beforehand. We scheduled him to come 30 minutes before the guests arrived so we could take pictures alone. He also pulled us aside during and after the party for solo shots, some of which were my favorites because we were much more relaxed.

So if you're able to find someone who will do a socially distant photoshoot with you (or a regular one since WI is open), go for it. Since engagement sessions and weddings are far apart, I think the "getting to know you" feeling wears off anyway and you're starting over on you wedding day. I don't feel like I'm missing out on my photographer's friendliness or our comfort by not doing an engagement shoot with her.

A lot of people don't even get engagement photos so I wouldn't make that as a part of your decision. Many people meet their photographer day of. I think the most important thing is if you like their style and portfolio. On your big day I doubt you will even notice them.