Photography Alternatives?

If you can afford her, I'd use her so you have some pictures even if they aren't amazing. Maybe even just hire her for the ceremony so you have pictures? If not, you could always put a camera on a tripod and set it to take pictures throughout the ceremony? Or tell guests to send you the pictures they take. Or put a go-pro on the officiant?

Maybe if see if you can just hire her for a few hours. Just for the ceremony and some portraits afterwards! I would not completely get rid of having a photographer.

I've always been told to budget for photography because that's what you have left at the end of the day. I'm thinking of all the money in the decor and my hair, dress, etc and groom's attire I'd want some high quality pics to remember them by.

Call local art schools with a photography program. They might have some students who want to do wedding photography who would be willing to do just your portraits and ceremony (or even part of the reception too) for a nominal fee and permission to use your pictures for their portfolio. They may not be able to edit them and you may just get a USB of all the raw images but you can then save up to pay someone to edit them later and get the prints done yourself. Or you could ask your sister to edit if she is good at that and print them yourself later as well. But at least you will have a person there dedicated to taking photos that has some experience and the backing of people with more experience.

My future BIL took our engagement photos a couple weekends ago, he majored in painting with an animation concentration but took a photography class or 2 and just graduated from art school. The pictures came out beautifully - even unedited and we are only going to edit the ones we like the poses of the most. So it is possible to get great photos from a student.

Did you sign a contract with this photographer? Presuming you did (as you should with any vendor), how much money will you be out if you cancel her? It's a shame you don't love her/her photos; probably shouldn't have hired her in the first place :-\

Are there any other areas you can cut back on now? Did you buy/pay for florals? Can you cut back on those? Did you already purchase invitations? Can you find cheaper ones? Is there anything else you can cancel without losing money (photo booth, etc.)? Did you buy favors yet? Skip favors altogether.

There really is no replacement for a photographer. Wedding photography is usually a bit expensive but for a good reason - it's the only thing you have (besides a spouse) after the wedding is over!

Yep

Why is there still a 10 character minimum on posts?!

Where are you located at?