30 Wedding Photographers in Adelaide

Ultimate Guide to Wedding Photography Adelaide

Why hire a professional wedding photographer in Adelaide?

Among married couples, wedding photographers are often stated as one of the most crucial suppliers for a successful celebration. Hiring a professional wedding photographer in Adelaide ensures the sentimentality of your wedding day is preserved forever, allowing you and your future generations to reminisce on the magical day. 

For those getting married in Adelaide, a local photographer with extensive experience in the region is ideal. Adelaide wedding photographers have worked at wedding venues throughout the city and understand the region’s weather conditions in different seasons. So, they can provide invaluable insights throughout the planning process, suggesting ways to achieve the best lighting and even offering information about hidden gem locations.   

Many engaged couples face a difficult choice while wedding planning: Should we hire a friend who’s a hobbyist photographer, or invest in a professional? In our eyes, this is a no-brainer: For the best results (and zero regrets), hire a professional wedding photographer.

Your wedding day will only happen once, and you can’t recreate those priceless moments. Hiring a professional Adelaide wedding photographer ensures that those moments will be expertly documented, without costly missteps. Make sure your photographer is specifically experienced in weddings, as this particular event type requires a thoughtful approach. Wedding photographers understand the type of shots couples want in their wedding albums, and they know how to photograph the event without disrupting the proceedings.

Avoiding Wedding Photography Regrets in Adelaide

Unfortunately, some couples make mistakes during the wedding planning process, leading to regrets later on. The most common wedding photography regrets include: 

• Not hiring a professional wedding photographer and choosing a friend, hobbyist, or photography student instead

• Choosing a wedding photographer solely based on pricing or a discounted package, instead of considering their experience, photography style, personality, and pricing as a whole

• Selecting a photographer in a rush and failing to meet with potential hires in advance

• Failing to provide a shot list and not fully communicating their vision to the photographer

To avoid these regrets and lay the groundwork for a positive wedding photography experience, we recommend:

• Taking your time during the wedding photographer selection process, considering every aspect of their services

• Conducting detailed research on each potential wedding photographer and reading through their reviews or testimonials

• Speaking with a wedding professional (like Easy Weddings’ wedding concierge) for expert insights if you get stuck

• Booking your wedding photographer in Adelaide as soon as possible—ideally a year in advance—to ensure your top pick is available 
  

How to choose the best wedding photographer in Adelaide?

To choose the best wedding photographer in Adelaide, begin by clarifying your vision and priorities. What style of photography will best suit your venue? Are you more interested in candids or posed shots? What’s the maximum you’re willing to spend on a wedding photographer? 

Knowing the answers to these questions will help you whittle down the list of available Adelaide wedding photographers. However, you’ll also need to conduct thorough research to find the professional that matches your needs. Here are a few tips to guide your research: 

• Evaluate each potential photographer’s past work. This can help you quickly determine if you like their style and approach. Ask yourself: If these were my wedding photos, would I be happy with them?

• Consider the Adelaide venues featured in the photographer’s portfolio. Ideally, the photographer will have beautiful samples from Adelaide’s most sought-after venues, including Adelaide Botanic Garden, Glenelg Beach, and prominent resorts. 

• Compare different wedding photography packages in Adelaide to understand which suppliers offer good value for money. Look at what’s included in the packages, such as hours of coverage, editing, physical prints, and albums. 

• Check the photographer’s schedule to ensure they’re available on your wedding date. Many wedding photographers today have online calendars that make it easy to check their availability. If your favourite photographer doesn’t appear to be available, reach out and ask if they have any flexibility. 

Along with your online research, ask to meet your top picks in person to get a sense of their personality. Since your wedding photographer will be present on your wedding day, you should like their personality and feel confident in their ability to make your guests comfortable. 

How much does a wedding photographer cost in Adelaide?

The average cost of a wedding photographer in Adelaide and throughout South Australia is $2,604 to $2,752. While this is marginally lower than the national average for wedding photographers, it still significantly adds to the cost of an Adelaide wedding. 

For many couples, this begs the question: Why is wedding photography so expensive? While pricing may seem steep, it reflects the experience, effort, and hours of work required to create beautiful wedding photos. Factors that influence the cost of wedding photography include:

• Hours of work, including pre-wedding preparation, wedding day coverage, and post-wedding editing

• Adjusting the photographer’s coverage on your wedding day can bring down the overall cost. For example, instead of having them cover the entire event, you may have them cover six hours. However, make sure your photographer’s coverage is enough to capture the event’s most important moments. 

• Photo quality, which is influenced by the photographer’s equipment, editing software, and level of experience

• Additional services, including prints, albums, and pre-wedding photography, such as an engagement photoshoot

• Pre-wedding consultations, while a common inclusion in most wedding photography packages in Adelaide, can contribute to the cost. 

When calculating how much your Adelaide wedding photographer will cost, you might wonder about tipping. Tipping wedding photographers isn’t expected, but it’s a nice way to acknowledge their efforts, especially if you’re very happy with their services. Standard practise is to tip $100 to $200 for the photographer and $50 to $75 per assistant. You can also consider tipping 5% to 10% of the package cost. 

What are the best photography styles for an Adelaide wedding?

Wedding photography styles in Adelaide include traditional, documentary/photojournalistic, editorial, and fine art. When choosing the right photographic style for your wedding, consider the venue, the event proceedings, and your preferences as a couple. 

Traditional Wedding Photography in Adelaide

Traditional or conventional wedding photography is reminiscent of generations past, with a focus on beautifully posed images and straightforward compositions. Classic, timeless, and clean, traditional wedding photography is a versatile pick for couples seeking a more structured approach. It also works well for couples who want formal photos with many different groups of loved ones, as traditional wedding photographers can lead the shoot with ease. 

Note that if you and your fiancé prefer candid shots and tend to feel uncomfortable with posed photos, traditional wedding photography probably isn’t the right choice for you. 

Best for: Estates, hotels, historic sites, and resorts

Documentary Wedding Photography in Adelaide

Also widely referred to as photojournalistic or candid wedding photography, the documentary style aims to capture the real, genuine moments of your wedding. Rather than posing you and your loved ones, documentary-style wedding photographers in Adelaide act as observers, snapping photos of scenes as they occur with little to no intervention. Honest, raw and down-to-earth, these images portray the reality of your wedding day, rather than pose or re-shot moments. 

Most documentary wedding photographers will also take posed photos, including the quintessential shots with the bride and groom’s families. But, these images aren’t the focus of their work. 

Best for: Urban venues, historic sites, estates, and gardens

Editorial Wedding Photography in Adelaide

Editorial wedding photography reflects the art and glamour of a fashion magazine, with a personal touch. It tends to include both candid and posed photos, with a heavy focus on design details and your wedding’s aesthetic. Editorial-style photographers typically go to great lengths to ensure the composition and lighting are just right. 

Elegant, upscale, and romantic, editorial wedding photography translates well to luxury weddings with ornate details. Just make sure you and your fiancé are comfortable with being posed for various shots. 

Best for: Estates, resorts, hotels, and beaches

Fine Art Wedding Photography in Adelaide

Fine art photography blends many of the aspects of photojournalistic and editorial wedding photography. While it varies greatly based on the photographer’s perspective and artistic identity, it often relies heavily on composition, lighting, and editing techniques. The result is eye-catching images with a surreal or fairytale-like look. 

Best for: Gardens, beaches, vineyards, and other outdoor venues

What are the best wedding photography locations in Adelaide?

Adelaide is home to an assortment of wedding photography locations, ranging from lush gardens and sweeping city views to breezy beaches and grand estates. A local Adelaide wedding photographer can offer suggestions based on your vision and expertly navigate these locations, securing the best possible backdrop. With numerous venue options at your fingertips, you can select locations that complement all photographic styles, including traditional, editorial, whimsical, and artistic.

Some of the most popular Adelaide wedding photography locations to consider include:

• The Adelaide Botanic Garden has a stunning glass exterior and sweeping grounds, including many lush, green backdrops from dreamy wedding photos. 

• Glenelg Beach is a popular Adelaide beach with a wide expanse of white sand, breathtaking ocean views, and a stunning coastline, ideal for sunset photos. 

• Mount Lofty House is a luxurious estate venue located atop the Adelaide Hills, providing magnificent views of Piccadilly Valley and the Botanical Gardens. 

• Esilio Wines is one of Adelaide’s world-class vineyards, with panoramic views of the sea and vivid sunsets to serve as a romantic wedding photo backdrop. 

• The Summit Function Centre is perched atop Adelaide’s highest peak, with panoramic views of the Cleland National Park below, making it a striking location to snap wedding photos. 

• Al Ru Farm is a romantic wedding venue with ten acres of scenic gardens, perfect for all styles of wedding photography in Adelaide. 

• The Glen Ewin Estate is a sweeping venue located amongst the Adelaide Hills with stunning interior and exterior spaces, serving as a versatile photo backdrop throughout your wedding. 

What questions should I ask my Adelaide wedding photographer?

The best questions to ask your Adelaide wedding photographer include:

• Will my photographer stay for the entire wedding?

While many wedding photographers can stay for the entire wedding, others may leave after key moments of the reception have concluded, such as the cake cutting, first dance, and guests dancing. 

• What’s the average time for wedding photos to be delivered in Adelaide?

Wedding photo delivery times in Adelaide can range from one to two months, depending on how busy the photographer is. The delivery time may also vary based on your selected package. Make sure to clarify this detail with your photographer in advance to prevent any post-wedding confusion. 

• How many photos should photographers give for a wedding?

Photographers generally provide 50 to 100 photos for each hour of coverage, although this is a very rough estimate. Your Adelaide wedding photographer can likely offer an estimate based on previous weddings they’ve covered. 

• Should I get a wedding album from my photographer?

You should get a wedding album from your photographer if you want to keep it as a family heirloom and have a physical copy of the photos (in case the digital files are somehow compromised). 

• How do wedding photographers handle inclement weather?

Wedding photographers often handle inclement weather by using covered areas of your venue for taking photos. They may also incorporate umbrellas into some shots to add personality to your wedding photo album. 

How far in advance should I book an Adelaide wedding photographer?

You should book an Adelaide wedding photographer at least nine to 12 months in advance to secure your desired date. If you’re planning to get married during Adelaide’s peak wedding seasons, spring and autumn, consider booking even earlier. 

Many Adelaide wedding photographers are very popular and book out quickly. To ensure your top pick is available for your wedding day, try to book the photographer as soon as possible—ideally when you book your wedding venue.  

How to get the most from your Adelaide wedding photographer

Getting the most from your wedding photographer in Adelaide comes down to preparation. During the initial consultation, be upfront about your preferences and expectations. If you have questions about specific shots or are unsure about exactly what you want, ask the photographer their opinion—they are experts, after all!

Additionally, as you get a clearer idea about your wedding proceedings, work with your photographer to create a shot list and photography timeline. Make sure it includes plenty of buffers for shots around your venue and, if desired, at nearby Adelaide landmarks. 

Do I need both a wedding photographer and videographer for my Adelaide wedding?

While hiring both a wedding photographer and videographer is costlier than working with just a photographer, it can provide distinct benefits. For example, a wedding videographer in Adelaide can offer unique storytelling, crafting a video that seamlessly melds precious moments throughout your wedding day. This, along with a collection of beautiful images, is the most thorough way to commemorate your wedding. 

To cut costs, you can consider bundling photo and video services. This option is gaining popularity in Adelaide’s wedding industry, with options like full and half-day packages to suit different budgets. Photo and video bundles may also include various add-ons, such as engagement shoots, printed albums, and drone footage. 

How to decide on a wedding photographer in Adelaide

Adelaide is a one-of-a-kind city for spouses-to-be, offering a wide variety of venues and gorgeous backdrops for wedding photos. With thorough research and an eye for detail, you can find an Adelaide wedding photographer who brings your vision to life, capturing vivid memories to look back on for years to come. 

Not sure where to begin? Explore Easy Weddings’ list of the best Adelaide wedding photographers and start discussing your wedding day plans with our wedding concierge to find your perfect match.