19 Wedding Photographers in Cairns / Port Douglas

Why hire a Cairns wedding photographer?

Hiring a wedding photographer in Cairns will ensure that the priceless moments of your wedding day don’t pass you by. A professional photographer can freeze these moments in time, filling your wedding album with gorgeously posed and emotional candid photos. 

Cairns wedding photographers have extensive experience in lighting, editing, and composition. They understand how to apply these skills amidst the hustle and bustle of a wedding celebration, without distracting from the proceedings. Pro wedding photographers in this region also offer expertise in popular Cairns wedding venues, with a frame of reference for how Cairns weather conditions may impact the imagery of your wedding day. 

Still wondering why you should choose a professional wedding photographer, instead of a student or amateur? Not hiring a professional is a common wedding photography regret from real couples, as it can lead to sub-par photos and missed moments. Other common regrets include:

• Not meeting with prospective photographers in advance, as this can lead to clashing visions

• Not creating a shot list to share with the photographer to ensure that all of your desired moments are captured

• Not hiring the photographer for the ceremony and reception, as the reception includes many noteworthy moments, including the cake-cutting and speeches
  
  

How to choose the best wedding photographer in Cairns

To choose the best wedding photographer in Cairns, start by evaluating several portfolios from local professionals. Consider how the portfolio aligns with your vision for the album, as well as if it features iconic Cairnes venues like Palm Cove Beach and unique rainforest locations. 

Once you have a few portfolios that catch your eye, it’s time to consider other factors, like the photographer’s personality and package options. 

When hiring a Cairns wedding photographer, their personality may not seem like a deciding factor. However, it can have a major impact on your wedding experience. After all, your photographer will be present throughout your wedding celebration, influencing the overall vibe of the day. When your wedding photographer complements your energy as a couple, the result is truly magical!

Next up, let’s talk about Cairns wedding photography packages. Packages can differ significantly between photographers, so it’s crucial to select a photographer that bundles your desired services at an affordable cost. Wedding photography packages typically include a certain number of hours on the wedding day, as well as editing, prints, albums, and other add-ons.

After narrowing down your list of potential wedding photographers in Cairns, you need to check that your desired photographer is available on your wedding date. Some photographers book up their schedules several months (if not years) in advance. So, if you’re booking closer to your date, photographers may have scheduling conflicts and limited availability. 

If your dream Cairns wedding photographer is already booked on your wedding date, ask if they have any flexibility to accommodate your celebration. 

What is the average cost of wedding photography in Cairns?

The average cost of a wedding photographer in Cairns and throughout Queensland is $2,725. This is below the national average, which can help you keep Queensland wedding costs low. 

While Cairns and Port Douglas wedding photographers aren’t as pricey as some other regions in Australia, wedding photography is expensive, period. This is because professional photographers are bringing their expertise to your wedding day, ensuring the photo quality and editing create a beautiful end result. The duration of your wedding day coverage, photo quality, and add-ons like prints and albums can also contribute to this expense.

Planning ahead for the cost of a Cairns wedding photographer can help you remain within budget. Consider the potential expense of tipping, which isn’t expected in Australia, but can show your appreciation for excellent photography services. The general standard is to tip each photographer 5 to 10% of the total cost, or $50 to $100 per photographer. 

How to find an affordable Cairns wedding photographer

To find an affordable wedding photographer in Port Douglas or Caines, your best bet is to find a cost-effective photography package that includes wedding day coverage, editing services, and, if desired, a printed album. You can browse Cairns wedding photography packages in our directory to find an affordable option that meets your specifications. 

By booking your Port Douglas wedding photographer through Easy Weddings, you’ll also earn WedPoints that can be redeemed toward other wedding vendor bookings. This is a wonderful way to bring down costs while securing a top-tier wedding photographer. 

What are the best photography styles for a Cairns wedding?

Popular wedding photography styles in Cairns include traditional, photojournalistic, and artistic. Note that the best wedding photographers in Cairns vary significantly in style, so make sure to find a professional who suits your aesthetic tastes. 

• Traditional wedding photography centres around classically posed images and a simple compositional approach. This style allows the scenery to shine without adulteration in post-processing, making it a beautiful choice for outdoor Cairns wedding venues like the Daintree National Park and Palm Cove Beach. 

• Photojournalistic wedding photography involves documenting the event as though it will be published in a newspaper. Rather than creating posed shots or adjusting the scene for aesthetic value, the photojournalistic focuses strongly on candid images that capture the emotion of each special moment. This style allows hotels, resorts, and intimate venues to shine, although it can also capture the unique beauty of Cairns’s rainforest venues. 

• Artistic wedding photography melds both posed and candid shots to create a visually stunning album. With this style, your photographer may frequently adjust the lighting and composition of the shot to create images with immense artistic value. It’s a great choice for beachfront, garden, and island venues with plenty of natural light. 
  
  

What are the best locations for wedding photography in Cairns?

The best wedding photographers in Cairns and Port Douglas will work with you to highlight the region’s iconic locations, including:

• Tropical and rainforest locations, including Shangri-La The Marina and Mulgrave Gardens

• Intimate bars and restaurants with romantic nighttime lighting, like Zinc Port Douglas 

• Luxurious waterfront resorts, like The Elandra Mission Beach and Pullman Port Douglas Sea Temple Resort

• Expansive gardens and green spaces, including Cairns Secret Garden Weddings 

With a vast array of versatile locations, Cairns is an ideal wedding destination for traditional, modern, and whimsical wedding photography alike. Whether you want a timeless album or quirky candids to look back on with a smile, your Cairns wedding photographer will help you find the perfect backdrop. 

What questions should I ask my Cairns wedding photographer?

Before hiring your wedding photographer in Cairns, it’s important to ask them a variety of questions that give you a sense of what to expect. Covering these key questions to ask your wedding photographer will help ensure your experience is smooth, from your first step down the aisle to the sentimental send-off. 

• How long does it typically take for wedding photos to be delivered in Cairns? 

Wedding photo delivery times can range from one to two months. However, your photographer’s schedule and editing process could dramatically change this timeframe, so make sure to ask ahead of time! Delivery times, including sneak peeks and previews, may also be clarified in the details of your wedding photography package. 

• Do wedding photographers stay for the entire wedding?

In general, wedding photographers stay for around eight to 10 hours. But, you can book them for the entire reception, if desired. While this may be expensive, it can ensure that every special moment is professionally documented. 

• How many photos do wedding photographers provide?

Again, this answer often comes down to your photographer’s style and habits. While many photographers provide around 50 to 100 shots per hour, this number can fluctuate significantly. It’s best to talk to your Cairnes wedding photographer ahead of time to make sure you don’t receive fewer photos than expected. 

• Is a wedding album worth it?

Generally speaking, we’d say yes! Your wedding day is a once-in-a-lifetime event, so why not receive physical copies of those special images? Photographers today offer various wedding photo album types, so you can choose the option that best suits your needs. 

How far in advance should I book a Cairns wedding photographer?

Book your wedding photographer in Cairns at least nine to 12 months in advance, especially if you’re tying the knot in peak season. Trending, in-demand photographers are also likely to book up early, so act quickly to secure your number-one pick. Cairns has a competitive wedding market, so time is of the essence as you book all of your vendors. 

How to get the most from your Cairns wedding photographer

To make sure your wedding photography experience is as positive as possible, approach it as a collaborative process. Plan to speak with your Port Douglas wedding photographer extensively ahead of time, detailing shot lists, timelines, and style preferences to a T. Your photographer can’t read your mind, so when you voice your opinions, they can personalise their services to your needs, preventing missed wedding photo opportunities. 

We strongly suggest creating not only a wedding photography shot list, but also a photography timeline in advance. Add a comfortable buffer to the timeline, ensuring you won’t have to rush through crucial shots around Cairns’s breathtaking scenery. 

How to decide on a wedding photographer in Cairns

From the sparkling waters surrounding the Great Barrier Reef to the pristine shores of Palm Cove Beach, Cairns is a prime location for photo-worthy moments. To capture these moments during your wedding celebration, you need a professional Cairns wedding photographer who’s dedicated to creating lasting memories for your family. Secure those memories by exploring our detailed list of the best wedding photographers in Cairns to find the perfect match for your venue, budget, and style.