Find a wedding photographers in Santa Cruz, CA

Find wedding photographers in Santa Cruz, CA

Find wedding photographers in Santa Cruz, CA

Share a few details and we'll show you the best wedding photographers in your area.
Zip code

Budget

Find wedding photographers in Santa Cruz, CA

Share a few details and we'll show you the best wedding photographers in your area.
Zip code

Budget

Top 10 wedding photographers in Santa Cruz, CA

Clients agree: these vendors are highly rated for knowledge, experience, communication, and more.
Claytive Team

Claytive Team

5.0(1)
8+ years in business
Serves Santa Cruz, CA
Pamelita A. says, "Ellie worked hard to create photos to fulfill my vision." Read more
Your Moment, My Lens

Your Moment, My Lens

5.0(1)
3 hires on Fash
10+ years in business
Serves Santa Cruz, CA
Jessica R. says, "From the moment we began to converse about my wedding, I knew I liked this man’s energy. His character was so sweet and genuine and I could tell he loved his job. Photography isn’t just a job for him, it’s truly a passion and he wants you to have a great experience. His name “Your moment, my lens” is the perfect name because he truly connects with you to be comfortable to capture special moments of your life. I’m so blessed and thankful that I found this man here on this cite. When I began searching I was looking for a photographer for my wedding. He offered a pre wedding shoot and I was in awe of that. He does this to connect with you, get to know you, and make sure your big special day is what you always dreamed it would be. My man is a very serious man and he got him to smile and laugh and we had a great time working with Nicky. I can’t wait for the big day on October 6 2024. He’s already been so amazing and I highly recommend this experience with him!" Read more
North Point Photography

North Point Photography

New on Fash
20+ years in business
Serves Santa Cruz, CA
At North Point Photography my colleages and I have over 15 years of experience shooting weddings and various events throughout the San Francisco Bay Area. We have never failed to deliver high quality images, quickly, with a high level of security. Our website acts as a gallery for your images to easily download, print, or share with family and friends. Our team members are trained on site and educated with various disciplines to support their role as your event photographer.
Shutterbug Studio

Shutterbug Studio

5.0(2)
Offers online services
89+ years in business
Serves Santa Cruz, CA
S B. says, "One of the best photographers I’ve ever had the pleasure of working with. Amazing attention to detail in each and every image. From lighting, image perspective, foreground and backround every image came out better than I could have ever anticipated. My wife and I initially began working with Rob and Shutterbug Studio when we hired him for our wedding. We found him to be kind, energetic and he blended right in with he wedding party. Nothing about our photography experience was overwhelming and Rob made every effort to relax us and feel comfortable which made every image come out even better. After we saw the pictures from the wedding we were more than elated. There was not one bad picture in the batch and each and every person and scene photographed came out great. We ended up hiring Rob multiple times for other work after the wedding for company pictures at holiday parties, head shots for employees and even some product photography. We’ve never been disappointed and he’s our go-to guy anytime we need any photos taken. " Read more
Way Fun Films / JPAAPE Photography

Way Fun Films / JPAAPE Photography

5.0(2)
Offers online services
40+ years in business
Serves Santa Cruz, CA
Josephine W. says, "Very accommodating on dates and time of our event . The “Fun” in Way Fun Films says it all .It was a fun experience when Jonathon was taking our pictures , he helped us relaxed and just be ourselves. " Read more
Brinkley Capriola Studio

Brinkley Capriola Studio

5.0(2)
7+ years in business
Serves Santa Cruz, CA
Gabrielle S. says, "Brinkley is such an amazing photographer to work with. Not only does she make her subjects feel confident and comfortable, but she also has the ability to capture intimacy and likeness in her work. She is able to take very simple concepts, ideas, and sets and turn them into magic. She is patient and kind through the process and great at going with the flow on event days with lots going on. Brinkley is extremely passionate about her work and takes it seriously, while clearly enjoying the process. She will forever be my favorite photographer to work with!" Read more
Jim Holtan Media

Jim Holtan Media

New on Fash
Offers online services
1 hire on Fash
12+ years in business
Serves Santa Cruz, CA
At Jim Holtan Media, we offer you excellence in communicating your message through the visual and the written word. Communication is the most important element when selecting a partner. At Jim Holtan Media we carefully go over your project with you to ensure we’re putting the most effective plan in place.
Holman Photography

Holman Photography

5.0Exceptional(6)
21+ years in business
Serves Santa Cruz, CA
Yosemite B. says, "Jody is tremendously talented and simply a pleasure to work with. We were married in the woods and she readily adapted to all settings--live bands and dancing to serene moments of joy and reflection-- as well as to a host of children in motion. Her photographs were not only beautiful, but told a magical story which enhances our memories. Jody's presence was amazing and never intrusive. She had the gift of being in the right place at the right time without us noticing! In addition, by the end of all events, our guests wanted to be friends with her too! Her keen eye, gift at putting the story together visually and her wonderful energy make Jody a dream to work with! ~Yosemite Bride" Read more
Jose Nicdao Photography

Jose Nicdao Photography

5.0(1)
1 hire on Fash
24+ years in business
Serves Santa Cruz, CA
Liean C. says, "One of the first things I look for in a photographer is their sense of professionalism! JN Photography definitely showed this in Jose's punctuality, order, and efficiency in capturing my portrait." Read more
Emily Pillon Photography

Emily Pillon Photography

5.0Exceptional(12)
11+ years in business
Serves Santa Cruz, CA
Kayla M. says, "She was the perfect photographer to capture memories on our special day - she was exceptional at finding the right balance to both document the wedding behind the scenes then direct when needed for staged photographs. We cannot recommend her enough!" Read more

Your Wedding Photography questions, answered

Answers to commonly asked questions from the experts on Fash.

How much are wedding photographer prices near me?

Wedding photography costs $1,600 to $3,600 on average but often exceeds $4,000 in major cities. Wedding photography prices range from $700 to $10,000, depending on the package, add-ons, location, and number of photographers.

When to book your wedding photographer?

Book your wedding photographer as early as possible, ideally as soon as you choose a date and reserve a venue. The best photographers book events more than 12 months in advance, especially for weddings during the peak season.

What to expect from your wedding photographer?

Before the wedding day

  • Discussion of the photographic style and your needs and wants
  • Contract and initial payment to reserve the date
  • Reviewing the wedding day timeline to ensure you schedule enough time for key photos
  • Engagement photo shoot, if included
  • Rehearsal dinner coverage, if included

On your wedding day

  • Capturing key moments during the getting-ready process, ceremony, and reception
  • Traditional or posed photos of the wedding couple, bridal party, and family
  • Photos of candid moments throughout the event

After the wedding

  • Photo editing and retouching
  • Delivery of proofs, typically via a private online gallery
  • Assistance with photo selection and album design
  • Delivery of prints or an album, if included

How much should you tip a wedding photographer?

Tipping a wedding photographer is not required but is usually appreciated. Consider tipping $50 to $200 to express your gratitude if the photographer exceeds your expectations.

How much do wedding photographers make?

Wedding photographers make $40,000 to $60,000 per year on average, depending on their experience and location.

How do I find wedding photographers near me?

Start by searching our list of wedding photographers, then compare reviews and costs. After finding and contacting potential services:

  • Decide which photography style and aesthetic best suits your wedding.
  • Ask for referrals from friends, family, your wedding planner, the venue, and other wedding vendors.
  • Read their reviews on Fash and Google.
  • Choose a pro who specializes in wedding photography.
  • Interview your favorite photographers and discuss your ideas and vision.
  • Ask the photographer about their pre-wedding, wedding day, and post-wedding process.
  • Schedule an engagement photo shoot to allow you to work with the photographer before the wedding day.
  • Get a detailed contract in writing that breaks down everything included in your package, the payment plan, and the refund and cancellation policy.
  • Discuss the photo usage and printing rights to confirm how you and the photographer can use the images. Photographers typically retain the copyright to the images, giving them the right to use the photos for marketing and social media.
  • Beware of basing the decision solely on pricing. The photographer with the lowest price may lack experience or isn't as good as local competitors.

After asking questions and verifying their credentials, hire the photographer in your area.

What questions to ask wedding photographers?

Ask them the following questions when hiring a wedding photographer:

  • How would you describe your photography style and approach?
  • Can we see full galleries from a few recent weddings?
  • How many weddings have you photographed?
  • Do you have our wedding date available?
  • How far in advance do we need to book with you?
  • Have you ever shot a wedding at our venue before?
  • Do you have experience shooting weddings of a similar size and style as ours?
  • How much are your packages, and what do they include?
  • What add-ons are available? Can we customize a package to suit our needs?
  • How many hours do you work? How much do you charge if we go over that time?
  • Can we discuss unique shots we'd like?
  • How much extra do you charge for an engagement shoot or rehearsal dinner coverage?
  • Do you provide retouching, color adjustment, or other editing services? Do they cost extra?
  • How long after the wedding will we receive our finished photos?
  • How will the images be delivered – online, in print, or on a USB drive? If online, how long will the proofs be available for viewing?
  • Will we own the rights to the digital images?
  • Do you provide high-resolution digital files? Do they cost extra?
  • What size can we print the finished files?
  • Do you offer printed items or albums?
  • How can our family members and friends order prints?
  • Can other guests take photos while you work?
  • Do you work with an assistant or second shooter? Can I meet them before the wedding?
  • How many weddings do you photograph in a year?
  • Do you charge a travel fee? What does it cover?
  • How much do you require on deposit? What is your payment schedule?
  • What is your refund or cancellation policy?
  • Do you have liability insurance? What does it cover?
  • Do you carry backup photo equipment?
  • What happens if an emergency comes up and you can’t be present on our wedding day?
  • Will you be sharing our wedding photos on your website, social media, or other magazines or blogs?

Reviews for Santa Cruz wedding photographers

Recent success stories from people in the Santa Cruz area.
Jim L.
If you have run into Robert Kandell, then you've run into an excellent photographer. We've used him for professional head shots, and for a family reunion. Robert is quite the competent professional photographer. I like how he puts all the shots on a website, from which you can download. There's no part of photography that he doesn't understand and excel at. He's a nice guy too! I can't recommend him highly enough.
Shutterbug Studio
Mr T.
Really a lot of light hearted fun to work with . Great images . He knew the questions and answers I was going to ask him . Before I even knew what I wanted .
Way Fun Films / JPAAPE Photography
Hannah G.
Brinkley has an incredible eye. She captured the essence of our farm and brand with such ease. Her photos have a dreamy and whimsical spirit that makes her work so unique.
Brinkley Capriola Studio
Napa G.
Jody is the most amazing wedding photographer EVER. There were so many incredible pictures – too many to choose from so we ordered them all! Our pictures were truly pieces of art, not just photos. Jody was very professional and walked through what was important to us before the wedding so she was sure to capture all the shots we wanted. She was great with the parents and grandparents. So many of my friends have said to me “I wish I knew your photographer when we got married, she did such an unbelievable job”. Her photojournalist style captured our love in every picture and documented the joy in our family and friends who celebrated with us.
Holman Photography
Rachel B.
Emily was a delight to work with, from booking through to getting our pictures ready. We met with her in person a month before the wedding to discuss our goals and preferences for the day, and Emily not only met those but captured us beautifully. My personal favorite is how she caught and sent us pictures of us kissing but also the moment immediately after a kiss, and she captured our love on the day perfectly with those shots. I can't stop looking at how happy we looked in our photos, and Emily’s work made it possible.
Emily Pillon Photography
Capt. Al M.
Great work.
Jaffa Orange Photography
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