Find a wedding photographers in Santa Cruz, CA

Find wedding photographers in Santa Cruz, CA

Find wedding photographers in Santa Cruz, CA

Confirm your location to see the best wedding photographers near you.
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Find wedding photographers in Santa Cruz, CA

Confirm your location to see the best wedding photographers near you.
Zip code

Top 10 wedding photographers in Santa Cruz, CA

Clients agree: these vendors are highly rated for knowledge, experience, communication, and more.
Your Moment, My Lens

Your Moment, My Lens

5.0(1)
8 hires on Fash
11+ 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
Jim Holtan Media

Jim Holtan Media

1 hire on Fash
13+ years in business
Serves Santa Cruz, CA & Online
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.
OW Productions

OW Productions

1 hire on Fash
4+ years in business
Serves Santa Cruz, CA
At OW Productions, we bring creativity and expertise to every project, offering a diverse range of services from DJ entertainment to comprehensive photography and videography solutions. Whether you're planning a wedding, an event, or need stunning real estate visuals, our skilled team in Oakland, CA, is here to capture your vision with precision. With a passion for both traditional and drone photography, we specialize in making your moments memorable and your projects shine. Trust us to deliver professional, top-quality results tailored to your unique needs.
Claytive Team

Claytive Team

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

StefanyGomezFotografia

9+ years in business
Serves Santa Cruz, CA
Hello everyone! I am Stefany, a photographer for 10 years with extensive experience in portrait photography for Families, children and newborn, I also have experience in fashion photography, product and increasingly loving the results after editing in FineArt! I love photography so much and I manage to turn it into a memorable memory that I propose challenges to exceed expectations! I will always find the perfect place for photographs, I consider myself an artist with an excellent eye for detail, so we will find the perfect photograph to capture those unforgettable memories. Let's create FineArt photography!
ShadrackFineNote Photography

ShadrackFineNote Photography

8+ years in business
Serves Santa Cruz, CA
At ShadrackFineNote Photography, we are passionate about capturing the essence of your most cherished moments. Based in Walnut Creek, CA, our skilled team specializes in a wide range of photography services, including boudoir, portrait, nature, wedding, and engagement photography. With a keen eye for detail and a commitment to excellence, we deliver stunning images that tell your unique story. Whether you're celebrating a milestone event or seeking a personal portrait, trust us to provide an unforgettable photographic experience.
Ashleigh Castro Photography

Ashleigh Castro Photography

20+ years in business
Serves Santa Cruz, CA
This photo service offers film photography options. I adore how much value photographs gain over time and the importance they hold in preserving history. I started my photo career in the wet process dark room of high school and worked at a San Francisco based photo lab following graduation from SFSU www.ashleighcastro.com I let my camera guide me to my desinations whether I let it draw me into to new communities or steer me toward new geographic explorations . When I started photographing I was mused , and still am mused by, performing artists and the emotion they evoke on stage. I bring that candid beauty into the studio for realistically s...
Holman Photography

Holman Photography

5.0Exceptional(6)
22+ 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
Shannon Kelli Pictures

Shannon Kelli Pictures

Online now
15+ years in business
Serves Santa Cruz, CA
Shannon Kelli Pictures is a still and moving picture studio that thrives on creating strong, impactful pictures that illuminate the unique product, person or place they represent. Shannon Kelli Pictures enjoys creating meaningful content for clients that is easily shared on various web-based platforms. Imagery comes delivered in squarespace aspect rations and files sizes, circle cropped for linked in and more - you name it SKP, can deliver it. Richly inspired by each client, Shannon Kelli's team makes every effort in crafting authentic stories that sharply illustrate your businesses and brands messaging. And they do it with a real sense of j...
Jose Nicdao Photography

Jose Nicdao Photography

5.0(1)
1 hire on Fash
25+ 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

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.
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
Capt. Al M.
Great work.
Jaffa Orange 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
Donna G.
Rebecca always brings the best in professionalism. She captures the humor, honesty and beauty in people and the special moments in their lives.
Rebecca Stark Photography
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Santa Cruz wedding photographers by service