✨5 Questions to Ask Your Catholic Wedding Photographer (Before You Book!)

elizabethstewartphoto
Aug 3
2 min read

Planning a Catholic wedding is more than just choosing a venue and a dress—it's preparing for a Sacrament. And when your love story is rooted in faith, you want a photographer who gets it. Who sees the veil and the vows. The candles and the covenant.

So, how do you make sure the person behind the lens is ready to capture your most sacred “yes”? Before you book your photographer, here are 5 must-ask questions to help you find the perfect fit—especially if your heart is set on a faith-forward celebration.

1. "Are you familiar with Catholic wedding Masses or Nuptial Ceremonies?"

This one’s big. Catholic weddings aren’t like other weddings—there are specific liturgical moments you don’t want missed: the Rite of Marriage, the Eucharist, the Sign of Peace, the Presentation to Mary, and more.

💡 Look for someone who understands the reverence of these moments and knows how to move respectfully around a church.

Priest in white robe lifts the Eucharist in a church, with a couple kneeling nearby. Brick walls, wooden pews, and candles set a solemn mood.

Bride and groom kneeling at altar during church wedding ceremony. Priests officiate. Stained glass and wooden pews create a reverent setting.

2. "Do you coordinate with the priest or parish staff?"

Every parish is different—some allow photographers near the altar, others are more reserved. It’s essential that your photographer knows how to communicate with the celebrant and follow parish guidelines without disrupting the ceremony.

💡 Bonus if your photographer builds a relationship with the priest beforehand—it can ease nerves and lead to more freedom during the Mass!

Bride and groom kneel at an ornate altar in a church, surrounded by wooden carvings and brick walls. A statue and flag are visible.

A couple in formal attire stands before a statue of Mary in a church, beneath an arched alcove. Warm lighting creates a serene ambiance.

3. "How do you incorporate faith-based details into your storytelling?"

From rosaries in the bride’s bouquet to handwritten vows offered in prayer, Catholic weddings are filled with meaningful details. A great photographer knows how to highlight them—not just for beauty, but for their spiritual depth.

💡 Ask for examples in their portfolio where they’ve captured faith in both subtle and profound ways.

Vintage painting of Blessed Mary and St. Joseph on a hexagonal tile surface, next to a gold tray with rings, a perfume bottle, and green leaves.

Ornate wooden Saint Joseph relief, wedding invitations, and floral décor set on a lace fabric with pearls, creating a romantic vibe.

Rosary with white and peach beads draped over a page with "We love because He first loved us" 1 John 4:19 text, lying on fabric.

4. "Will you help us create a timeline that honors both liturgy and celebration?"

Your wedding day includes two parts: the sacrament and the celebration! A photographer who understands this will build a timeline that flows from Church to reception, while giving you time for prayer, portraits, and joy.

💡 Look for someone who can balance the solemnity of the Mass with the fun of the reception.

Bride in lace dress holds bouquet, groom in suit holds her dress. They walk on sidewalk, smiling. Background: brick wall, trees.

A couple gazes lovingly at each other. The woman wears a white dress; the man wears a blue suit. Blurred architectural background.

5. "How do you pray for or support your couples throughout the process?"

This may sound unexpected—but when your photographer is walking alongside you for one of the most important spiritual milestones of your life, prayer matters.

💡 Some photographers offer prayer before the ceremony, spiritual prep tips, or even a blessing over your marriage. Ask how they support you beyond the photos. I always pray for all of my couples throughout their engagement and even after the ceremony. I think it is so incredibly important

A person prays with a rosary in a wooden church pew. Soft light and stained glass create a serene, contemplative atmosphere.

Three people seated in a room, one holding rosary beads. A speaker at a podium in the blurred background. Warm tones, calm atmosphere.

✨Final Thoughts

Choosing a Catholic wedding photographer is about more than price or editing style—it’s about finding someone who truly sees your marriage as a sacrament and a story worth capturing with reverence, joy, and heart.

If that’s what you’re looking for, I’d love to serve you!