Being a Oxford Wedding photographer who was born and raised in this beautiful, historic city, I am keen to share some advice and tips for getting the most out of your Wedding Photography for your Oxford Wedding. This blog will cover key aspects of what to look for when planning your Oxford Wedding!
Choosing the right photographer:
When your Wedding is over, the main thing you have left from the day is your Wedding Photos. I cannot express enough how important it is to choose the right photographer for you. Picking a Wedding Photographer who you get along with will guarantee that you will feel and look more comfortable in front of the camera on your big day- if you feel awkward you will look awkward in photographs.
What to look for in an Oxford Wedding Photographer?
I would advise picking a local Oxford based Wedding Photographer, they will have some great suggestions for which locations look great for your couple photos and even some secret spots that you may not have thought about. If the photographer has lived or currently lives in the city, they have most likely worked at your venue before and know it well.
When searching for a Wedding photographer, you will want to pick one who has the right style for you. For example, you may want a “documentary” Wedding photographer if you want someone to capture events as they happen with no posing or intervention. It is also important to look at the editing style of the photographer you would like to book.
If your Venue is naturally very bright and well lit you may want to emphasise this in photos by choosing a photographer who has a “light and airy” style. On the contrast, if your venue is quite dark, a photographer who edits in more of a “dark and moody” style might be more appealing for you. Certain photography styles will suit specific venues more than others.
It is a great idea to look at the photographer’s past work or ask to see a full gallery of a Wedding at the same or a similar venue. This will give you a pretty accurate representation of how the images will come out for your big day.
Recommended Wedding venues in Oxford that make for a stunning backdrop!
Oxford Town Hall– Choose from a few different ceremony room options with Christ Church on your doorstep to use for your couple photos.
Oxford Colleges– Oxford University has 43 colleges, some of which will host a Wedding if you have studied with Oxford University previously. Each college has it’s own character but all beautiful venue options.
Cherwell Boathouse– Oxford is known for Punting! The Cherwell boathouse allows you to arrive to the venue on Punt! What better way to add a bit of fun to the day.
Voco Oxford Thames– Voco has 2 venues within Oxford- Voco Oxford Thames and Voco Spires. If you are looking for a stunning outdoor backdrop, you may prefer the Oxford Thames venue due to it’s stunning outdoor ceremony option by the river. It also has many photogenic spots around the venue, including the gardens (photographed below)
Questions to ask your Wedding Photographer before booking:
So you think you’ve found the perfect Oxford Wedding Photographer to document your Oxford Wedding, now here are some questions you should ask before booking:
Availability– The first question you should ask is whether the photographer is available on your Wedding date. During peak Wedding season (usually around April to October), some Wedding photographers can be booked up a year in advance.
Pricing– In a 2023 survey, the average price of a Wedding photographer in the UK was around £1700. The price can vary massively from different regions and is also based on how much coverage you would like for your big day. Some Wedding photographers will send across a pricing brochure but others will have pricing listed on their websites.
Package options– Make sure you are selecting a package that covers all the events that are important to you. If you want bridal preparations until first dance you will most likely need to select a full day package to cover this.
Policies– Ask about the photographer’s policies on aspects such as force majeure, cancellation policy and what back up plan the photographer has in place in events such as sickness or injury. These should all be mentioned in the photographer’s contract so be sure to read this before signing.
Tips for a smooth running Wedding Photography:
Make sure you have discussed timelines with your photographer so you can make sure you have allowed enough time to get the shots that are important to you. There is usually a sufficient gap between your ceremony and your Wedding meal, this is usually when you would choose to do your group and couple photos. Alternatively you may decide you would like couple photos at golden hour which will need to be factored into the timeline of your day.
Write a list of group photos and any other specific photos that are important to you. The photographer will ensure to prioritise these photos on the day. You may also want to assign a family member or friend to help with gathering people for the group shots.
Following these tips will help you with choosing the right Oxford Wedding Photographer for you, capturing those memories for you to look back on in years to come.