Planning a wedding or elopement is a beautiful adventure, and choosing your photographer is one of the most meaningful steps along the way. After all, your wedding photos are the memories you’ll hold onto forever. So how do you find someone who not only takes gorgeous images but also makes you feel truly seen and supported? If you’re searching for the best wedding photographer in Victoria BC, Canada you’re in the right place.

This guide is designed to help you cut through the noise, feel confident in your choice, and find someone whose heart aligns with yours ❤️ Let’s walk through it together.


1. What Does “Best Wedding Photographer” Really Mean?

“Best” is such a personal word when it comes to photography. The best photographer for your best friend might not be the best for you—and that’s perfectly okay. It all comes down to connection, comfort, and how you want to remember your big day.

Here’s a quick breakdown to help you reflect on what matters most to you:

PriorityWhat to Consider
Photography StyleDo you love candid, real moments, editorial poses, or soft, romantic edits?
Personality & VibeDo you want someone who feels like a friend or someone more low-key?
ExperienceHave they shot at your wedding venue before? How many years have they been doing wedding and elopement photography?
Budget & ValueWhat’s included in their packages? How do they price their work?
Philosophy & ApproachDo they prioritize storytelling, posed shots, or a mix of both?

When you know what feels right for you, it’s easier to recognize when you’ve found “the one.”


2. Start with Style: Finding Your Visual Match

Your photographer’s style and specialty will shape the entire look and feel of your wedding or elopement gallery. Some styles to explore:

  • Light and Airy – Romantic, bright, and timeless
  • Dark and Moody – Dramatic, emotional, and rich in tones
  • True-to-Color – Honest, clean, and natural
  • Editorial – Fashion-inspired and intentional

Tip: Look through wedding blogs, Pinterest, and Instagram. Save the images that give you that warm, giddy feeling. That’s your heart telling you what you love!


3. Connection Is Everything: Why Vibes Matter

Let’s be real—your photographer is with you during some of your most intimate and emotional moments. You want someone who makes you feel completely at ease and adds to your wedding day experience.

Signs you’ve found a good match:

  • You feel instantly comfortable chatting with them
  • They genuinely listen to your vision and want to get to know you
  • They’re a great communicator and are regularly in touch
  • You can imagine spending hours together and still feeling relaxed

As one couple shared: “We felt a bit awkward in front of the camera at first, but she made us feel like naturals. Her professionalism and the quality of her work are simply unmatched.”

Tip: Meet them in person if you can, or at least over a video chat.


4. Questions to Ask Before You Book

Come prepared with thoughtful FAQs when meeting a potential wedding or elopement photographer. Here’s a helpful table to keep handy:

TopicWhat to Ask
AvailabilityAre you available on our wedding date?
ExperienceHow many years have you been a wedding photographer?
PackagesWhat’s included in your pricing? Any extras like engagement photos or a second photographer?
Backup PlansWhat happens if you’re sick or if one of your cameras fails?
Editing & TurnaroundHow long will it take to get our gallery? How will we receive our high resolution photos?

Asking the right questions will help you feel confident and informed as you move forward.


5. Budget Talk: Investing in Memories That Last

Wedding photography is more than a service—it’s an investment in your memories. It’s the only thing that remains of all your hard wedding planning work!

Photographers typically price their wedding packages based on:

  • Years of experience
  • Hours of coverage
  • What’s included (engagement sessions, albums, travel, etc.)
  • Their unique artistic vision
Package TierWhat’s Typically Included
Basic4-6 hours of coverage, online gallery
Mid-RangeFull day coverage, engagement shoot, online gallery
PremiumFull day coverage, engagement shoot, second shooter, online gallery

Tip: Choose the package that gives you peace of mind that you have coverage for everything you need—not just the price tag.


6. Reviews & Real Stories Matter

Don’t just scroll through their highlights reel—look for real stories! These tell all.

Check:

Green flags to look for:

  • Couples saying they felt relaxed and supported
  • Consistency in quality across different weddings
  • Inclusive representation of all kinds of love stories

Hearing from others helps you imagine what your own experience might be like.


7. Trust Your Gut: The Final Step

At the end of the day, the best choice is the one that feels right.

Your intimate wedding day is too important to settle for someone who doesn’t make your heart feel settled. When you find a wedding photographer who aligns with your vision, values, and vibe—you’ll know.


Allow Me to Introduce Myself Hi, I’m Aly 👋

If you’ve made it this far, chances are you’re looking for more than just someone with a camera—you’re looking for someone who is going to prioritize your wedding day experience just as much as your beautiful photos ❤️ I’m a wedding photographer based right here on Vancouver Island, Canada and I specialize in capturing heartfelt, joy-filled moments that feel just like you.

Here is a little info about me: I wholeheartedly believe that if you’re enjoying yourselves, that’s going to shine through in every photo. That is why my approach to wedding photography is laid-back and intentional, blending documentary storytelling with gentle guidance so you never feel awkward in front of the camera.

I’m not just here to take great pictures—I’m here to support you, celebrate you, and help you feel fully present on one of the most meaningful days of your life.

So if you’re searching for your wedding photographer on Vancouver Island—someone who’ll treat your love story with the care and creativity it deserves—I’d be honoured to connect! 

Let’s chat! 🙂

All photos in this article were taken at Sea Cider Farm & Ciderhouse. If you’d like to see more photos from this wedding, head on over to Sea Cider Wedding | Caroline + Ryan 💕

How to Choose the Best Wedding Photographer for You

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I respectfully acknowledge that my place of business is within the ancestral, unsurrendered and unceded Coast Salish Territory of the Lekwungen and W̱SÁNEĆ Nations.

ALL CONTENT COPYRIGHT © 2025 ALY SIBLEY PHOTOGRAPHY