get the guide:
Choosing the right wedding photographer
Match your budget :
You'll see the word "timeless" used to describe someone's photography style, yet when the images are put in a pile with images from other photographers, it's really hard to tell who took the photographs. Timeless, but unique imagery means images that are uniquely creative and different, but are not over-processed or too unrealistic. We strive to be unique, while also producing images that are timeless and realistic.
A great photographer should have a thorough understanding of photography gear and display images that show creativity and technical editing abilities. They should be able to work with different lighting conditions and be able to adjust their settings accordingly to get the best shot possible. They should also be familiar with post-processing techniques to produce compelling and unique images. A photographer that can display the ability to work with off-camera lighting, and show that they can create unique imagery using advanced editing skills, are worth paying more for, and will have the tools and knowledge to deliver your desired outcome from the wedding or photoshoot.
Know your budget and what your needs are. I get it, there are a lot of photographers out there, or people who have an interest in photography. Knowing your budget and what your desired outcome will be from your photoshoot, will help you choose the right photographer. The lower your budget, the less experienced the photographer will be, and the less likely you will have the desired outcome from your wedding or photoshoot. Reviews, website, years of experience, and reflection of creativity in their portfolio will help you find the right photographer that fits your budget and needs.
Technical Skill :
Timeless, But Unique Imagery :
Passion and Creativity :
Lastly, a great wedding photographer should have a genuine passion for photography and for capturing special moments. They should be excited about the opportunity to be part of your special day and should be committed to creating beautiful and meaningful photographs that you will treasure for a lifetime.
As seen in
Cost for a great wedding photographer in Seattle and the Pacific northwest.
The cost for wedding and elopement photography in the Pacific Northwest and Seattle can range between $3,500 and $8500, on average. Of course, you pay for what you get. Experience, size and scale of the wedding, number of photographers, hours of shooting, and the creative skill level, all play a factor in cost. You should be factoring in roughly 15-20% of your wedding budget for photography.
Remember, you're not just paying for wedding day coverage, you're paying for the wedding photographer's experience, equipment, the photographer's training, creativeness and the hours editing behind the scenes. A typical wedding day takes 6-8 hours in post-production.
"Cupcake ipsum dolor sit amet gummies donut. Fruitcake cheesecake brownie oat cake sweet roll chocolate bar gingerbread cake. Gummies biscuit marzipan marshmallow chocolate macaroon."
jennifer & jason
Consult Call
Photo Delivery
Get Married!
Let's Plan
Secure Your Date
Reach out & we can schedule a free call so we can get to know each other. This is where you tell me all about the elopement of your dreams and we talk about planning.
I deliver a large sneak peak within 24 hours so that anyone that may have missed out can feel as involved as possible.
(the rest in 8 - 12 weeks during peak season, 4-6 off-season)
Let's Go! I help guide you through your wedding day and document it as it unfolds, taking candid, authentic images that you will look back on for years to come.
Typically, wedding day plans won't be set in stone until about 30 days out. From the time you book with me to your big day, we will gather details and discuss them 15-30 days prior to your wedding day.
After everyone determines we're a good fit you can secure your date with a deposit and a retainer fee.
Whether you're working with a wedding coordinator or planning the day yourself, these are the key moments that you MUST have set in your timeline, to ensure that your photographer will be able to document your day and create an album that you will look back on for years to come.
Wedding Day Timeline
- RINGS, DRESSES, SUITS, SHOES, INVITATIONS AND ANYTHING ELSE THAT IS IMPORTANT TO YOU
- BRIDE, BRIDAL PARTY, GROOM AND GROOMSMEN GETTING READY
Getting Dressed & Details
Make sure to have your photographer around to capture your wedding dress zipped up by your maid of honor, mom, or a special someone.
Bridal Portraits
The first look is optional. Some couples like the idea of seeing each other dressed up for the first time as the bride is walking down the aisle. The first look is a more intimate moment, that the couple can share prior to the ceremony, and a great ice breaker to shake away all of those nerves.
First Look
After the first look or about an hour prior to the ceremony is typically a good time to capture wedding party and family portraits. Prior to your wedding day, make sure to provide your photographer with a list of photos that you would like and who's to be included. This will make the process for gathering large groups of people a lot easier, trust me.
Wedding Party & Family Photos
Wedding ceremonies can range from 20 minutes to 90 minutes, depending on the type of wedding. Non-Religious ceremonies can be as quick as 5 minutes, while Religious ceremonies, I've seen last up to 2 hours!
Keep this in mind when booking your photographer for your Wedding day. Make sure you have enough time to cover the entire day, but leave room for your wedding photographer and assistants to capture everything that is important to you.
Ceremony
Cocktail hour is a great chance for the two of you to break free and escape for a few moments with your photographer. This is also a great time to chill out for a few minutes.
This can also be a great time to take family photos, if you haven't done so already. one of the benefits to having an experienced wedding photographer is knowing that your wedding photographer can be flexible and adapt as the day unfolds, making sure that they document all the key elements of your big day.
Cocktail Hour
depending on what time of the year it is and location, sunset times can vary. Sunset images are TYPICALLY when you're going to get the best light and magical images. Insert chef's kiss here. There are plenty of apps to help determine sunset times but just ask your photographer, they should know. If a sunset shoot isn't in the cards, due to weather or other scenarios, it's still a great time to have your photographer capture some fine art wedding photographs and any other shots that they may not have had time to capture.
We recommend scheduling the sunset shots roughly 30 minutes prior to sunset. This will ensure that the light is soft but also vibrant. This will also ensure that you and your photographer won't be chasing the light.
Sunset Photos
Most wedding receptions follow a similar outline. Dinner, Grand entrances, toasts, dances, Cake cutting, garter and bouquet toss, and open dance floor are all the common events that will take place during a wedding reception. However, we've seen couples throw in various traditions, dances etc.
Your wedding photographer should typically be prepared and expecting the usual. Make sure to prep your photographer on anything that is outside of the traditional reception. Our clients will have a questionnaire sent to them 30 days prior to their wedding day. The more information our clients provide us, the more we can be prepared and plan around changes that occur or SURPRISES.
Reception
the send off is always a fun way to end the night. Sparklers, bubble guns, light sabers, you name it, we've seen it. If you're interested in having an epic send off at the end of the night, make sure your photographer is well aware of this prior to your wedding day.
To create the best send off, make sure to notify your dj so that they can make announcements to guests to line up but also cue up some beats for your grand exit. Designating your COORDINATOR or someone from your wedding party to corral your guests is best. from there, your photographer can line everyone up as they see fit.
The Send-Off
Engagement sessions include 90 minutes with Matt, within the King, Pierce and Snohomish County lines. You session will include 45 images delivered via an online gallery for easy download and sharing. Additional add-ons include GIFs, social media reels, and travel to further locations.
Starting investment - $549
Average Investment- $700
* If booking an engagement session only, a $400 credit will be applied to your balance if you book a wedding in the future.
We offer various wedding packages to fit the needs of your wedding day. Package offerings start with 6 hours of wedding photography, images delivered via an online gallery for easy download and sharing, and an engagement session. Additional add-ons include wedding videography, gifs, social media reels, additional photographers, and print packages.
Starting investment - $3500
Average Investment- $5200
Destination wedding packages are similar to the standard wedding packages. The main difference is going to be travel and travel accommodations.
We would love to capture your big day in an epic location. We offer flexible rates for travel, in addition to your wedding day package. Inquire to find out more details.
Starting investment - $3500
Average Investment- $5200
• • • • •
• • • • •
• • • • •
Engagements
Weddings
Destinations
let's chat
Investment
Tacoma and Seattle Wedding Photographer Matt Rommel of Matt Rommel Photography specializes in wedding photography, elopement photography, engagement photography and portraits of all types. Available for travel to Sedona, AZ, Jackson Hole, WY, Louisville, KY, Estes Park, CO and worldwide, including destination wedding photography.
PH | 425-443-1409
