7 Tips on Finding a Photographer for Your Sunshine Coast Wedding

Congratulations on your upcoming wedding, lovers! From our sun-kissed beaches to the lush hinterland, the Sunshine Coast is such a naturally beautiful, laidback place to celebrate love—and I feel so lucky to call this little slice of paradise home.

Once you’ve locked in your date, finding your wedding photographer usually shoots straight to the top of the to-do list—right alongside booking your venue and celebrant. And it makes sense: while your vendors help bring your day to life, it’s the photos that will hold every laugh, tear, and hug long after the last drink is poured.

That’s why choosing a Sunshine Coast wedding photographer who matches your creative vision and connects with you on a personal level is so important.

You want someone who’ll guide you through planning, who can keep you calm when the nerves hit, and who’ll capture those honest, vulnerable moments without you feeling like you’re “on display”. 

After working with hundreds of couples over the years, I’ve put together this guide to help you find your dream photographer—someone who’ll make your entire Sunshine Coast wedding experience fun, relaxed, and unforgettable (and yes, fingers crossed 🤞🏻, that’s me!)

How to Find the Best Sunshine Coast Wedding Photographer for You

1. Research Your Preferred Photography Style

Just like your favourite movie director or clothing brand, every wedding photographer has their own unique style.

Even if we’re all using similar cameras or shooting the same locations, each photographer has a different creative eye and approach to telling a story. From how they frame a shot to their editing and colour grading, their style is what gives your images their unique vibe.

Ask yourself what kind of photos you’re looking for:

• Light, airy, and romantic?
• Dark, moody, cinematic?
• Modern and editorial?
• Bright and vivid with warm tones?
• Grainy, nostalgic film style?

Start by scrolling through Instagram or Pinterest, searching terms like “Sunshine Coast wedding photographer” or simply “wedding photography”, and save the images that attract your attention.

But here’s the trick: don’t just focus on the aesthetics—tune into how the photos make you feel. The emotions captured in an image will always outlast trends and filters.

Once you notice a pattern in what you’re drawn to, you’ll have a clearer idea of the photography style that resonates with you—and it will be so much easier to narrow down potential photographers for your Sunshine Coast wedding.

2. Shortlist Professional Photographers Based on the Sunshine Coast

You don’t have to hire a Sunshine Coast photographer, but it can make life a little easier. Lots of photographers—including me!—are happy to travel for interstate and overseas weddings, but just check in about any travel fees first.

Once you’ve narrowed down a shortlist of potential wedding photographers on the Sunshine Coast, review their portfolios on their websites and Instagram accounts. 

Look for consistency in their work, including:

• How they use light
• Their attention to micro details vs. the bigger picture
• How they capture real, natural emotion
• Their balance of candid moments and posed portraits
• Overall editing style

A local photographer usually knows the Sunshine Coast like the back of their camera bag—perfect for finding the best spots for portraits, nailing that golden hour glow, and maybe even sharing a few hidden gems you didn’t know existed.

Your photos will feel effortless, and that extra insider knowledge makes a big difference!

3. Do a Vibe-Check

Your wedding photographer isn’t just the person behind the camera—they’re going to be with you all day, capturing some of the most important moments of your life! 

It’s not just about the photos (though, of course, that’s huge!). You also want someone who makes you feel relaxed, confident, and actually excited to be in front of the camera.

If you’re not used to being photographed, a photographer who feels like a friend—and someone who protects your energy rather than just “doing their job” and ticking boxes—is the best way to combat any niggling nerves.

To get a feel for their vibe, check out:

• Their ‘About’ page — do you connect with how they describe themselves?
• Socials — how do they show up in reels, captions, and behind-the-scenes content?
• Real Google reviews — especially ones that talk about the experience, not just the end photos

And here’s the most important tip: reach out and chat! A quick coffee or video call can tell you so much. If you feel comfortable, hyped, and genuinely click with them—that’s your sign.

Whether they’re from the Sunshine Coast or not, find a wedding photographer who already feels like a friend you can’t wait to spend the day with.

4. Don’t Be Shy — Ask ALL the Questions

There’s genuinely no question too small, silly, or tricky! A great wedding photographer isn’t just someone who shows up and snaps a few pretty pics—they’re someone with years of experience capturing weddings and helping couples navigate the planning process.

Think about what matters most to you and your partner, and how your photographer could play a role in making your day run smoothly. 

Some questions my couples often ask include:

• Can you help us plan our timeline so everything flows perfectly?
• Can you suggest the best spots for portraits at [venue]?
• Have you shot at [venue or location] before?
• Do you shoot both digital and film photography?
• Do you have backup plans in place for unexpected weather or any other hiccups?
• Can you recommend other vendors you trust (videographers, DJs, florists, etc.)?
• When will we receive our wedding photos?
• Do you offer engagement photography too?
• How does payment work?

And honestly…anything else that pops into your head! Whether it’s tricky family photo combos or helpful planning tips, don’t hold back.

Clear communication from the get-go sets the tone for a super fun, relaxed, and stress-free wedding day.

5. Think About Your Wedding Photos as a Long-Term Investment

I get it, this might sound like a bit of a sales pitch coming from me as a Sunshine Coast wedding photographer 😅…but hear me out.

Your wedding photos are so much more than just pretty images. They’re an investment in your memories—moments you’ll obsess over and relive again and again, 5, 10, 50 years from now. Maybe even moments you’ll share with your kids and future generations.

Think about looking through your parents’ or grandparents’ wedding photos. How often do we wish there were more? That’s exactly what your photos will do for you: hold the memories of your day forever.

So, instead of just thinking about price, focus on value.

What’s included in their wedding photography packages? Hours of coverage, a second shooter, albums, prints, or even film photography? Don’t be afraid to ask for add-ons and custom options if your vision isn’t fully covered in a standard package.

And yes, the cheapest option isn’t always the best—there’s usually a reason it’s so affordable. However, if you’re working with a tighter budget, consider asking about payment plans or even see if loved ones would like to contribute as a wedding gift.

After all, this is your day, and you deserve to invest in memories that will last a lifetime!

6. Always Trust Your Gut Instinct

At the end of the day, your gut feeling matters—big time. A photographer’s work might be stunning, but if you don’t feel that spark or connection, keep looking.

You want someone who truly understands you and your story, and who makes you feel comfortable being 100% yourself.

If you’re already feeling a little antsy about being the centre of attention on your wedding day, the last thing you want is another “stranger” to perform for.

You want someone who can match your energy, read the room, and put your peace before the photos. Because the only thing you should be focusing on is being present and taking in each moment, not performance. 

7. Found “The One”? Lock Them In ASAP

Weekends—especially Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays—fill up fast, particularly during peak wedding season here in Queensland (March–May and September–November).

No need to panic or rush into a decision, but be aware that popular Sunshine Coast wedding photographers, venues, musicians, and other vendors often book 12–24 months in advance.

Once you’ve found someone you vibe with and who’s available, secure your date with a deposit so you can tick it off your to-do list and start focusing on the other important bits of wedding planning!

PSA: Your Sunshine Coast Wedding Photographer (& Future Bestie) is Waiting

Finding the right photographer for your Sunshine Coast wedding isn’t just about capturing beautiful photos—it’s about finding someone who makes you feel heard and celebrated, not just seen.

Take your time, do your research, ask the questions, and trust your gut. Once you’ve found that perfect match, everything else falls into place a little easier.

You’ll feel calmer on the morning of your wedding, confident that the story of your day is being captured exactly as it unfolds—so you and your partner can be fully present; no fake smiles, awkward poses, or scripted moments required. 

And when the day is over, you’ll have photos that make you feel and relive every moment you lived. Take a deep breath, trust the process, and get ready to find a photographer who makes your entire wedding journey yours.

If you’re after pro-bono bestie vibes, I’m your gal—and I’d love for you to check out Sunshine Coast wedding photography packages!

Still looking for a venue? Explore my favourite wedding venues in Maleny and the Sunshine Coast hinterland. 

Have questions? Need more inspo? Please get in touch (and make my day!)🫶🏻🥹