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2024

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Best Wedding Photographers in Santa Maria, CA

Our Recommended Top 4

We did the research for you!

  • Licensing
  • User Reviews
  • Mystery Shopping Calls

Our goal is to connect people with the best local professionals. We scored Santa Maria Wedding Photographers on more than 25 variables across five categories, and analyzed the results to give you a hand-picked list of the best.

35Reviewed

22Curated

4Top Picks

Learn about our selection process.

Providers

featured provider = Featured Provider

Santa Maria, CA 93455

Expertise.com Rating

Why choose this provider?

Mirelle Carmichael is a San Diego based wedding photographer who specializes in turning special days into heirlooms. Her photos are light-filled and honest; they capture the joy in the big, little and forgotten moments. She describes her style as “journalistic and editorial”, which translates into a curated and romantic collection of photographs families can cherish and relive special moments with for years to come. Mirelle’s work has been featured extensively in many publications including Style Me Pretty, 100 Layer Cake, The Knot, June Bug, and more. Her numerous rave reviews refer consistently to her organization and professionalism, as well as her bubbly and vivacious personality.

Nipomo, CA 93444

Expertise.com Rating

Review Sources

Yelp
5.0 (6)

Why choose this provider?

Amy Wellenkamp Photographers is a Central Coast studio specializing in wedding photography that captures each couple's individual style. Wellenkamp has been in the industry for more than 20 years and has a degree in Graphic Communication: Design from Cal Poly State University. She is affiliated with Central Coast Wedding Professionals and Wedding and Portrait Photographers International. Her work has been featured in California Weds and Central Coast Bride Magazine. Standard wedding packages start at $4,000 and include eight hours of coverage and a custom USB with professionally edited print-ready images.

Oceano, CA 93445

Expertise.com Rating

Review Sources

Google
5.0 (4)

Why choose this provider?

Kay Mitchell Photography is a San Luis Obispo, California based photographer specializing in lifestyle and wedding shoots. Kay also offers additional services, such as engagement and boudoir shoots, and has an assortment of packages available to fit every client’s needs. Using a style that combines traditional and journalistic, Kay creates clean and natural images. She gets to know her clients before the wedding and learns about their proposal, wedding planning process, and any important details so that she can offer guidance, advice, and a great photography experience. Kay’s clients praise her for her promptness, professionalism, and ability to accommodate special requests.

Oceano, CA 93445

Expertise.com Rating

Review Sources

Google
5.0 (8)

Why choose this provider?

applemoon photography has been crafting timeless engagement and wedding imagery for clients in Oceano and surrounding areas for more than ten years. The studio is owned and operated by husband and wife team, Maren and Michael Brajkovich, who are noted for their classy, yet fun approach to capturing images. Maren and Michael’s style is a mix of traditional/posed, vintage and photojournalistic. In addition to standard wedding packages, Maren and Michael can customize packages to suit the client’s needs and budget. Past clients have praised the couple for their enthusiasm, positive attitude, and incredible photos. Maren and Michael met in college, lived in 12 countries and are parents to three cute kids.

Compare our Top Wedding Photographers

NameExpertise RatingAddressPromotionsLearn more
Mirelle Carmichael
Santa Maria, CA 93455
Amy Wellenkamp Photographers
Nipomo, CA 93444
Kay Mitchell Photography
Oceano, CA 93445
applemoon photography
Oceano, CA 93445

FAQs

  • Introduction

    Because of the sheer number of weddings that happen each year, wedding photography is a booming industry. Couples engaged to be married should take great care in finding a wedding photographer before their big day that suits their style.

    Many people think all wedding photographers are virtually the same, but this is incorrect. Some photographers prefer unusual arrangements, angles, and uses of light in their images. They may also have unique styles and filters when editing wedding photos. This makes it very important if you're planning on getting married and looking for a photographer to take the time to find one whose style aligns with what you're looking for.
  • What does a wedding photographer do?

    Wedding photographers take pictures of the wedding ceremony, the bridesmaids and groomsmen, and the families of the bride and groom. They also often photograph the major events of the reception and the guests to help preserve memories of the entire affair.

  • What makes a good wedding photographer?

    A good wedding photographer can faithfully recreate special memories, taking care to capture the most important moments of the wedding and reception. They're able to fulfill the requests of the couple getting married and help them choose the best images from the event.

  • How do I pick a wedding photographer?

    Couples can find their wedding photographer by asking friends and family for recommendations or checking out local listings. It's important to review portfolios, pricing, and availability. When you've picked a few that pique your interest, speak to them in person to make sure they're a good fit.

  • What should I ask a wedding photographer?

    Before you make a final decision about your wedding photographer, you'll want to ask several important questions, such as:

    • Can we see your portfolio?
    • How many weddings have you shot?
    • How much do require for a deposit?
    • What packages are available in our price range?
    • What is your editing style?

  • How much does a wedding photographer cost?

    The cost of a wedding photographer depends on various factors, including their experience, photo packages, and the length of time you need them. According to Brides.com, a wedding photographer can charge anywhere between $1,000 and $10,000 for their services.

  • Why are wedding photographers so expensive?

    A wedding photographer's fee reflects their experience, training, and ability to fulfill your vision and requests. The time needed to complete the process for a single wedding makes a difference as well. For a standard eight to 10 hour wedding, a photographer may spend as much as double that culling and editing photos.

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