Choosing a Wedding Photographer in the UAE
Your wedding photographs outlast everything else. The flowers die, the food is eaten, the guests go home — but the images stay with you forever. Choosing the right photographer is one of the most important decisions in your entire wedding planning process.
The UAE has a competitive and talented photography market. There are hundreds of photographers in Dubai alone. This guide helps you separate the genuinely excellent from the merely good-looking portfolio.
What to Look for in a Wedding Portfolio
Consistency Across the Full Gallery
Anyone can post their best 20 images on Instagram. Ask for a full gallery from a single wedding — all 400–600 delivered images. This tells you how they shoot across an entire day: the bright outdoor shots, the low-light baraat arrival, the candid emotional moments, and the obligatory formal family portraits.
Low-Light Performance
South Asian weddings often take place in hotel ballrooms under mixed, difficult lighting. Look specifically for indoor, low-light shots in the portfolio. Blurry, grainy, or heavily filtered indoor images are a red flag.
People Handling
A great wedding photographer is also a great people handler. They direct family groups without wasting 45 minutes. They notice the emotional moment before it happens. Ask couples in reviews whether the photographer was calm, organised, and easy to work with on the day.
Coverage of Your Specific Events
If you are having a baraat, mehndi, and nikkah, look for portfolios showing all three — not just one glamorous reception shoot.
Questions to Ask Before Booking
- How many weddings have you shot similar to ours? (guest count, venue type, cultural events)
- Will you personally shoot our wedding, or will you send an associate? Many studios use associates for certain bookings.
- How many images will we receive, and in what format?
- What is your turnaround time for the full gallery? Standard is 4–8 weeks. Some photographers take 12+.
- Do you have backup equipment? Camera failures happen. A professional carries spares.
- What happens if you are ill or injured on our wedding day? Understand their contingency plan.
- Do you retain rights to use our images for marketing? Many contracts include this — be comfortable with it or negotiate.
Photography Packages in the UAE (2026)
| Package Type | Price Range |
|---|---|
| Single photographer, one event | AED 4,000–10,000 |
| Single photographer, full day | AED 8,000–18,000 |
| Two photographers, full day | AED 15,000–30,000 |
| Photography + videography bundle | AED 20,000–50,000 |
| Premium editorial team | AED 40,000–80,000+ |
Note: Prices vary significantly by photographer reputation, season, and package inclusions. Always confirm what is included — editing, albums, prints, and social media teasers are sometimes add-ons.
Videography: Do You Need It?
Short answer: yes, if you can afford it. The wedding day moves faster than anyone expects. Video captures things photographs cannot — the sound of the call to prayer, the laugh during the vows, the baraat drumming.
Book photography and videography together when possible. Teams who work together consistently produce better coordinated coverage — they do not block each other's shots.
Booking Timeline
- 12–16 months out: The best photographers in Dubai are booked this far in advance for peak season (October–February).
- 8–10 months out: Good availability on weekdays and some Sundays.
- Under 6 months: Availability exists but premium photographers are likely taken for popular dates.
Red Flags to Avoid
- No contract or a vague one-page agreement
- Refusal to show a full gallery from a recent wedding
- Prices significantly below market rate with no clear explanation
- No reviews or testimonials from real couples
Find Photographers on Shaadi Bazaar
Browse wedding photographers in Dubai, Abu Dhabi, and Sharjah. View full portfolio samples, read reviews, and send a direct inquiry.