Bristol Wedding Photographer FAQ

Everything you need to know before you book

You’ve booked the venue, found the dress, and now you’re hunting for the right photographer. Someone who’ll make you feel comfortable, capture those tiny, in-between moments, and deliver photos that still make you tear up ten years from now.

black wedding guest family is having a moment at a wedding at the Square Club Bristol
wedding guests are dancing on the dancefloor at a traditional hungarian wedding
Wedding guests are clapping hands to celebrate with the bride and groom

Have you got questions?

I’ve got you!

Choosing a wedding photographer shouldn’t feel complicated, it should feel like finding a friend who happens to take incredible photos.

I know there’s a lot to think about: packages, deposits, photo delivery timelines, editing styles, travel… the list goes on. So, I’ve gathered everything you might want to know about how I work, what to expect, and how to make the most out of your wedding photography experience.

Newlyweds are sharing a candid kiss at an alternative wedding venue in a skateboard park.

Meet

Your photographer

I’m Eszter, the face behind Emerald Photo UK.

A Bristol-based, documentary-style wedding photographer capturing honest, colourful, and heartfelt stories across the South West, Bath, Somerset, and the Cotswolds.

Whether you’re the kind of couple who loves being in front of the camera or would rather run a mile, I promise you’ll feel completely yourself. So, let’s dive into the questions that matter most.

Eszter Szalai, one of the leading professional photographers in Bristol, smiling in natural light

Booking & Availability

The sweet spot for booking is around 12–18 months in advance especially for spring and summer weekends. Popular venues like tend to get snapped up fast (along with photographers!).

That said, I sometimes have weekday or off-season dates open for smaller celebrations and elopements. So even if your date feels close, it’s always worth asking.

Everything’s done online: quick, easy, and secure.

Once we’ve had a chat (usually over the phone or WhatsApp or having a cosy coffee somewhere). After that I’ll send you a booking link. You’ll find the contract, invoice, and payment details all in one place. A 20% deposit secures your date, and the remaining balance is due 3 days before your wedding.

You’ll also receive a short client questionnaire to help me understand your plans (think of it as a little love story cheat sheet that helps me capture your wedding day the way you imagined).

Once you’re ready to secure your date, the process is simple:

  • Complete the booking form
  • We’ll arrange a call or meeting to chat details
  • A 20% booking fee and signed contract confirm your date
  • The remaining balance is due 3 days before your wedding

Flexible payment plans are available if needed, just ask.

Absolutely, and I’d love that! We can meet in person (I’ll never say no to coffee) or chat online if you’re planning from afar.

This gives us both a chance to see if we’re a good fit. You can ask all your questions, share your ideas, and I’ll walk you through how I work on the day: from morning prep to your first dance.

No sales pitch, just a relaxed conversation so you know exactly what to expect.

Ready to check if your date’s free?

Let’s chat!
Raw emotional wedding moment of bride and grandmother captured with emotive wedding photography in Bristol

Photography Style & Approach

Think of my style as documentary meets editorial: real moments with a touch of elegance.

I don’t do stiff poses or forced smiles. I’m there to capture your story as it unfolds: the tear before the vows, the laughter mid-speech, the unplanned glances that say everything. My background in photojournalism means I work quietly, blending in, finding emotion in movement and detail.

But I also love those artful, editorial moments: the soft light hitting your dress, the golden hour portraits that feel cinematic.

I shoot with a Nikon Z6 III and Profoto lighting. Every image is edited with care, true to how your day felt, not just how it looked.

Honestly? Most couples do.
You’re not models and I don’t want you to be.

My approach is simple: I give you something to do, not something to perform. A little walk, a quiet chat, a bad joke (I have plenty) and before you know it, you’ll forget I’m even there.

Yes, and I absolutely love them.

Engagement sessions are perfect if you want to get comfortable in front of the camera before the big day (or just want some gorgeous photos of the two of you in your favourite spot). Think golden hour sunset walks or baking, exploring, laughing your way through the nerves.

Bridal portraits, on the other hand, are all about celebrating you and your dress in a calm, creative space. We’ll take our time, play with light, and create portraits that feel like fine art but still real full of confidence, softness, and joy.

You can add either session to any package or book them separately. Both are relaxed, fun, and completely tailored to you.

Absolutely, yes, and always with love, respect, and celebration.

Every couple’s story deserves to be documented beautifully. Whether your day is traditional, alternative, or something in between, I focus on what truly matters: connection, emotion, and joy.

Love the sound of this?

Explore my packages or take a peek at my gallery.

Coverage, Packages & Pricing

Let’s be real, wedding photography is an investment, but it’s one that lasts long after the cake is gone and the flowers fade.

My wedding packages start at £1,350 for intimate celebrations and go up to £2,800 for full-day, story-driven coverage.

Every package includes:

  • Pre-wedding consultation
  • Full professional coverage with artistic documentary storytelling
  • Sneak peek gallery within a week (because waiting is hard)
  • Beautiful online gallery for easy sharing and downloads
  • Professional editing
  • Optional fine art albums

Of course! Before your wedding, you’ll fill out a quick client questionnaire where you can note anything important: like family group shots, details, or must-have moments.

That said, my favourite photos usually happen when no one’s expecting them: the unposed laughter, the messy hair, the teary hugs. So yes, we’ll get all the “list shots,” but I’ll also make sure you get the moments you didn’t know you needed.

wedding couple is posing for a picture under an umbrella
bridesmaids are dancing on the dancefloor in a floral dress at a Folly Farm wedding in Bristol

Before, During & After Your Wedding Day

Once you’ve booked, we’ll have a friendly planning consultation to go through the timeline, your vision, and all the details that matter most to you.

You’ll also receive my wedding planning questionnaire (don’t worry, it’s short and easy). It helps me understand your priorities: the people, places, and emotions you care about most, so I can focus on capturing them with intention.

If you’re unsure how to structure your day for the best photos, I’ll help with that too.

I’m there to tell your story: start to finish without ever turning it into a photoshoot.

I’ll capture the excitement in the morning, the deep breaths before the ceremony, the tears during your vows, and the chaos of the dance floor. My style is calm and observant; I’ll blend in like a friend with a camera (except with way better lighting).

You won’t need to worry about posing or smiling on cue. You just live the day. I’ll take care of freezing every laugh, glance, and hand squeeze you might otherwise forget.

Here’s the fun part, reliving it all.

Within a week, I’ll send you a sneak peek gallery so you can share a few favourites right away (because let’s face it, waiting is torture).

Your full gallery will be ready within 6–8 weeks, depending on the season. Every image is carefully edited, colour-balanced, and polished for a timeless, elegant finish. I don’t rush the process: I give each photo the care it deserves so it feels like your day, your way.

You’ll receive your images through a beautiful online gallery via Pic-Time designed for easy viewing, downloading, and sharing with family and friends. You can even order fine art prints, albums, or wall art directly through the gallery.

Albums, Prints & Keepsakes

Absolutely, because your photos deserve to live somewhere more beautiful than your phone screen.

Every wedding collection includes access to your gallery, where you can order fine art prints, albums, and wall art with just a few clicks. For couples who want something truly special, I offer handcrafted wedding albums made in the UK by Folio Albums and Loxley Colour.

Each album is custom-designed and made to last for generations: with linen, leather, or velvet covers, archival-quality paper, and lay-flat pages that tell your story like a cinematic timeline. Think of it as the final chapter of your wedding: one you can actually hold in your hands.

Yes, and many couples do! Your online gallery stays live for at least 12 months, so you can order additional prints, wall art, or gifts anytime.

You can even send the link to family or friends (because let’s face it, your mum will want her own copy).

If you’d prefer something personalised, I can help you create keepsakes from framed prints to custom memory boxes.

There’s something timeless about printed photographs: the weight, the texture, the way you can trace a fingertip over the page and feel the memory come alive again.

Digital galleries are wonderful, but holding your wedding album? That’s where the emotion lives. It’s a quiet, tangible reminder of your love story, one you’ll open for anniversaries, kids, grandkids, or just when you need a reason to smile.

groom preparation with perfume and backlit lighting
the square club bristol wedding

Practical & “What If” Questions

Honestly? Some of my favourite photos have happened in the rain.

If the weather turns, don’t panic, we’ll adapt quickly.

We can bring umbrellas, waterproof covers, and a backup plan (just in case). Rain adds character: reflections, laughter, and the kind of intimacy sunshine can’t always create.

Touch wood, this has never happened, but of course, I’ve got a plan for that too.

I’m part of a few trusted network of photographers who share the same documentary, storytelling style. If the absolute worst happened, I’d make sure a professional you can trust steps in, fully briefed on your timeline and vision.

You’d still get the same level of editing, delivery, and care, all handled by me.

Absolutely! Love is love, and every story deserves to be celebrated.

I’ve photographed all kinds of weddings across Bristol, Bath, Somerset, and the Cotswolds, from traditional church ceremonies to modern outdoor celebrations. My job is to document connection and emotion, no matter your background, culture, or traditions.

You can expect the same warmth, curiosity, and respect in every photo.

Of course! You’ll get a pre-wedding client questionnaire to share any must-have shots, like family combinations or personal details.

But I’ll also focus on what’s not on your list: the unplanned hugs, the quiet tears, the wild dance floor moments. Those are the ones that end up meaning the most.

Editing, Delivery & Copyright

I totally get why people ask this, you’ve invested so much in your photos, it’s natural to want everything.
But the short answer is: no, I don’t share RAW files.

Here’s why: your photos aren’t finished until they’ve been edited. The editing is where your story comes to life, where colours are balanced, tones are softened, and everything feels cohesive and cinematic. It’s a huge part of my creative process (and what gives your gallery that signature look).

I use specific tools for fine retouching, each image gets individual attention, not a batch filter.

Yes, every single one.

I personally hand-edit each photo, adjusting colours, contrast, and light to create that warm, timeless look. My editing style enhances what’s already there; I’ll remove a temporary blemish or flyaway hair, but I’ll never change how you look.

It’s all about celebrating what’s real: the light, the texture, the emotion.

Your full gallery will arrive beautifully presented through a private online space where you can view, download, and share your photos in full resolution.

You’ll be able to:

  • Download all images in high and web quality
  • Order fine art prints or albums from trusted UK labs
  • Create favourites lists for easy sharing with family and friends

Your gallery link will stay active for at least a year, but I recommend downloading and backing up your files too (though don’t worry, I keep secure backups of everything).

I’ve never missed a wedding, but if something serious prevented me from attending, I have a network of professional photographers I trust to step in at short notice. You’ll never be left without coverage.

Under UK copyright law, the photographer automatically owns the copyright to the images, but don’t worry, you get full personal usage rights. That means you can share, print, and post your photos freely, as long as they’re for personal use.

If you’re working with wedding blogs or suppliers who’d like to use the images, just let me know, I’ll happily provide permission or branded versions for publication.

I retain copyright mainly to protect your images from misuse, ensuring they’re always presented in their best light.

A tattooed bride laughing during a playful wedding shoe game surrounded by cheering guests.
Two guests are doing their wedding speeches during an evening wedding reception.

Travel & Destination Weddings

Absolutely! I photograph weddings all across the South West of England and beyond.

From the rolling hills of Somerset to the cobbled charm of Bath, the wild beauty of the Cotswolds, and even as far as South Wales, I’m always up for an adventure (especially if there’s good light and good coffee involved).

I include travel within 2 hours of Bristol in my full-day packages. For locations further afield, I simply add a small travel fee to cover accommodation and transport.

Quite possibly! I’ve photographed weddings at many stunning wedding venues including:

  • The Mount Without
  • Folly Farm Centre
  • The Square Club

That said, I also love shooting at new places. I always arrive early to explore, plan my lighting setup, and find those beautiful storytelling backdrops that make each venue unique.

Yes! Whether it’s a seaside celebration in Cornwall or a countryside wedding in Tuscany, I’m always ready to pack my camera and chase a good story.

Destination weddings are priced individually to include travel and accommodation.

If you’re dreaming of something different (mountains, vineyards, barefoot on a beach), we’ll create a package that fits your plans.

Photos that are full of life

“We got married in October, and finding Eszter was like fate! From our first chat, it felt like she completely understood what we wanted—photos that were full of life, real moments, and nothing forced. On the day, she blended in so effortlessly, capturing everything without being intrusive. Honestly, we barely noticed she was there, yet she got the most incredible shots! Every guest adored her, and she made everyone feel so comfortable. The photos are beyond beautiful, and I can’t imagine having anyone else capture our day. We’d recommend Eszter in a heartbeat—her work is just magical!”

Rebecca & Kharla

Let’s dive in!

Let’s chat about what matters most to you and design a wedding photography experience that is as full of life as your big day. Ready to make it happen? Let’s chat!

Not ready to book yet?