Katy RosserIt was the morning of my cousin’s wedding when panic struck. You’d think finding a wedding photographer would be easy in Auckland, but my cousin had been so fussy.
She wanted nothing but the best, and somehow, the illustrious “best” hadn’t shown up.
Enter me: sleep-deprived with a questionable history of tragic selfies. I ended up as the stand-in photographer for a good 45 minutes, armed with nothing but my phone camera. The results were hilariously awful.
That experience taught me a valuable lesson on the importance of finding an amazing wedding photographer well in advance. So, the next time a family friend needed a photographer for her special day, I went ham on the research weeks ahead!
Today, I’ll even share the ones that we shortlisted for all the lovebirds out there. Here are the best wedding photographers in Auckland!
| How much does it cost to hire a wedding photographer in Auckland? Expect to spend at least 1,500 NZD when hiring a wedding photographer in Auckland. This price is just an estimate and will vary depending on the photographer’s experience, the package you choose, and more. |
How I Chose
1. Hollow & Co
Address: 136 Tyler Street, Auckland CBD, Auckland 1010, New Zealand
Contact Details: +64 21 207 1131
Operating Hours: Open 24 Hours
Looking for a wedding photographer who blends into your day and captures heartfelt moments with creativity and detail? Tom Hollow from Hollow & Co. might be a good choice.
His team is famous for nailing that authentic, chic, and timeless vibe. They also do videography, so you can relive your big day whenever you want.
Even better, they help you sketch out a timeline for your wedding day. Many couples said this aspect helped make everything run smoothly for their big day.
Tom’s easy-going and relaxed approach put everyone at ease, leading to natural smiles that truly shone through in their photos. He also takes the time to understand the preferences of the couples he works with, ensuring the photos reflect their unique personalities.
However, if you’re looking for traditional posed photography, Hollow & Co. might not be the best fit since their speciality is capturing candid, spontaneous moments.
Pros
- Chic and timeless vibe
- Offers photography and videography
- Expert light and composition
- Scheduling support
Cons
- Not ideal if you want traditional posed photos
Customer Reviews
Choosing Tom was the best decision we made for our wedding
“Tom was absolutely amazing. Choosing Tom was the best decision we made for our wedding. Tom was incredibly helpful, organised, and trustworthy throughout the entire process. He made us feel comfortable during the shoot and captured our genuine smiles in the photo. We cannot thank you, Tom, enough for making our day even more special. After the wedding, my partner and I said we wanted to capture our future special moments with Tom as well, if possible. It was a really great experience with him. Thank you, Tom. We really appreciate it.”
– Jayoung Kim Google Review
Tom was super chill and put everyone at ease
“Tom and his team are simply incredible. We had so many compliments of them from our family and friends at our wedding. Tom was super chill and put everyone at ease especially those who are normally shy of the camera. His simple directions and assistance made the process so smooth. Not to mention how amazing our photos have turned out. We couldn’t recommend him more to anyone looking for photography and video services.”
– Katie L Google Review
2. Kouki Weddings & Elopement Photo & Video
Address: 52 Botany Road, Botany Downs, Auckland 2014, New Zealand
Contact Details: +64 210 583 950
Kouki Weddings Photo & Video, led by Michael Kouki, is a standout choice for couples planning an Indian wedding.
Several couples couldn’t stop raving about his deep understanding of Indian wedding traditions. They praised how he captured the unique moments and intricate details, creating mesmerising photos and videos.
Even if you’re not planning an Indian wedding, Kouki is still a solid choice. From enchanting pre-wedding photoshoots to intimate elopement sessions, his versatility and creativity are an absolute green flag.
While observing Kouki and his team in action, I can sense his infectious positive energy and natural ability to put everyone at ease. It’s clear why many have consistently praised his charisma and knack for making their wedding photoshoots enjoyable.
Many also highlighted his professionalism and organisation, which made the entire process enjoyable and stress-free. Given his high demand, though, it’s essential to book Kouki well in advance to secure his services.
Pros
- Expert in Indian wedding photography
- Versatile portfolio
- Positive vibes
- Meticulous and professional
Cons
- They can be hard to book
Customer Reviews
His ability to make everyone laugh and feel comfortable was insane
“From the moment we enquired and met up with Kouki he brought this positive energy and friendliness that we loved. We were so thrilled that he was available for our wedding week. His ability to make everyone laugh and feel comfortable was insane and he turned the whole “stressful” wedding craze into a fun experience. The photos were stunning!! Every single moment was captured beautifully and so artistically. Our guests couldn’t stop raving about how cool and friendly he was and most importantly how he rocked them Indian outfits. Kouki seriously went above and beyond. We highly recommend him to anyone looking for a photographer who is professional, talented, and an absolute cool guy to work with. Thank you again Kouki!!!!”
– Neelam Chandra Google Review
He makes everyone comfortable in front of the camera
“The one thing that was really important to us for our wedding day was our photographer and man we were not disappointed! Mike has an amazing eye for capturing such amazing natural moments, the way he uses lighting and the way he sees things through a lens brings moments to life. He makes everyone comfortable in front of the camera it’s like having your best mate there beside you during the day. Our photos are everything we dreamed of!”
– Rochelle Simpson Google Review
3. Lionel Tan Photography
Contact Details: +64 21 238 3393
Operating Hours: Monday to Sunday – 9 AM to 9 PM
If you’re a camera-shy couple, Lionel Tan might be your best pick. He is laid-back, a fun professional, and won’t intrude. He’s got a knack for capturing both candid and posed shots, giving you a beautiful story of your whole day.
With Lionel behind the camera, you can expect photos that’ll bring on the laughs, tears, and all those in-between moments. From nailing the perfect lighting to noticing tiny background details, he’s got an eye for the little things that add depth and personality to pictures.
His former clients also appreciated his flexibility. He can tailor a package to fit your needs so that no special moment is missed.
Plus, you’ll get your own personalised online gallery of high-resolution photos perfect for printing and sharing. Don’t worry – they are all full resolution, watermark-free, and ready for you to share on Instagram.
Sure, some did say his wedding photography services are a bit of an investment, but with all that you’re getting, it might be worth it to make your special day extra special.
Pros
- Perfect for camera-shy couples
- Blend of candid and posed shots
- Flexible packages
- Online gallery of photos available ASAP
Cons
- Pricey
Customer Reviews
Felt a bit awkward to start with, but Lionel made us completely at ease
“If you are reading the reviews deciding if you should book Lionel or not, I 100% recommend you book him! He has been amazing to work with. From the initial consult to our engagement shoot to the wedding day. We aren’t use to being in front of a camera and felt a bit awkward to start with but Lionel made us completely at ease, it ended up being so much fun! Thank you so much Lionel!! We love all our photos.”
– Jenny Dai, Google Reviews
We are so honoured to have found Lionel
Lionel was an absolute star at our wedding, not only did he take the most stunning photos (his attention to detail, knowledge for good locations/lighting/friendly ques for posing) he also felt like a close family friend to us. We had so many laughs and our guests loved him too! Everything from the initial contact through to the end was so smooth, we couldn’t imagine having anyone else be part of our special day. We are so honoured to have found Lionel and would highly recommend him to anyone needing wedding/special occassion photography.
– JD Maquiso, Google Reviews
4. Perspectives Photo + Cinema
Address: The Forge 28/3 Inanga Street, Hobsonville, Auckland 0616, New Zealand
Contact Details: +64 27 319 0076
Operating Hours: Open 24 Hours
Perspectives Photo + Cinema is perfect for couples who want an epic and cinematic storytelling approach and couples who are planning a destination wedding.
Many former clients praised the team for prioritising their timeline instead of sticking to a set schedule. Unlike some companies that leave after a few hours, they stay to capture every important moment, from your pre-wedding jitters to the last dance of the night.
This is what allows for a complete and immersive storytelling experience. Couples don’t feel rushed on their big day and can be confident that those spontaneous, magical moments that happen late in the evening will make it into their photo album.
However, due to their immense popularity, securing Perspectives Photo + Cinema can be quite challenging. So, if you’ve got your heart set on them, book far in advance.
Pros
- No time limits
- Cinematic photography + videography
- Great for destination weddings
Cons
- Booking them may be a challenge
Customer Reviews
Her photos are just amazing – capturing the intimate feel of our day
“Amber was the perfect person to have with us on our wedding day. She was totally professional and at the same time she blended in with our family and friends perfectly. Her photos are just amazing – capturing the intimate feel of our day, and the emotions and happiness as well. We are just so thrilled to have these photos to cherish as memories – they are wonderful! Thank you so much – we can’t recommend you highly enough!”
– Sharon O’Dowd Google Review
The most incredible photo/video team we could ever have wished for
“Amber and Jared were the most incredible photo/video team we could ever have wished for. Not only did they produce an amazing product that really captured the memories, story and the emotion of our wedding, they were also such wonderful people to have around as part of our day. Absolute professionals, so positive and supportive, full of great advice, they blended right in as an extension of our wedding party! I recommend Perspectives to everyone.”
– Debbie Keal Google Review
5. Woollie Weddings
Address: 170 MELROSE ROAD, AUCKLAND, AUCKLAND, 1041, NEW ZEALAND
Contact Details: +64212082697 / [email protected]
Operating Hours: Open 24 Hours
We recently had the pleasure of working with Woollie Weddings for our special day, and the experience was nothing short of amazing. From the first consultation, their team was warm, professional, and attentive to our vision.
Furthermore, the creativity and artistry in their photography were outstanding. Woollie Weddings captured every moment beautifully, turning our wedding memories into timeless works of art.
Moreover, the team made us feel completely at ease during the photoshoots. Their friendly and unobtrusive approach allowed us to enjoy our day while they skillfully documented it.
Additionally, the attention to detail in every shot was remarkable. Each photo reflected the emotions and atmosphere of our wedding, creating a collection that we will cherish forever.
Transitioning to communication, we found the team to be responsive and easy to work with. They were always available to discuss our preferences and provided valuable suggestions to enhance our experience.
Also, the delivery of our photos was timely and beautifully presented. We were thrilled with the quality and care that went into every aspect of their service.
To add, Woollie Weddings offered transparent and reasonable pricing. The value we received far exceeded our expectations, making it one of the best decisions we made for our wedding.
Finally, we are absolutely delighted with the results. Woollie Weddings provided us with stunning photos that perfectly captured the essence of our day, and we couldn’t be happier.
Pros
- No limit on photos
- Cinematic photography
- Great for destination weddings
Cons
- No promos at the present
6. Kiwi Eyes
Address: Auckland, New Zealad
Contact Details: Contact them via their website
Operating Hours: By appointment basis
Kiwi Eyes is an exceptional photography studio known for capturing stunning, memorable images that truly reflect the essence of their subjects. Specializing in various photography services, from elopement to wedding, the team at Kiwi Eyes has a keen eye for detail and a passion for creating visually striking images. Their ability to put clients at ease results in natural, genuine photos that stand out.
One of Kiwi Eyes’ greatest strengths is their versatility. Whether it’s an elopement or wedding photography and videography, they adapt their style to meet the needs of each project in all New Zealand cities. Their use of lighting, composition, and creative angles ensures that every shot feels both artistic and professional. Clients often rave about how effortlessly they capture candid moments, providing a perfect balance between posed and spontaneous shots.
What sets Kiwi Eyes apart is their professionalism and commitment to client satisfaction. They take the time to understand the client’s vision and provide helpful guidance during the shoot, ensuring that the final images exceed expectations. Turnaround times are quick, and the quality of the edited photos is consistently impressive.
Overall, Kiwi Eyes offers an exceptional photography experience, blending creativity with technical expertise. They deliver high-quality photos that will be cherished for years to come. Highly recommended for anyone seeking top-tier photography services.
Pros
- No limit on photos
- Cinematic photography
- Great for destination weddings
Cons
- No promos at the present
7. Zahn Trotter
Address: The Forge 28/3 Inanga St Hobsonville
Contact Details: +64211563386
Operating Hours: By appointment basis
Zahn Trotter is an outstanding wedding photographer who excels in capturing the beauty and emotion of special moments. From the moment we reached out to him, Zahn displayed a genuine passion for his craft, taking the time to understand our vision and preferences. This personalized approach made us feel at ease, knowing that he was committed to delivering stunning results.
On our wedding day, Zahn was professional yet approachable, blending seamlessly into the background while still capturing every key moment. His ability to find the perfect angles and lighting resulted in breathtaking photographs that truly reflect the joy and love of the day. We were particularly impressed by his knack for candid shots, which beautifully documented the emotions and interactions of our guests.
The quality of Zahn’s work is exceptional; each image is meticulously edited and showcases his artistic eye. The final gallery exceeded our expectations, with a perfect mix of posed portraits and spontaneous moments that tell the story of our day. We also appreciated the timely delivery of our photos, allowing us to relive the memories almost immediately.
Overall, we highly recommend Zahn Trotter for anyone seeking a wedding photographer who is not only talented but also dedicated to making your experience unforgettable. His skill, professionalism, and genuine passion for photography make him a fantastic choice for capturing your special day.
Pros
- No limit on photos
- Cinematic photography
- Great for destination weddings
Cons
- No promos at the present
8. Bayly & Moore
Contact Details: +64 21 990 618
Operating Hours: Open 24 Hours
If you’re the kind of couple that loves those genuine, off-the-cuff moments and a chill, documentary vibe, then Bayly & Moore should be right up your alley. They nail capturing the real essence of your wedding without any of those stiff, posed shots.
Almost everyone I spoke to told me about how they manage to freeze genuine emotions and natural interactions into beautiful, authentic images.
Several couples also loved their relaxed, fun personalities. They make even the most awkward people feel at ease, which contributes a lot to a zero-stress wedding day.
But a little heads up: if you’re after a bunch of posed, formal portraits, Bayly & Moore might not be your jam. Their forte is all about candid, in-the-moment shots.
Pros
- Fantastic at capturing candid moments
- Unobtrusive, relaxed approach
- Friendly and fun team
Cons
- Not ideal if you’re after posed, formal portraits
Customer Reviews
Working with them was one of the easiest parts of the whole wedding
“We saw some of their work long before our wedding and we knew we wanted to have them as our wedding photographers one day. Si & Soph are extremely talented and professional. They are warm, down-to-earth, fuss-free, and working with them was one of the easiest parts of the whole wedding process. They are well-travelled and bring international perspectives to their work. Our families and friends loved our wedding pictures and we were so happy with the result that we have been thinking of having them to photoshoot our expanding family one day. We cannot recommend them enough.”
– A & C Sila Google Review
BM made the whole experience so enjoyable and comfortable
“After looking at Bayly & Moore’s beautiful photos and then meeting Soph and Si for coffee we were convinced that we wanted them to shoot our wedding. Even though Si wasn’t actually available for our wedding day, we still decided to go with BM and Soph was able to find a second photographer from Tauranga to work with her on the day. Leading up to the day Soph was extremely responsive, offered to help with timelines, answer questions and recommend other suppliers. On the actual day, BM made the whole experience so enjoyable and comfortable. We absolutely love our photos and it’s so great being able to look back at them to remember our amazing day. I could not recommend BM highly enough, they were extremely friendly, easy going, fun to be around and I’ll let the photos speak for themselves below.”
