Calgary Wedding Photographer
Before Meaghan Baxter was photographing weddings in the Canadian Rockies, she was standing in photo pits at heavy metal shows and chasing deadlines as a managing editor for Edmonton’s alt-weekly press. It’s a background that might surprise couples who now know her for her calm presence, heartfelt storytelling, and timeless photography style—but for Meaghan, it was the long road through journalism and creative direction that made her the wedding photographer she is today.
“I used to tell people I would never shoot weddings,” Meaghan admits, laughing at the memory of her 22-year-old self who was more interested in live music than love stories. “But I’ve eaten those words.”
Originally from Saskatchewan, Meaghan grew up with a film camera in her hands and a mind attuned to imagery. Her mother—a teacher who encouraged her to pursue the arts—gently steered her away from traditional career paths and into the creative world, eventually leading Meaghan to study both photography at NAIT and journalism at SAIT. Her professional career began in earnest with Vue Weekly, where she rose from staff writer to managing editor and music editor. At the same time, she photographed concerts, fashion features, and promotional materials for bands and publications across Alberta.
But as the print media industry declined, Meaghan made a strategic move into communications and marketing—landing in Calgary in 2017. That shift also marked the beginning of a more serious pursuit of photography. “I started second shooting weddings just to see what it was like. And I was surprised by how much I loved it.”
Though her first weddings came from friends looking for budget-friendly options, Meaghan initially resisted the idea of becoming a wedding photographer. “It wasn’t that I didn’t respect it. Quite the opposite. I respected it so much that I was afraid I couldn’t do it justice.” She points to the emotional weight of weddings—and the one-chance nature of the job—as both the challenge and the reward that drew her in once she allowed herself to try.
By the time she was second shooting for photographers in Calgary and Canmore, everything started to click. “I realized I could actually do this. That I wanted to do this.”
In May 2022, after years of building experience and confidence, Meaghan left her full-time job to pursue photography and freelance writing full-time. She hasn’t looked back.
Her Approach: Connection Over Perfection
Meaghan’s style blends documentary and editorial, with a strong emphasis on genuine moments, soft direction, and natural colour grading. Her work feels intentional, heartfelt, and grounded in story—qualities undoubtedly sharpened by her background in journalism.
“I’m not showing up to create content for my portfolio,” she says. “I’m there to tell each couple’s story in a way that feels honest to them.”
She’s not interested in recreating Pinterest boards or manufacturing moments. Instead, her goal is to make couples feel seen, cared for, and comfortable—as if they’re spending the day with a close friend who just happens to have a camera.
Her editing style is true-to-life and emotionally resonant. She balances candid coverage with subtle guidance during portraits and is especially drawn to intimate weddings where her couples value connection, style, and meaningful experiences over production.
A Wedding Photographer Who’s Been on Both Sides
Meaghan knows what it’s like to plan a wedding—because she planned her own in 2022. That experience has given her even more empathy for the couples she works with. “I remind couples that their photographer is one of the wedding vendors they’ll spend the most time with. They deserve to feel comfortable and supported.”
She caps her bookings around 15–20 weddings per year, balancing photography with family life, including her two-year-old daughter and part-time freelance writing. That number lets her go all-in for her clients, without burning out. “I never want to show up to a wedding and feel like I’m just going through the motions.”
Her typical season includes weddings across Calgary, Kananaskis, Banff, and Canmore—with frequent travel throughout Alberta and a dream of one day shooting a destination wedding in Iceland. She also continues to shoot portraits and work with brands when time allows.
More Than a Decade Behind the Camera
From Slipknot concerts to mountain elopements, Meaghan’s career has always centred on storytelling. Her work has been published in The Globe & Mail, Exclaim!, Confetti, and freq magazine, and she brings more than a decade of photographic experience to every shoot.
Her business today is rooted in trust, emotion, and artistic intuition—an evolution that started with a hand-me-down camera and now shapes one of Calgary’s most intentional wedding photography experiences.
“I feel lucky to do what I love. I really do.”
Website: meaghanbaxterphotography.com
Instagram: @meaghan.baxter.photo