You’ve said “I do,” danced the night away, and now the waiting game begins—for your wedding photos. Whether you’re refreshing your inbox daily or wondering if that one weird face you made made it into the album, here’s what to expect once your big day is over.
How Long Does It Take to Get Wedding Photos Back?
Most Canadian photographers deliver full wedding galleries within 4 to 12 weeks. The exact timeframe depends on:
- Their editing style
- Peak wedding season backlog
- Whether they include sneak peeks first
Pro tip: Your contract should outline delivery timelines clearly.
Related read: What to Know About Wedding Photography Contracts
What to Do First When You Receive Your Gallery
- Back them up immediately:
- Save to your computer
- Use an external hard drive
- Upload to a cloud service (Dropbox, Google Drive, etc.)
- Share them (with credit): Photographers appreciate being tagged when you post.
- Start your album or print orders before life gets busy.
But What if You’re Not in Love With Your Photos? Here’s What to Consider
1. Be Honest With Yourself
- Is it really the photos—or do you just feel “off” seeing yourself in them?
- Most people are hyper-critical of their appearance right after the wedding.
Reminder: What you dislike now may become treasured memories later.
2. Is It the Edit?
- If the issue is brightness, contrast, or colour tone—talk to your photographer.
- Most are open to small tweaks if you approach kindly and respectfully.
Understanding editing expectations: The Real Questions to Ask Your Photographer
3. Are You Missing Important Moments?
- Reach out right away. Some unused photos may still be archived.
- Ask if there’s a chance a few extra shots can be pulled for review.
4. Still Unhappy?
Unfortunately, you can’t redo the day. If essential shots are missing or quality is poor, you may need to explore:
- A post-wedding portrait session (styled shoot in your wedding attire)
- A private conversation with your photographer to express concerns
Learn from others’ experiences: Wedding Photographer Horror Stories
Should You Leave a Bad Review?
Tread carefully. Art is subjective, and photographers can face serious consequences from negative reviews.
Only leave a review after you've spoken to them and tried to resolve the issue. Be honest, but fair.
Final Thought
When your wedding is over, your photos are your legacy. Cherish them, back them up, print them—and if something feels off, don’t panic.
Approach with patience, communication, and perspective. Most photographers want nothing more than for you to love your gallery.