Building Strong Vendor Relationships as a Wedding Photographer
A successful wedding photographer doesn’t work in a vacuum. Some of the best, most consistent referrals (and most enjoyable wedding days) come from building genuine relationships with other vendors.
This guide breaks down why vendor relationships matter, how to nurture them, and how both sides benefit.
Why Vendor Relationships Matter
1. Referrals That Actually Book
A referral from a trusted vendor is worth more than any ad. Couples often rely on the recommendations of planners, coordinators, florists, and venues when choosing their photographer. If you're top of mind for these vendors, you're one step closer to a booked calendar.
2. Smoother Wedding Days
When you already have rapport with the vendor team, communication flows better and problem-solving is faster. You work together seamlessly to create the best experience for the couple.
3. Content Sharing + Portfolio Growth
When you share images with vendors, they often use them on social media, websites, and in styled shoot submissions — tagging and crediting you along the way. Free exposure, mutual benefit.
4. Increased Credibility
Being recommended by a planner or venue positions you as a trusted professional. It reinforces to couples that you’re not just talented — you’re reliable.
How You Can Benefit Vendors
1. Provide Gallery Access
After the wedding, send vendors a curated gallery of images relevant to their work (florals, makeup, flat lays, venue shots, etc.). Be sure to include a note that they are free to use them for marketing with credit.
2. Tag + Promote on Social
During sneak peek posts or full gallery shares, tag every vendor involved. Go a step further: mention what you loved about working with them in the caption.
3. Recommend Them to Your Couples
Include favorite vendors in your client guides, planning emails, or on your website. This shows vendors you're invested in their success too.
4. Invite to Styled Shoots
When planning styled shoots, invite past vendors you vibed with. It builds trust and strengthens your creative relationship.
Ways to Build the Relationship
Before the Wedding:
Reach out to the planner/coordinator and introduce yourself
- Ask for a vendor list in advance
- Follow the vendors on Instagram and engage with their content
On the Wedding Day:
- Be a team player (collaborate, not compete)
- Capture behind-the-scenes content or detail shots they’ll appreciate
- Offer to share photos after the event
After the Wedding:
- Send vendors their images (with usage instructions)
- Tag them when posting online
- Leave a Google review or shoutout
- Check in periodically — especially if you see they're involved in an event you’d love to work
Long-Term Benefits
- Consistent referrals from vendors who know your style + trust your work
- Co-marketing opportunities (Instagram takeovers, collaborations, joint guides)
- Repeat collaborations on styled shoots and publications
- More relaxed, aligned wedding day teams
Template: Vendor Gallery Delivery Email
Subject: Photos from [Couple's Name] Wedding — Thank You!
Hi [Vendor Name],
It was so great working with you at [Couple's Name]'s wedding! I loved seeing your work in action and wanted to send over a small gallery of images featuring your beautiful contributions.
Here’s the link: [Insert Gallery Link]
Feel free to use these for marketing with credit to: [@yourIGhandle / yourwebsite.com]
Let me know if you'd like anything specific in a different crop or format. I’d love to work together again soon!
Warmly,
[Your Name]
[Your Photography Business Name]
Strong vendor relationships don’t just make weddings better — they help build a more sustainable, referral-based business. Be generous. Be consistent. Be professional. The return is well worth the effort.
