Choosing the best keywords for wedding photographers is crucial to showing up in front of the right potential clients.
If “wedding photographer” is the main keyword you’re targeting on your website, I’m just gonna give it to you straight:
That’s what everyone else is doing, too.
Most photographers think having this phrase scattered on their site and in their blog posts is enough to get found online. But that keyword is just the beginning.
If you want to consistently attract aligned, ready-to-book clients, you need to dig deeper and use the right keywords for wedding photographers that are specific and client-focused.
SEO is about strategy. And I’m breaking down how wedding photographers can use keywords to attract dream clients.
Why Keywords Matter for Wedding Photographers
First, what are keywords for wedding photographers?
Well, simply put, they’re the words and phrases your potential clients type into Google when they’re searching for someone like you.
So if you’re based in Chicago, someone in your area might search something like: “wedding photographers in chicago”
Using keywords helps search engines like Google understand what your website is about, and whether it’s a good match for what someone is searching.
When you use the best SEO keywords for wedding photographer websites (and place them strategically), your site starts showing up for the people who are actively looking.
Not just anyone with a passing interest, but real, ready-to-book clients. And that means more than just traffic. It means better traffic.
If you want to find good keywords for wedding photographers to target, you’ve come to the right place.
The Best Keywords for Wedding Photographers to Target
There are two main types of keywords for wedding photographers you should know about and use:
Transactional Keywords
These keywords are perfect for core pages like your homepage, or services pages.
Examples of transactional keywords:
- Napa Valley wedding photographer
- Colorado wedding photography packages
Informational Keywords
These keywords are ideal for blog posts or guides. They’re typically used by people who are in research mode.
Examples of informational keywords:
- how to choose a wedding photographer
- first look vs. no first look
Both of these keyword types are important, and together they help search engines see your site as a trustworthy, relevant resource worth ranking higher.
My Proven Keyword Strategy for Wedding Photographers
If you’re feeling stuck on what the best keywords for wedding photographers are, how to find them, and most importantly – how to use them – this section will help.
Most photographers either go with a hunch, use what everyone else is using, or skip keyword strategy entirely. This is usually why they’re not ranking and bringing in organic leads.
If this is you right now, and you think finding good keywords for wedding photographers is too hard, follow my simple, yet strategic process that I use to guide my clients through SEO for their websites.
Step 1: Brainstorm All the Variations
To start, grab a pen and paper. It’s that simple.
Now, brain dump every possible search term you think your dream client is typing into Google.
This may seem silly, but this step lays the foundation for everything else.
Experience has taught me that the best keywords for wedding photographers are the ones that are basic and realistic.
To get going, mix and match elements like:
- Location – city, city/state, or city + “state” spelled out
- Niche – wedding, elopement, destination, luxury
- Industry terms – photography, photographer, photographers, photos, pictures
So, if you’re a wedding photographer in Baltimore, your brainstorm might look like:
- baltimore wedding photographer
- wedding photographer baltimore
- wedding photography baltimore
- baltimore, md wedding photographers
- luxury wedding photographer in baltimore
Each variation may look tiny, but they all have their own search data. And those differences can impact where (and whether) you show up on Google.
Step 2: Use Keyword Tools to Validate
Once you’ve got your list, it’s time to run it through a keyword tool to see what people are really searching.
This is where you move from guesswork to strategy and start identifying the best keywords for SEO based on real data.
My go-to tools:
- SEMrush (paid, but my favorite for deeper insights)
- Google Keyword Planner (free and easy to start with)
You’ll want to look at:
- Monthly search volume (how many people are searching for this)
- Keyword difficulty or competition (how hard will it be to rank on page one)
- Search intent (what is the person trying to do with this search – are they just curious, or ready to book)
Step 3: Find Your Golden Keywords
These are the keywords you should use for SEO:
High search volume + low competition + booking intent
Once you’ve identified these keywords, match them to the right pages on your website.
Types of High-Converting Keywords for Wedding Photographers
You don’t need every keyword out there, you just need the right ones.
Below are 50+ keyword ideas to inspire your strategy. These are organized into five categories I often recommend to clients, based on how real couples search online.
Use these to mix, match, and customize based on your location, style, and services.
Remember, the goal is to attract aligned clients using the best keywords for wedding photographers – not just the most popular ones.
Location-Based Keywords
If you service your local area, these are your bread-and-butter.
Google loves clarity, and having good local keywords clearly tell search engines where you work.
Examples:
- boston wedding photographer
- best wedding photographer in seattle
- dallas, tx elopement photographer
- san diego wedding photographer
- destination wedding photographer italy
- new york city courthouse wedding photography
- big sur elopement photographer
Pro tip: Add surrounding cities or regions you serve to broaden your reach.
Venue-Based Keywords
Once couples have a venue in mind – or already booked – they often search for photographers who’ve worked there.
That’s why venue-based keywords for wedding photographers are so important. These searches are ultra-specific and often packed with booking intent.
Optimizing for venues in your area (or dream venues you want to shoot at) can be a powerful way to show up for ready-to-hire couples.
Examples:
- weddings at the biltmore estate
- wedding photographer for haiku mill
- palace of fine arts wedding photography
- lauberge de sedona wedding photographer
- [venue name] weddings
- [venue name] wedding packages
- [city] venues for intimate weddings
- [venue] wedding photos
Pro tip: Create blog posts or gallery pages focused on your favorite venues using the best keywords for SEO through storytelling.
Vendor-Based Keywords
Meet your couples where they’re at in their wedding planning journey, and serve them with value to build your authority.
Ranking for terms related to other vendor-types that are adjacent to wedding photography often make for the best keywords for wedding photographers to target.
Examples:
- best florists in florida
- best hotel venues in naples, florida
- hair and makeup artists in sarasota
- amelia island videographers
- best jacksonville wedding planners
- [city] wedding cakes
- wedding dress shops in [city]
- best rooftop venues in [city]
- [city] wedding florists
- [city] wedding DJs
Pro tip: Create blog posts or gallery pages focused on your favorite venues using the best keywords for SEO through storytelling.
Style + Specialty-Based Keywords
Using style-based keywords for wedding photographers helps you connect with couples who are searching for a specific look, feel, or photography experience.
Whether you’re editorial, documentary, fine art, or something else entirely, these specific keywords for wedding photographers can help you stand out from the crowd and attract your dream clients.
Examples:
- documentary wedding photographer
- storytelling wedding photography [city]
- film wedding photographer near me
- candid wedding photos [city]
- editorial wedding photography california
- fine art wedding photographer in [region]
- natural light wedding photographer
- luxury wedding photos [location]
Pro tip: Include these keywords in your blog posts and throughout your website as secondary keywords – anywhere you want to emphasize your aesthetic and draw in clients who resonate with your work.
Destination-Based Keywords
If you shoot elopements or travel for weddings, these long-tail keywords for wedding photographers are often used by clients in the early stages of planning.
That means they’re researching, dreaming, and ready to find someone like you.
Examples:
- paris destination wedding photographer
- photographer for italy elopement
- iceland elopement photographer
- best places to elope in europe
- california coast elopement photographer
- bali wedding photographer for Americans
- destination wedding photographer packages
- elope in iceland photographer
Pro tip: These are some of the best keywords to use in wedding photography blog posts, guides, or location-specific landing pages. Even if you haven’t shot there yet, content built around these searches can help you start ranking and booking!
And remember – the best keywords match your client’s intent and feel natural on your site. Never force these into every page. Use them thoughtfully, clearly, and strategically.
Wedding Photographer SEO Results
Still wondering if SEO truly works for photographers? These real client wins speak for themselves.
Here’s what happens when you stop guessing and start using the right keywords for wedding photographers: Read Wedding Photographer Case Studies
5 Places to Include Keywords on Your Website
Choosing keywords specifically for wedding photographers is a great start, but to rank, you need to put them in the right spots across your site.
Think of it like leaving breadcrumbs for Google (and your dream clients) to follow.
Here’s where to focus your keyword placement for maximum impact:
Page Titles + Meta Descriptions
Your page title is one of the strongest SEO signals. Also known as the headline, this is the clickable blue link that shows up in search. The meta description is the short snippet underneath.
Make sure each page on your site has a unique title and description with your main keyword. Keep it clear, not clever. Google favors clarity.
Headings (Especially H1s and H2s)
Headings help both readers and search engines scan your content.
Your H1 should clearly state what the page is about (and only appear once). Use H2s/H3s for subtopics, and work in keyword variations where it feels natural.
Use your main keyword in the H1, and use supporting keywords for wedding photographers in your subheadings.
Paragraph Copy
Use your chosen keywords throughout your pages and blog posts. But remember, you should make it sound natural, never robotic.
Read your writing out loud. If it flows well and includes the keywords, you’re doing a good job!
Alt Text for Images
Alt text boosts accessibility and helps Google understand your visuals. It’s also how you show up in image searches.
Use short, descriptive phrases that include your keyword when relevant, for example:
sunset wedding at Zion National Park
Google Business Profile (GBP)
If you’re a local photographer, a well-optimized GBP will help you show up in local search results.
Add keywords for wedding photographers in your business description, services, and even photo captions, for example:
cleveland wedding photographer instead of just photographer
Always keep it simple. Your goal shouldn’t be to hack the algorithm, but to clearly communicate what you do, where you work, and who you serve.
If you do that well, both Google and your dream clients will find you.
Common Keyword Mistakes to Avoid
I know SEO can feel a little overwhelming when you’re getting started. And without a clear plan, it’s easy to fall into habits that keep your site from ranking.
To ensure you don’t, here are some common keyword mistakes I see wedding photographers make, and how to fix them.
Guessing Without Doing Keyword Research
Choosing keywords based on what you think people are searching might sound smart, but search behavior can surprise you.
You could be heading in the right direction, but small details can affect where, and if, you show up in search results.
Use tools like SEMrush or Google Keyword Planner (free) to validate your ideas and uncover the best keywords for wedding photographers based on real data.
Using the Same One or Two Terms on Every Page
You might think “wedding photographer” is an important term in your line of business. But using it too often without variety won’t help you rank for similar or more specific phrases and if used on multiple pages, could lead to keyword cannibalization.
Ignoring Local Search Intent
If you serve a specific area but never mention it on your site, your ideal clients may scroll right past you.
Include your location in key spots like your homepage headline, meta description, footer, and even photo captions.
This is a must if you want to rank in your area.
Keyword Stuffing Instead of Writing Naturally
Overloading your site or blogs with the same keyword again and again might seem like a hack, but it actually hurts both readability and SEO.
Always write for real humans first. Your keywords should feel conversational and flow naturally within your content.
If you notice any of these mistakes, start fixing them immediately. Your SEO strategy will start working better even if you just fix one mistake per day.
Bonus Tips to Win at SEO as a Photographer
I know the world of SEO can feel super unfamiliar and even scary. But like anything in your business, it gets easier when you create smart systems that support your growth over time.
As a wedding photographer turned SEO expert, here are a few final tips from me to you, to keep your keyword strategy working for you:
Keep a Running List of Keywords
Create a personal SEO library.
This means writing down every city, venue, or niche you photograph.
When you have a list of good keywords linked to wedding photography, blog planning, updated service pages, and writing new content for social media becomes simpler.
Update Your Site as You Grow
Expanding into new locations? Booking destination weddings? Offering something new? Your site should reflect that.
Even a quick keyword refresh can help you rank for new keywords without starting from scratch.
Blog Once a Month (With Purpose)
You don’t need to blog every week to show up in search results.
One well-optimized post per month can steadily boost your visibility and establish you as the go-to in your market.
The secret is building your blogs around focused keywords.
Don’t Be Afraid to Outsource
If keyword research isn’t your thing (or you’re just done trying to figure it out), I’ve got you.
Whether you want a personalized roadmap or hands-off support, I offer done-for-you SEO services for wedding photographers to help you grow your business, with less work and more alignment.
When you understand how to use keywords for wedding photographers strategically, your website can attract the kinds of clients you actually want to work with.
If you feel invisible online, but also overwhelmed with what SEO is, how it works, and how to implement it, I’m here to help.
You can book an SEO consult where we can talk about how to get your website working for you, or grab my free website audit report to start optimizing your website today.
