Getting Featured in Wedding Blogs and Magazines

To get featured, choose a wedding or shoot with a clear story, edit a tight set of 30 to 60 strong images, read the publication's guidelines, send a short, professional submission with full vendor credits and the couple's permission, and then track what comes back. Expect many rejections. Persistence and fit matter more than one perfect pitch.

Why features help

A feature is a third-party endorsement. When a respected blog or magazine shows your work, new people see it and trust it more. Other benefits:

• Backlinks. Links from established sites can help your website's search visibility.
• Vendor relationships. Planners, florists and venues share features, which raises everyone's profile.
• Portfolio direction. Features guide you toward the work you want more of.
• Content. You have something new to share in your newsletter and social posts.

They are not a guarantee of bookings. Some brides read the blogs closely, others never do. Value a feature as one tool among many, and be honest with yourself about the time it takes.

What to submit

Not every job is right. Look for a day with:

• A clear story or concept: a distinctive venue, a cultural tradition, a creative theme or an unusual detail.
• Strong light and varied images: wide scenes, details, portraits, people in motion.
• Good styling: florals, stationery, table design.
• Complete credits: you can name the venue, planner, florist, stylist and others.
• A couple willing to be featured.

Pick a set of 30 to 60 images. Edit them consistently and cover the day in order: setting, details, getting ready, portraits, ceremony and reception. Quality beats quantity; weak images pull the set down.

If you lack suitable weddings, a styled shoot can create work built for submissions. Make sure it is labelled honestly.

Respect privacy. Leave out guests who do not want to be shown and check with the couple about images of children.

Submission steps

1. Research publications. Read the blogs and magazines you want. Look at the style, the weddings they show and the type of story they run. Check each one's submission guidelines.
2. Get permissions. Ask the couple in writing. Confirm vendors are happy to be credited.
3. Prepare the files. Follow the stated image size, number, naming and delivery method. Many ask for a gallery link or a download.
4. Write the short story. A paragraph or two: who they are, the day, what was special, the details. Use plain language and facts. Include the couple's own words if they agree.
5. List credits. Photographer, venue, planner, florist, dress, hair and makeup, stationery, caterer, cake, rentals and so on, with links.
6. Send one clean email. A short subject line, a few lines of introduction, the link and the credits. No pressure or flattery.
7. Wait and follow up once, politely, after the time stated in their guidelines.
8. Keep a record of where you sent each set and what happened.

Example email outline:

Subject: Submission: Garden wedding at [venue], [season] Hello, I'd like to submit a small garden wedding photographed at [venue]. It features [one-line concept]. Gallery link: [link]. The couple and vendors have agreed to the submission. Credits are below. Thank you for considering it. (Example wording.)

Track submissions in a simple list: publication, date, status, response. If you handle your contacts in ClickBook, you can keep vendor details and notes with each job and use the same record for credits. A demo shows how clients and projects are organised.

Credits

Get credits right. Mistakes damage relationships.

• Collect vendor names and links during the wedding or in the week after.
• Double-check spelling and handles.
• Share the credit list with the couple and vendors before you submit if you can.
• Tag and thank everyone when the feature goes live.
• Send the feature link to the couple, who are often thrilled.
• Follow the publication's guidelines on credits and exclusivity.

Add a clause to your contract that lets you submit images for publication, and that you will share them with vendors. See terms and conditions for your site for where to put usage rules. Rights and privacy rules differ by country, so check with a local adviser.

Tracking results

Measure what a feature does, not what it feels like.

• Check your website analytics for traffic from the publication.
• Ask new leads how they found you and record it.
• Note any rise in followers or newsletter sign-ups.
• Compare the time spent to the enquiries received.
• Save the feature for your website and proposals. A "As seen in" line is fine only if it is true.

If a feature brings enquiries, respond promptly and have your process ready. Add the link to your newsletter and to your portfolio. In ClickBook, leads are listed with source, date, venue and budget, with a tracked reply time, so you can see whether publication leads convert. Try the demo if you have not already.

Mistakes to avoid

• Submitting without reading the guidelines.
• Missing credits or misspelling names.
• Sending too many images or an unedited set.
• Submitting without the couple's permission.
• Chasing editors repeatedly.

Frequently asked questions

Do features really lead to bookings?

They can raise your profile, bring links to your site and add credibility, but results vary. Track enquiries by source to see what happens in your case.

What do editors look for?

A clear story, strong images, good styling and details, a distinct look and complete credits. Each publication has its own guidelines, so read them.

Can I submit the same wedding to several blogs?

Many publications want exclusives, so check each one's rules. Some allow submissions elsewhere after a period.

Do I need the couple's permission?

Yes. Get written permission before submitting, and confirm vendor credits and any privacy concerns.