Why SEO Matters for Wedding Photographers

Here’s the truth: even if your photography is breathtaking, potential clients won’t find you if your website doesn’t show up on Google. SEO (Search Engine Optimization) is what helps your site appear in search results when someone types in something like “wedding photographer in Los Angeles” or “wedding photographer in New York City.”

And let’s be honest—Instagram is great, but it’s just not enough. Social media is fast-moving and crowded. SEO is your long-term strategy for getting found by couples who are ready to book.

Start with the Right Keywords

Keywords are what people type into search engines. Think of them as the bridge between your dream clients and your website. Start with location-based keywords like:

• “Wedding photographer Los Angeles”
• “Napa Valley wedding photographer”
• “New York City wedding photography”
• “Rustic barn wedding photographer”

Then add service-specific terms:

• “Natural light wedding photography”
• “Candid family photographer”
• “Documentary wedding photographer”

Pro tip: Use these keywords naturally in your page titles, image alt text, blog posts, and homepage headings—but never force them.

Optimize Your Homepage for SEO

Your homepage should clearly explain what you do and where you’re based—above the fold. For example:

“Romantic wedding photography for modern couples across California and New York.”

Make sure your site title (what appears in the browser tab) includes your service and location. Example: Wedding Photographer Los Angeles & Napa Valley

Blog Posts Are Your SEO Superpower

Each blog post is a chance to rank for a different search term. Some ideas to get started:

• Real weddings you’ve photographed
• Venue guides (e.g., “Best Wedding Venues in Napa Valley”)
• Behind-the-scenes of your photography process
• Tips for couples planning a wedding in your area

Include the couple’s names, venues, and locations—they help your blog post show up in local search results. And always write for people first, search engines second.

Image SEO for Photographers

Your images are your portfolio, but they can also help boost your search rankings. Here's how:

• Rename your files before uploading. Instead of IMG_2390.jpg, use california-wedding-photographer.jpg.
• Use descriptive alt text, like bride and groom at Napa Valley vineyard wedding.
• Compress your images to keep your site fast—slow sites hurt SEO.

Get Google to Trust You with Backlinks

Backlinks are when other websites link to yours. They signal authority to Google. You can earn backlinks by:

• Submitting to wedding blogs or directories
• Collaborating with venues and vendors (and linking to each other)
• Guest posting on relevant blogs

The more high-quality backlinks you have, the better your chances of ranking higher.

What About Showit, Squarespace, or Shopify?

All of these platforms can be SEO-friendly—if used correctly. I personally design websites for photographers using Showit, Webflow, Squarespace, and even Shopify for hybrid businesses. I customize every build to be search-optimized from the inside out: this means site structure, mobile responsiveness, and loading speed all work in your favor.

Need Help with Your Website SEO?

If you’re a wedding photographer in the USA who’s tired of relying on social media and ready to show up on Google, I’d love to help. I design custom websites that not only look stunning, but are built to be found by the couples you want to work with most.

Let’s create something that does the heavy lifting for your business—so you can get back to what you love.

Thanks for reading!
Kami x