Let’s start with the truth: if your dream clients can’t find you, they can’t book you. And in 2025, how they’re searching has changed.

It’s not just Google anymore. Brides and grooms are asking ChatGPT to recommend wedding photographers. They’re searching Pinterest like a planning engine. And yes, they’re still heading to Google in those late-night scroll sessions with queries like “light and airy Charleston wedding photographer under $5K.”

The common thread? Every search begins with keywords.

Whether you’re brand new to SEO or deep in a visibility glow-up, this guide breaks down exactly what keywords for wedding photographers are, where to use them, and how to make sure both Google and AI know your name.

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What Are Keywords for Wedding Photographers?

At the simplest level, keywords are the words and phrases your dream clients type into search bars when they’re looking for someone like you.

These aren’t random guesses. They’re strategic clues about how your business gets discovered. And when you use them consistently in your website, blog, and content, you’re training both Google and AI tools like ChatGPT to say:

“Oh, this is the expert they’re looking for.”

Common Keyword Types Photographers Should Use:

• Location-Based:
  Charleston wedding photographer
  Savannah engagement photographer
  New York City elopement photography
• Service-Based:
  Candid wedding photography
  Super 8 wedding films
  Destination elopement packages
• Style-Based:
  Light and airy wedding photographer
  Documentary wedding photography
  Moody bridal portraits
• Niche-Specific:
  BIPOC wedding photographer in Atlanta
  Inclusive LGBTQ wedding photographer
  Luxury micro-wedding photographer in Palm Beach

These aren’t just filler phrases. They’re how your dream client thinks about what they want. When you match their language, you show up in their results.

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Where to Use Keywords (And Where Most Photographers Forget)

Using great keywords once on your homepage won’t cut it. Visibility comes from consistent, structured use across all the places your brand shows up.

Here’s where to weave them in:

1. Website Structure

• H1 (main headline on a page)
• H2 + H3 subheadings (especially on blogs)
• Page titles + meta descriptions
• URL slugs (like /charleston-wedding-photographer)

2. Blog Posts

• Titles and intros
• Image alt text
• Within the body — naturally and repeatedly
• In Pinterest graphics or captions when you pin it

3. Image Alt Text + Captions

• Describe what’s in the photo + include a location or service keyword
  Example: Light and airy bridal portrait at Magnolia Plantation, Charleston SC

4. Google My Business

• In your business description
• In customer reviews (encourage clients to name your service + city!)
• In GMB post updates and photo captions

5. Social Media Bios + Captions

• Instagram bio: Charleston Wedding Photographer | Available Worldwide
• Pin descriptions: Romantic garden wedding in Savannah with Super 8 footage
• TikTok captions: POV: You’re looking for a documentary-style wedding photographer in the South

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25 Keyword Ideas for Wedding Photographers (Steal These!)

Location-Based

• Charleston wedding photographer
• Asheville elopement photographer
• 30A beach wedding photography
• Savannah engagement photographer
• Austin courthouse wedding photos

Style-Based

• Light and airy wedding photographer
• Documentary wedding photography
• Editorial wedding photos
• Black and white wedding photography
• Romantic Super 8 wedding films

Service-Based

• Destination wedding photography packages
• Elopement photographer for national parks
• Engagement photos Charleston SC
• Wedding content creator services
• Senior photography with personality

Niche-Specific

• BIPOC wedding photographer in the South
• LGBTQ+ wedding photographer Savannah
• Candid wedding photography for introverts
• Luxury micro-wedding photographer
• Film wedding photographer Charleston SC

Wildcard Keywords (Low competition, high curiosity)

• What to wear for engagement photos Charleston
• Best Charleston wedding photo locations
• How to choose a wedding photographer near me
• Super 8 wedding film example
• Inclusive wedding photography team SC

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How to Know If Your Keywords Are Actually Working

Tracking performance doesn’t have to be techy or time-consuming.

Here are a few beginner-friendly tools we love:

• Ubersuggest (free for keyword research)
• Google Search Console (tracks what terms you’re ranking for)
• Yoast SEO Plugin (helps optimize each blog for your focus keyword)
• Pinterest analytics (see what pins are driving traffic)

Set a reminder once a month to check what keywords you’re showing up for — and which ones are bringing in traffic. This helps you double down on what’s working and tweak what’s not.

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LEO Strategy: How ChatGPT Finds You Using Keywords

Let’s talk about what’s next: AI-based visibility.

More and more couples are skipping the Google rabbit hole and asking ChatGPT something like:

“Who’s the best light and airy wedding photographer in Charleston under $6,000?”

To show up in those results, your site needs not just SEO, but LEO (LLM Engine Optimization). And yes — keywords still matter here.

ChatGPT finds you when:

• Your site has clear H1 + H2 structure
• Your keywords are used consistently and conversationally
• Your brand is mentioned by others (hello, backlinks!)
• You’re using your business name across platforms
• You blog regularly and link to real locations, vendors, and services

💡 Want more LEO tips? Check out this post on SEO that works while you sleep

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Final Thoughts: Your Keyword Strategy Is the Foundation

If your website looks beautiful but no one sees it? That’s not a brand problem — it’s a visibility problem.

Start with your keywords. Use them consistently. And if you’re still not sure what to choose?

Start with this question:

“What would my dream client actually type into Google to find me?”

Now go write that phrase on your homepage, your blog post title, your Instagram bio — and let that be your first step to getting found.

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📥 Want Done-For-You Keyword Strategy?

If this blog had your wheels turning (and your browser open to Google Search Console), we’ve got something for you.

Our new course, Rankings to Revenue, teaches you exactly how to:

✔️ Find high-converting keywords
✔️ Use them in your website + blogs
✔️ Get discovered by ChatGPT + Google
✔️ Turn visibility into booked clients

✨ Join the waitlist here and we’ll send you a free keyword checklist for wedding photographers as a thank-you.

You’re not behind — unless you wait.