You’re a wedding photographer. Your work is stunning, your portfolio’s packed, but leads? Crickets. Sound familiar? You’re not alone; most talented photographers struggle to get seen online. And in 2025, just posting on Instagram or relying on word-of-mouth won’t cut it anymore.
Here’s the good news: you don’t need a massive budget or marketing degree to get more leads. You just need to know which ad formats work best and how to use them smartly. From Instagram Reels to Google Ads that target high-intent local searchers, it’s about showing up where your customers are looking.
This article gives you the ultimate breakdown of the 10 ad formats every wedding photographer should try in 2025. Whether you’re looking to boost brand awareness, book more calls, or retarget ready-to-buy couples, this guide will walk you through it step by step. Let’s dive in.
1. Use High-Impact Video Ads on Reels & TikTok
In 2025, brides and grooms live on Reels and TikTok. They’re not just watching dance trends they’re researching wedding ideas, dresses, and yes photographers.
Why It Works
- Short videos grab attention fast
- Couples love behind-the-scenes, love stories, and reveal moments
- TikTok and Reels have some of the highest engagement rates of all platforms
Tips to Get Started
- Keep it under 30 seconds
- Start with a visual hook (think slow-mo veil toss or emotional first look)
- End with a clear CTA: “Book your date today”
Template:
Scene 1: Stunning venue reveal (2 seconds)
Scene 2: Couple’s first look (5 seconds)
Scene 3: Candid reception moment (7 seconds)
Scene 4: Text overlay: “Now booking for 2025. DM to reserve.”
TikTok = emotion + energy. Reels = polish + personality. Try both.
2. Leverage Pinterest Promoted Pins for Portfolio Discovery
Pinterest isn’t just about cake inspiration. In fact, over 80% of brides use Pinterest to plan their weddings. That means your photos need to be there strategically.
Why It Works
- Pins live longer than posts on Instagram or Facebook
- Keywords matter your visuals get found again and again
- Couples save what they love (which often means YOU)
How to Use It
- Upload high-quality vertical shots (2:3 aspect ratio)
- Add keyword-rich captions: “Outdoor barn wedding photographer in Long Island”
- Link pins to your website or contact page
Example Pin Description:
“Dreamy golden hour photos by a Long Island wedding photographer. Book now for Summer 2025 weddings.”
Promoted Pins are affordable. Test $5/day campaigns targeting wedding planning keywords.
3. Run Facebook/Instagram Carousel Ads – “Before, During, After”
Carousels let you tell a story in a swipe format perfect for weddings.
Why It Works
- Show off a complete wedding day journey
- Ideal for visual storytelling (your specialty!)
- More engagement per dollar than single images
Creative Idea: “From Yes to I Do”
- Slide 1: The ring shot
- Slide 2: The bridal prep
- Slide 3: The ceremony
- Slide 4: The reception
- Slide 5: Call-to-action: “Let’s capture your love story. Book Now”
Pro Tip: Use Facebook’s Creative Hub to test variations. And yes add music or movement using Stories placements.
4. Google Search Ads With Specialized Landing Pages
Let’s say a couple types “best wedding photographer in Brooklyn” into Google. Do you show up?
Why It Works
- High intent: People searching are ready to book
- Combines perfectly with SEO and local keywords
Campaign Setup
- Headline: Award-Winning Brooklyn Wedding Photographer
- Description: Limited 2025 dates available. Book your free consultation now.
- Landing page: Simple, mobile-friendly, testimonial-rich
Pro Tip:
Include a contact form right at the top. Don’t make them scroll to get in touch.
5. Showcase Yours via YouTube Skippable Ads
If you’ve got video content, YouTube is a goldmine. Especially for targeting couples researching wedding planning tips.
What You Need
- A 15-second highlight reel
- Strong first 5 seconds (before the skip button!)
- A local call-to-action
Script Template:
“Getting married in 2025? I’m Sarah, a Brooklyn wedding photographer who captures real love not staged poses. Let’s talk.”
Target wedding-related channels. Use geo-targeting and interests like “wedding planning” or “bridal inspiration.”
6. Launch Retargeting Ads – Facebook Dynamic & Google Display
Ever had someone view your contact page and bounce? They’re still shopping you can win them back.
What to Retarget
- People who visited your pricing page
- Those who engaged with your Instagram posts
- Couples who clicked your ad but didn’t book
Best Formats
- Dynamic Carousel Ads: feature wedding galleries
- Google Display: banner ads with testimonial quotes
Checklist:
- Install Facebook Pixel + Google Tag
- Segment audiences: visitors <7 days, <30 days
- Use urgency: “Last 4 slots for October 2025!”
7. Run Lead-Gen Ads With Freebies (Checklist or Guide)
Here’s a trick: Give value first. Lead-gen ads let you collect emails in exchange for helpful content.
Offer Ideas
- “Wedding Photography Shot List”
- “Top 5 Mistakes Couples Make When Booking a Photographer”
How to Run It
- Use Facebook/Instagram Lead Forms
- Simple CTA: “Get the Guide”
- Follow-up with email drip campaign (3–5 emails)
You build trust. And get leads who are already warmed up.
8. Retain Clients via Email & CRM-Driven Nurture Campaign
Sometimes people click… then ghost. Email is your secret weapon for bringing them back.
Why It Works
- You’re top of mind when they’re ready to decide
- Builds long-term relationships and referrals
3-Email Nurture Sequence:
- “Here’s what to expect working with me.”
- Client testimonial + full gallery sample.
- “Only 5 dates left for your wedding month.”
Use platforms like Mailchimp or FloDesk. Keep it visual. Keep it personal.
9. Run Local Google Maps & Local Service Ads
When couples search “photographer near me,” your name should be there with stars.
How to Optimize
- Claim and verify your Google Business Profile
- Add wedding photos, reviews, and booking info
- Turn on Google’s Local Service Ads
Bonus Tip: Encourage happy couples to leave reviews right after delivery when the joy is fresh.
10. Experiment with Spotify Audio Ads + Podcast Sponsorship
This one’s bold but it’s a 2025 play that stands out.
Why It Works
- Audio is intimate perfect for trust building
- Couples listen to podcasts while planning, driving, and even working out
Ad Script Template:
“Planning your dream wedding? Let your love story shine with timeless photography. I’m Jenna NYC wedding photographer. Book your free consult now.”
Look for local wedding vendors, planners, or bridal shows that run podcasts.
Trust Signals: Data, Proof & Visuals Matter
You can talk all day but people believe what they see. So give them:
- Before-and-after galleries
- Quotes from happy clients
- Stats: “93% of my 2024 couples booked after seeing my TikTok reel”
Visual Suggestion: Create a funnel diagram showing awareness → lead → booking
Essential Metrics to Track & Optimize
| Funnel Stage | Key Metric | Benchmarks (2025) |
| Awareness | Impressions, Reach | 10,000+ per $50 (Reels/TikTok) |
| Consideration | Clicks, Leads | CTR 2–4%, CPL $3–$6 |
| Decision | Bookings, Emails | 10–20% conversion from lead |
Use Facebook Ads Manager + Google Analytics 4 to track everything.
Wrap-Up:
You now have a complete roadmap from Reels to Retargeting, Pinterest to Podcasts. Don’t feel like you need to do everything at once. Pick 2–3 formats. Test them for 30 days. Track what works. Tweak what doesn’t.
Your future clients are already scrolling. Make sure your work is what they stop to admire and click. Try one of these formats today. Or drop your experience below let’s grow together.
FAQs
1. What’s the best platform to advertise on in 2025?
Instagram + TikTok for awareness, Google + Facebook for leads.
2. How much budget do I need?
Start with $10–$20/day per platform. Scale as ROI improves.
3. Do I need video content?
Yes, video outperforms static images by 3x on most platforms.
4. What if I don’t get results immediately?
Test. Tweak. Repeat. Ads aren’t magic they’re strategy.
5. Can I do this without hiring a marketer?
Absolutely. Follow this guide, use templates, and keep it simple.
