"Paul recently did my wedding. From start to finish, he was an absolute pleasure to deal with. His professionalism, care and enthusiasm made the entire process so easy and enjoyable. His photos are amazing, and I couldn’t recommend him highly enough. For anyone looking to hire a wedding photographer who will treat you with respect and genuine care for your day, Paul is the man to go to."
Marcella Guy
wellington WEDDING PHOTOGRAPHer
Paul Howell is a Wellington wedding photographer with over 20 years of professional experience photographing weddings throughout Wellington, the Wairarapa, and the Kapiti Coast. Over that time, he has built a trusted, well-known reputation for relaxed, documentary-style wedding photography. There are few Wellington wedding venues he is not familiar with.
Wellington is a unique place to get married. Known for its dramatic light, fast-changing weather, wild coastlines, and character-filled venues, it requires an experienced Wellington wedding photographer who can work calmly and confidently in any conditions. Paul’s approach has been shaped by years of photographing weddings in the region, allowing couples to stay relaxed, present, and focused on enjoying their day.
A photojournalist at heart, Paul is always looking for the real moments — a sideways glance, a giggle, a hug — the small interactions that make weddings so meaningful. He believes the best wedding photography comes from allowing people to be themselves. He encourages fun, keeps things natural, and blends into the day so moments can unfold without interruption. Simply put, relaxed people enjoying themselves make amazing wedding photos.
Couples can explore the wedding photography blog for recent examples of his work as a Wellington wedding photographer, along with real wedding stories from venues across the region. The wedding photography testimonials page also shares feedback directly from couples about their experience working with him. At the bottom of the page, visitors can use the search bar to see examples of his photography at many Wellington wedding venues.
For those planning their wedding and wanting face-to-face advice from an experienced Wellington wedding photographer, Paul is always happy to meet for a coffee and a relaxed chat at a time that suits. He can be contacted via the website contact form, by email at info@howellphoto.com, or by phone on 02102 238981 to discuss wedding plans.
"Paul was the photographer at our recent wedding and we can’t recommend him highly enough. He listened to what we wanted and delivered amazing photos to us which we’ll cherish forever. We honestly didn’t notice Paul at all during the day which is exactly what he promised so we could focus on having fun and him capturing the day."
James Pinner
Why Experience Matters for Wellington Weddings
Wellington weddings are unique. The light can shift quickly, the wind can roll in unexpectedly, and timelines often change. Experience matters — not just technically, but emotionally. With years of wedding photography experience in Wellington and across the lower North Island, I know how to: Work confidently in unpredictable weather. Adapt quickly without disrupting the flow of your day. Find calm moments in busy timelines, and capture natural light in challenging conditions.This experience allows me to stay relaxed, which helps you stay relaxed — and that always shows in the photos.
My Approach to Documentary Wedding Photography
Documentary wedding photography is about storytelling. Rather than directing every moment, I observe, anticipate, and respond — capturing the in-between moments that often mean the most. My approach includes minimal posing and maximum authenticity, A strong focus on moments, relationships, and atmosphere. A calm, supportive presence throughout the day. You’ll receive a complete visual story of your wedding, from quiet moments to big celebrations, edited in a timeless style that will still feel right decades from now.
"We were incredibly happy to have Paul shooting our wedding day in December. The photos were amazing (and plentiful) and we got heaps of comments saying that Paul was great at making people feel at ease in the group shots (and he also did an excellent job of getting lovely photos of young children). One of the best things about choosing Paul was having the test shoot prior to our wedding, not only did we get lovely non-wedding pictures, but we were also able to discuss with Paul what we preferred for our wedding photos. We are both camera-shy people so having a practise shoot was great for us to build up confidence for the day. We will definitely be recommending Paul to anyone we know getting married in the area. "
Maya Polaschek
WEDDING DAY COVERAGE STARTS AT $1990
Every wedding is unique. All packages are a convenient start point and can be highly customised. Albums, 2nd photographers, lighting assistants, extra hours and other options can be added to create the perfect wedding package for you. Contact Paul directly to plan and customise your unique wedding photography package. Have a look at the Faqs page here for more information.
All wedding packages include...
Award-winning photography by Paul Howell.
Unlimited images, retouched, edited and ‘print-ready’ with no copyright restrictions. Expect between 50 & 100 per shooting hour.
An engagement/test shoot valued at $500. A fantastic way to get used to being the centre of attention, making the shoot on your wedding day relaxed and second nature. You will receive these images in high resolution, ideal to use on wedding invites, in guest books, etc.
Travel as far as Masterton or the Kapiti Coast. Please contact Paul for quotes for weddings further afield.
An on-line gallery on Paul’s blog (included but optional if you prefer to stay offline).
Complimentary use of umbrellas for the Bridal Party should it be too sunny or wet!
All images are provided in colour and black & white.
A complimentary audio-visual slideshow.
PACKAGE 1 | THREE HOURS | $1990 +GST
Your Ceremony, Bridal Party Shoot and Group shots as well as a little pre or post-wedding coverage as time allows.
PACKAGE 2 | SIX HOURS | $2740 +GST
Add further coverage of getting ready and/or your reception. Frequently covers your Ceremony through to First Dance.
PACKAGE 3 | NINE HOURS | $3490 +GST
Just about your entire day, often with extended getting ready coverage and post First Dance partying.
PACKAGE 4 | ELEVEN HOURS | $5990 +GST
The whole shebang! Two Photographers, One large and two smaller family albums, The ultimate custom package.
Contact Paul for more details.
"Paul is an incredible photographer! He was so great to work with for our engagement. I don’t think I’ve ever met someone so happy and fully of energy - his vibes are incredible! The photos we received back from our event have just blown our minds and we have gone through all 900 photos more times than I can count they are just wonderful! We definitely have Paul in mind for all our events here in Wellington! Thank you Paul! "
Priteshna Krishna
WEDDING EXTRAS
Every wedding is unique. All packages are a convenient start point and can be highly customised. Albums, 2nd photographers, lighting assistants, extra hours and other options can be added to create the perfect wedding package for you, contact Paul for further details. Have a look at the Faqs page here for more information. All prices are GST exclusive.
ALBUMS
The perfect way to remember and share your story, Wedding albums are available in a variety of formats and sizes. More details here.
SECOND PHOTOGRAPHER
Double your angles at key moments for a wider variety of coverage. Subject to availability.
LIGHTING ASSISTANT
Especially useful in dark venues and for a dramatic feel in your bridal party shoot. Subject to availability.
EXTRA HOUR OF PHOTOGRAPHY
Customise your wedding package and add extra hours of photography at $250ph.
ADDITIONAL POST-PRODUCTION
All images are already supplied retouched and print-ready. Specialist additional retouching such as tattoo removal is $90ph.
TRAVEL
We tend to service just the Lower North Island, but will travel further afield where time allows. Contact us for a tailored quote.
"We finally took the time to go through all of our photos and everyone is so impressed with the quality of all of them. Paul captured so many candid photos and looking at them reminds us of all the beautiful moments we shared on the day. I loved how Paul listened to what we wanted and over-delivered. The guests loved how friendly Paul was and I can't recommend him enough.
Thank you so much Paul"
Sapphire Brodrick
WEDDING ALBUMS
We use the vast number of images created during your wedding to produce high-quality photobook-style wedding albums. All albums are graphically designed by Paul and contain the very best of the days' shots. You can have as much or as little input into your album design as you like. A pdf album proof is always provided for approval prior to printing to make sure everything is exactly to your tastes.
Depending on layout, albums can contain anything from 40 to 160 pages. All books use premium quality heavyweight paper and come with a colour photographic cover. Albums come in 10×8″(25x20cm), 13×11″(33x28cm) and new square format 12×12″(30x30cm). All albums come with forty pages included, extra sides can be added during the design process. Further identical albums can be ordered for family and friends with a discount of 30%.
13 X 11" ALBUM | 740+GST
The large size, especially well suited to a greater number of images per page. 40 pages included to start you off, extra pages are $7 per page.
12 X 12" ALBUM | $740+GST
A contemporary large square format album. 40 pages included to start you off, extra pages are $7 per page.
"Paul is the photographer everyone needs for their wedding. Putting aside his amazing photos, his easygoing attitude throughout the whole process enabled us to get exactly what we wanted.
Because we live in Australia, we only arrived in Wellington a few days before the wedding, meaning we were highly reliant on email communication. Paul listened perfectly to our vision, and together we put together an achievable schedule.
Throughout the day, he found ways to make everyone feel completely relaxed, with many of our guests commenting on how well he fitted in.
We were lucky enough to have amazing weather, and Paul approached us with an unscheduled idea for a quick sunset shoot. We were initially in two minds about leaving the party, but thanks to his gentle insistence, we now have photos we will treasure forever.
The final images truly captured the essence of the day—lots of laughter and everyone enjoying themselves.
Paul, thank you for the incredible photos and for making the whole experience so seamless. If I could rate you 10 stars, I would! "
Claire Kenderdine
ELOPEMENTS & COUPLE SHOOTS
Pre-wedding, post-wedding or perhaps simply a smaller wedding. You don't always need a full days coverage, but you still want some outstanding wedding photographs to celebrate your relationship! Without the need to return from your shoot to a wedding reception, these shoots often give rise to some exceptional photos in some jaw-dropping locations that we couldn't wish to get to on a more formal wedding day. Custom packages are available.
"Paul did our wedding photos, and they were INCREDIBLE! Paul is so friendly and professional, and instantly makes you feel comfortable in front of the camera. I would highly recommend Paul for any couples looking for amazing wedding photos! "
Cijina Lazo-Ron
a shout out to wellington wedding venues!
We are blessed here in Wellington to have a huge number of outstanding wedding venues whose goal is to make your wedding day spectacular! Below are some links to some of my favourite venues;-)
ZealandiaWhat next?
We would love to hear your wedding plans! If you like what you have seen so far let's tee up a casual meeting over a coffee, or an equally casual meeting via video-call if you are based away from Wellington. Have a think about any questions you have, or any elements that you may need advice on and ask away - we are here to help;-)
Give us a call on 021 02238981 or via info@howellphoto.com. You can also use the contact form below.
We aim to respond to all enquiries within 24hrs, so if you don't hear back please check your spam folder!
Drop us a line.
