You finally have your wedding photos back. You’ve scrolled through them a hundred times, maybe even posted your favorites on social… and now you’re wondering what to do with them.
If you’re searching for where to get wedding photo books printed or wondering which wedding photo albums are actually worth it, here’s the honest answer: not all options are created equal.
Some feel like a glossy magazine. Others feel like a true heirloom you’ll keep forever. And some feel cheap when you touch them and images look blurry. Yikes! I don’t want that to happen to you.
I’ve looked at dozens of wedding photo book options over the years, and the differences in quality are bigger than most people expect. So, I went through the best options to help you find one that actually feels worth it. Let’s get started.
P.S. If you’re still working through your wedding to-do list, don’t miss these wedding planning tips to stay organized.
How to Choose Where to Print Your Wedding Photo Album
Before you pick a company, here’s the quick way to decide what’s right for you:
- Want something timeless and high-end? Go with a layflat album and thicker paper.
- Want it done for you? Choose a custom-made option where someone designs it for you.
- Trying to stay on budget? Look for sites that run frequent sales and discounts.
Once you know which category you fall into, the decision gets a lot easier.
Editor’s Note: Most couples use the terms photo book and album interchangeably, but in general, albums tend to be more premium with thicker pages, while photo books are lighter and more affordable.
Quick Picks: Best Wedding Photo Books and Albums
- Best Heirloom Quality: Artifact Uprising
- Best Custom-Made: Tailored Studio Shop
- Best Budget: Shutterfly
Best Heirloom Quality: Artifact Uprising (Luxury Feel)
Best for: Couples who want a luxury keepsake album.
If you want your wedding album to feel like something you’d leave out on your coffee table forever, this is it.
Why couples love it:
- Thick, layflat pages
- Minimal, editorial-style designs
- High-end paper that actually feels substantial
Good to know: It’s more expensive than most, but this is the one people say is “worth it” after it arrives.
Get this if you want a true heirloom album.
Best for Custom-Made: Tailored Studio Shop
Best for: Couples who don’t want to design anything themselves and want a quality album.
Tailored Studio Shop is known for a personalized experience, high-quality designs, and unique coffee-table wedding photo books.
Why couples love it:
- Created personally for you
- Small business = available with questions you have
- Unique coffee-table quality hardcover books
- Simple ordering process
- Positive reviews
Good to know: Quality is great for the price; love the unique look of the custom-made books.
Get this if you want a custom-designed album without doing the work yourself.
Best Budget: Shutterfly (Affordable and Easy)
Best for: Couples who want something simple and affordable.
If you want something beautiful without spending a lot, Shutterfly is the easiest place to start.
Why couples love it:
- Frequent sales and discounts
- Simple drag-and-drop builder
- Fast turnaround
Good to know: Paper quality is lighter unless you upgrade.
Get this if you want a solid album at the lowest price.
Note: Prices and promotions change often, especially with sites like Shutterfly, so it’s worth checking current deals before ordering.
Mistakes to Avoid When Printing Your Wedding Photo Book or Album
- Choosing the cheapest option without checking paper quality: This is the #1 reason albums feel disappointing.
- Skipping layflat pages: Especially for wedding photos, this makes a big visual difference.
- Waiting too long to order: The longer you wait, the less likely you are to actually finish it.
- Uploading low-resolution images: This can make even the best album look blurry.
A few small decisions here can completely change how your album turns out.
What Actually Matters When Choosing a Wedding Photo Album
Before you order, here’s what makes the biggest difference in how your album turns out:
- Layflat pages: Essential for panoramic shots and a luxury feel
- Paper thickness: Thicker pages feel more like a real album
- Cover material: Linen and leather feel more elevated than glossy covers
- Print quality: This affects how your photos actually look on the page
- Turnaround time: Some take weeks, others just days
Artifact Uprising vs Shutterfly: Which Is Better?
If you’re deciding between these two, it really comes down to this:
- Artifact Uprising: Higher quality, more expensive, feels like an heirloom
- Shutterfly: More affordable, faster, better for casual albums
If this is your main wedding album, most couples are happier investing a little more.
Editor’s Note: Most couples only print one “main” album. If that’s you, it’s worth choosing the one that will still feel special years from now, not just the cheapest option today.
When Should You Print Your Wedding Album?
The best time to print your wedding photo book is within the first 2–3 months after getting your photos back.
This is when everything still feels fresh, and you’re more likely to actually finish it instead of letting it sit on your to-do list.
If you’re still deciding what to do with your photos, you might also love these creative wedding photo ideas to make the most of them.
Don’t Wait on This
Your wedding photos deserve more than your camera roll.
Start your album now while the memories are still fresh:
- Shop Artifact Uprising for a luxury album
- Try Tailored Studio Shop for a custom design experience
- Browse Shutterfly for budget-friendly options
FAQs About Wedding Photo Books
Where is the best place to get wedding photo books printed?
The best place depends on your budget and style. Artifact Uprising is best for luxury albums, Tailored Studio Shop is best for customization, and Shutterfly is great for affordability.
How much does a wedding photo book cost?
Most wedding photo books range from $50 to $300+, depending on size, materials, and page count.
Are layflat wedding albums worth it?
Yes. Layflat pages create a seamless look and feel much more high-end, especially for panoramic images.
How many pages should a wedding photo book have?
Most couples choose between 20 and 40 pages, depending on how many photos they want to include.
What is the difference between a wedding album and a photo book?
A wedding album usually has thicker pages and a more premium, layflat design, while a photo book is more lightweight and affordable. Albums tend to feel more like heirloom pieces.
One Last Thing Before You Choose
Your wedding photos aren’t just pictures, they’re the only thing you get to keep from the day exactly as it felt.
Long after the flowers are gone and the timeline fades, this is what you’ll come back to. The quiet moments, the tiny details, and all of the wonderful people who were there.
So, whether you go with something simple or invest in a full heirloom album, the most important thing is this: don’t let your photos live on your phone forever.
Pick one. Print it. Put it somewhere you’ll see it!
Because years from now, you won’t care how much it cost. You’ll just be really, really glad you have it (as I am to have mine).
► Questions? Let me know in the comments below and I’ll swoop in to help.
Happy Planning!
xo
Emma
Emma Arendoski
Emma is the CEO of Emmaline Bride (est. 2009) and published author of two wedding books: "The Handcrafted Wedding" and "The Inspired Wedding" (Sellers Publishing, Inc.) She is a leading wedding expert, coordinator, wife, mother, and coffee lover. Read her latest book: The Inspired Wedding. Follow on Emmaline Baby for baby + kids inspiration.
