What Are Venue Vendor Lists, and Should You Care?
I know I am going to piss a lot of people off in this industry with this post, but IDGAF. My priority is helping you find the best value and making your wedding or event planning a little less stressful. With that said, let’s get into it.
“I am here to help you find the best value and reduce some stress in your wedding/event planning.” - Stefan Lane Creative Photography
If you’ve ever toured a wedding venue or researched them online, chances are you’ve seen the “vendors page” or the coordinator handed you a “preferred vendor list.” These lists usually include florists, photographers, DJs, and other services the venue suggests you use. Sounds convenient, right? But here’s the deal: many of these lists aren’t built on quality alone—they’re often built on cash.
Vendors frequently pay hundreds, if not thousands, to be included on these lists, regardless of how much experience they have at that venue or how well they deliver their services. It’s less about “this vendor is amazing” and more about “this vendor paid us to say they’re amazing.” For couples, that can be misleading, and for vendors like me, it’s frustrating.
What You Should Know as a Couple
If a venue hands you a vendor list, use it as a starting point—not a definitive guide. Here are a few things to keep in mind:
Ask Questions: How does the venue choose its vendors? Do they pay to be listed, or is it based on quality and reputation? This will also tell you how trustworthy the venue staff is just by their answer. Trust me, I know some horror stories.
Do Your Research: Don’t just rely on the list. Look at reviews, portfolios, and testimonials, or even follow their social media to ensure a vendor matches your vision. Check out our article on How to Choose the Perfect Wedding Photographer for Your Big Day!
Trust Your Gut: Just because someone isn’t on the list doesn’t mean they aren’t amazing. Some of the best vendors out there refuse to play the pay-to-play game.
Why I Don’t Pay to Play
Here’s the thing: I’m not about greasing palms to get my name on a list. My work speaks for itself, and if a venue genuinely loves what I do, they’ll include me because they believe I’m a good fit—not because I handed them a fat check. Paying for placement feels like an ass-backward way of connecting couples to real talent. There’s no guarantee I’ll ever get called for work, and honestly, it doesn’t sit right with me.
When you work with me, it’s not about making a quick buck or playing marketing games. I care about bringing value to your wedding day, capturing the raw and real moments, and making sure you feel seen and celebrated. That’s what matters—not my name on a venue’s “preferred” list.
“… it’s not about making a quick buck or playing marketing games. I care about bringing value to your wedding day, capturing the raw and real moments, and making sure you feel seen and celebrated.” - Stefan Lane Creative Photography
The Bottom Line
Wedding vendor lists can be helpful, but they’re not always a reflection of quality. For me, it’s about creating art, delivering value, and building genuine relationships with couples—not throwing money at venues for a spot on a list. If you’re looking for a photographer who’s in it for the right reasons, let’s chat. Your wedding deserves more than just a “preferred” checkbox—it deserves authenticity. 🤝