Should Wedding Photographers Register as a Sole Trader or a Limited Company?
- John Gates
- 54 minutes ago
- 3 min read
If you’re a wedding photographer in the UK, one of the most important business decisions you’ll make is choosing your business structure: should you register as a sole trader or set up a limited company?
It might sound like a boring admin decision, but it affects how much tax you pay, how your finances are managed, your legal liability, and even how professional your business appears to clients.
In this guide, we’ll break down the differences between sole traders and limited companies, explain the pros and cons of each option, and help you decide which structure is right for your photography business.
Quick Summary: Sole Trader vs Limited Company
Feature | Sole Trader | Limited Company |
Setup | Quick and easy | More admin required |
Tax | Income Tax + Class 2 & 4 NI | Corporation Tax + Dividends |
Liability | Personally liable | Separate legal entity |
Admin | Simple bookkeeping | Accounts, payroll, Companies House |
Credibility | Perceived as small/solo | Often seen as more professional |
Tax Efficiency | Less efficient for high profits | More tax-efficient after circa £70k profit |
What Is a Sole Trader?
A sole trader is the simplest way to run your business. You’re self-employed and personally responsible for all aspects of the business, including tax, contracts, debts, and profits.
✅ Advantages:
Very easy to set up via HMRC
Less paperwork and accounting costs
No need to file with Companies House
❌ Disadvantages:
You are personally liable for any business debts
Less tax-efficient once profits grow
May appear “less professional” to high-end clients
What Is a Limited Company?
A limited company is a separate legal entity. You become the director and shareholder, and the company itself pays tax on profits. You can pay yourself a salary and dividends.
✅ Advantages:
More tax-efficient (especially after circa £70,000 profit)
You have limited liability – your personal assets are protected
Can appear more professional and trustworthy to clients
❌ Disadvantages:
More complex: you’ll need annual accounts, payroll, corporation tax returns, etc.
Slightly higher accounting fees
Income becomes less “flexible” – you can’t just withdraw funds freely
Which Is Better for Wedding Photographers?
The right option depends on your profit level, growth plans, and how comfortable you are with admin.
If you're just starting out…
Registering as a sole trader might be the way to go. It’s simple, low-cost, and gives you flexibility while you’re building your client base.
If you're earning over £70,000 in profit…
You should seriously consider going limited. At this level, the tax savings can easily justify the extra admin. Plus, you gain more control over how and when you extract money.
Other Considerations for Wedding Photographers
Brand Perception
In many business sectors, a limited company can give off the impression of being more 'professional' or being a bigger business than it actually is.
However, if you're a solo wedding photographer, like many of our clients, your personality and talent to capture special moments from behind the lens are what builds your brand and ultimately win the work.
Future Growth
If you plan to bring on second shooters, expand into videography, or even hire editors or admin help, a limited company gives you a cleaner structure for scaling.
This is more relevant if you intend to employ others as employees rather than freelancers. Hiring employees brings with it its own set of challenges and also potential liabilities if you get something wrong. The limited liability offered by a limited company can go some way to protecting against this.
You can find out more in our article: Employee or Freelancer, which is the right choice for your business?
Pension Planning
Company directors can make employer pension contributions directly from the company — a highly tax-efficient way to save for retirement.
While true, depending on your age and especially if you're just starting out, you may have other priorities than planning for retirement. We're not saying it's not important, but this consideration may be lower down your list of considerations.
What If You’re Already a Sole Trader?
You can switch to a limited company at any time. The key is to:
Time the transition properly (usually at the start of a new tax year or quiet season)
Transfer assets like camera gear carefully
Inform clients and suppliers with a clear, professional message.
Final Thoughts
There’s no one-size-fits-all answer. But as a wedding photographer, choosing the right business structure can help you:
Keep more of your hard-earned money
Protect yourself legally
Present a more professional image
At Duo Accountants, we help photographers like you make smarter decisions about tax, business growth, and financial planning. Whether you’re just starting out or already fully booked for the next 18 months, we’ll help you choose the structure that works best for your goals.
Want to Talk Through Your Options?
Book a free discovery call with our team today and get clear, jargon-free advice tailored to your photography business.