Will someone travel to the Far North?
Some will and some will not, and the honest answer differs by trade. NovaPay asks the businesses that cover your area rather than the nearest ones on a map, and travel time is stated in the quote so you can see what you are paying for.
How many photos do I get, and when?
Ask both, because they are the two most common surprises. A quote should say roughly how many edited images and how long after the day, which for weddings is often several weeks.
Do I own the photos?
Usually you get a licence to use and print them while the photographer keeps copyright. If you need them for advertising or commercial use, say so up front since that is a different licence.
Are the raw files included?
Rarely, and most photographers will explain why: the edit is the work. If unedited files matter to you, ask before booking rather than after.
What if it rains?
Ask what the wet weather plan is and whether a deposit moves to another date. For an outdoor event in New Zealand this is a practical question, not a pessimistic one.