That may well be their photos on the website. Even people who are not that good will produce one really good photo per wedding. If people have been doing weddings for a long time they can usually produce a great portfolio whilst each wedding is not so good. This is the biggest problem with looking for photographers on the web but there are a few tips:

• Ask to see some complete weddings, don't go by a portfolio of mixed up shots alone.

• If you can, ask to see prints, it can be hard to tell if shots are in focus and not motion blurred from small images resized for the web.

• If you're hiring them for the reception check the quality of their work in artificial light. I see a lot of photographers' websites featuring mostly outdoor shots as these are usually much easier to pull off.

• Likewise if you're getting married in a dark church, ask to see shots they've done in churches where flash is prohibited.

• Ask what equipment they have. Whilst gear does not maketh the photographer, if they only have a consumer body and single zoom lens this is probably a warning sign. Also if they don't have spares of everything, run away!

• Ask them what their plan is in the event of rain. The correct answer is "stand in the rain and get the photos!". Likewise battered gear is actually a good sign (pro gear is designed to take it) - you want someone who is committed to getting the shot, no matter what.