What is the best way to be a photographer?

I'm really interested in photography. I haven't gone to college yet. But I want to photograph weddings. Is it possible to do that without a degree? What can I do to be a photographer? Should I just start a portfolio? Or do I HAVE to get a degree in Fine Arts to be a photographer?
I'm obviously just starting and not really sure where to begin. Any advise would help. Thanks.

I am a photo student in Pensacola. Prior to starting that, however, I photographed two weddings. This is the way I would approached it. Read up on the subject-- books dedicated to portraiture, lighting, posing, and photographing weddings. Get ideas for shots that are not "standard." Many people attending wedding nowadays bring their cameras and take snapshots. A couple paying you to be the official photographer expects a higher standard of creativity and control over your craft.

Use a camera with which you can work very quickly. I prefer a lens with a big zoom range so I don't have to change lenses very often. In addition you use a flash for just about everything. Study the use of fill-flash to evenly illuminate your subjects when shooting an outdoor wedding during the day. I'd recomment using 400 ISO daylight-balanced color film for most of the shots (if you're shooting film). And ALWAYS get your proofs processed at a professional lab.

As far as getting paid.. I have friends who shot their first few weddings for free until they could build up a small portfolio. Personally, I asked friends who were either dating or engaged to pose for me to get the practice. I gave them free prints for their time. Then I charged $75/ hr for my first two weddings (an absolute steal!!). I simply met with the couples far enough ahead of time to plan my shots and discuss my prices and costs.

I hope some of this helped. Good luck!

..start a portfolio...

You could bring some sample photos to an established photographer and ask them to hire you. That way you'd get experience and a good portfolio. People don't want to give you money unless they know you have some experience.

Another good way is to do it for free a few times. That's how I started my sewing business. I used their testimonials and photos to launch my web page and the customers saw that I had already done good work, so they gave me money.

That suggestion is fine ,start with giving free service.or start working for an established photographer without pay.(i dont think u like that?)
Also if u dont have yet,buy an SLR camera,better if that is digital too.Try hands on photoshop(or google picasa ) as editing is a must for todays photographers.Another quality editing software is google picasa(we can download free at http://angle-mine.blogspot.com ) u can try hands on this too,as its easiest for beginners and is a quality product too.U can atleast get the basic terminology of effects from this.
Last but not least ...beleive in your ANGLE !