Wedding Budget
How Much Does a Wedding Photographer Cost?
28 Mar 2024 •18 min read
When it comes to finding the right wedding photographer, it really comes down to what you want versus what you can afford. What you want might be a certain photography style or even a certain photographer whose work you love. What you need is for them to fit within your budget and be available on your wedding day.
For most couples, finding the right photographer can be a tough challenge. But with a little planning and a bit of research, you'll be able to find your dream wedding photographer in no time.
How to Save Money on Your Wedding Photography
If you follow these tips, you’ll have no problem nailing the perfect photographer on the first try! The important thing to remember is to know what you want while remaining open to input. They are experts, after all!
Find the Right Timing
The sooner you start actively looking for a photographer, the better. If you have someone particular in mind, make sure you reach out ASAP to see if they’re available on your dates.
We typically recommend booking a photographer at least 9 months before your wedding. If you plan on using your engagement photos for your invitations or save the dates, be sure to factor in the time required to get those photos taken, edited, and printed.
Budget Ahead
Photographers are one of the most important vendors at a wedding, so this isn’t the time to be frugal! You’ll want to remember this day for the rest of your life and having beautiful photos definitely helps. Depending on where you're getting married and what kind of packages you’re interested in, the average cost of a wedding photographer is typically 10% of your overall budget.
In any case, it's best to plan ahead. A good rule of thumb is to find a wedding photographer at least four to six months before your engagement session.
Be Realistic and Set Expectations
The rest of your wedding plans will affect your wedding photography. What do we mean by this? For example, if you're having a destination wedding, you'll need a destination wedding photographer, who may probably cost more.
Or, if you're having multiple engagement sessions and other wedding events, you'll need to pay extra for your photographer to cover them.
How Much Does the Average Wedding Photographer Cost?
Wedding photography pricing can vary widely based on several factors, including the photographer's experience level, reputation, location of the wedding, and scope of services offered.
Professional wedding photographers typically have a standard package that is based on their experience level and includes 10-12 hours of wedding day coverage, an engagement photo session, and an online gallery with digital downloads.
This package also includes photo editing and roughly 3-4 hours of travel time. Beyond this most photographers also offer a la carte style of options such as additional wedding day coverage time and creating albums or prints.
This is what wedding photographers cost based on experience level:
Beginner or Amateur Photographers
These photographers are often just starting their professional journey and have maybe shot a few weddings. Their prices are typically the lowest, ranging from a few hundred to a couple of thousand dollars for a wedding. Expect to pay in the ballpark of $500 to $2,000.
Experienced Professional Photographers
These photographers have been in the business for several years and have a solid portfolio to show for it. They know how to work under the pressures of a wedding day and deliver consistent results.
Prices in this tier can vary significantly based on demand, style, and included services, typically ranging from $2,000 to $5,000.
Top Professionals and Well-Known Photographers
These are the photographers who have not only years of experience but also an established style that sets them apart. They might have won awards or been featured in wedding magazines.
Because of their reputation and demand, their prices are much higher, often ranging from $5,000 to $10,000 or more. Some celebrity photographers can charge significantly more.
Luxury and High-End Photographers
Luxury wedding photographers are at the very top of the price range. They are usually the choice for high-profile weddings, with a unique artistic vision and exceptional service.
Average wedding photography costs at this tier can start at $10,000 and go up significantly from there, with some of the most sought-after photographers in the world charging $25,000 or more.
What Does Wedding Photography Include?
While the photographs from your wedding ceremony and reception are obviously ‘must-haves,’ there are other events you'll want to remember as well. From fun engagement photos to wedding videography, we’ve broken down all that comes along with wedding photography:
Engagement Photos
These are the images that are often used on your wedding announcements, invitations, and website. They’re often the first images that your guests see and are important for setting the tone for the wedding as a whole.
Whether you use them as part of the wedding planning process or not, you’ll definitely want some special photos to commemorate this momentous occasion!
Wedding Photos
Of course, the wedding photographer will capture the most important moments of your big day, including your pre-ceremony, ceremony, reception, and other little moments in between.
One photographer can probably handle a small to medium-sized wedding, but if you are holding a large event, we highly recommend getting two shooters.
Wedding Videography
Depending on the vendor, you may need to hire two separate people for photos and videos. Some companies may offer both as a package and if you’re set on having a professional videographer, that's something to look for in your vendor search and ask about in your vendor evaluations.
Don’t forget to keep in mind that videography can be a costly addition, so consider this element in your budget tracking. Keep reading this course for a deeper dive into wedding videography!
Wedding Photo Album
All wedding photos deserve to be transformed into an heirloom quality album you can appreciate for years to come. Your wedding album is the keepsake you and your family will look back on for a long time, and it’s important you’re happy with every photograph in it.
Other Events
Some photographers offer engagement party coverage, rehearsal dinner coverage, and photography for other wedding events. Be sure to inquire about these events, as they will likely add to the starting prices.
What to Expect When Reaching Out to Wedding Photographers
Finding an experienced photographer can feel like looking for a needle in a haystack, especially if you have a niche photography style in mind. That said, it's crucial that you know exactly what you're getting into once you start reaching out to wedding photographers.
Beyond the average wedding photographer cost, here are a few factors to consider when looking for a wedding photographer:
Photographers are small business owners and often solo-prenuers. So keep in mind, they may take a few days to get back to you because they're attending other weddings or events. Always remember to be patient.
Research their website and wedding albums before reaching out to make sure their photography style is what you want for your wedding day and their wedding photography prices match your budget.
Many photographers will request that you fill out a questionnaire before the first phone call. Expect to share details like the wedding date, venue, guest count, and sometimes even some personal details about you and your partner.
If the photographer is available on your wedding date and you're a match, they’ll likely schedule a phone call to get to know you and your partner better. This is usually a 30-minute conversation over the phone or over FaceTime. This is the perfect time to ask detailed questions about their approach, style, creative direction, etc.
When connecting for the first time, keep in mind your photographer is vetting you just as much as you're vetting them. Be honest and don’t be afraid to show your personality! Like we mentioned before, you’ll be spending a lot of time with your photographer so you want to make sure you're comfortable with them and can be honest and open with what you want.
Photographers have different preferences when it comes to sharing inspiration images, so that's something to communicate and ask right at the beginning. For example, it's always helpful to share reference images of photos you like but check with them on the amount of images to share - they'll probably get the picture (pun intended) after a few similar images.
10 Questions to Ask Your Potential Wedding Photographer
Before settling on a photographer, make sure to ask probing questions to learn more about the photographer's expertise, general starting price ranges, and other services:
01. How would you describe your photography style?
If you want a photojournalistic style and the photographer you’re meeting with specializes in classic portraiture, it’s not going to be a good fit. Knowing your wedding style and bundling some images you love will help you find the right photographer for the job.
02. How often do you shoot weddings? How many weddings have you shot? Can I see your reviews?
You want to hire someone confident, professional, and well-versed in the often-complicated realities of shooting a wedding. (Note: while it’s totally okay to hire a friend or student photographer in order to save money, you’re taking more of a gamble with your images!) Checking out a photographer’s reviews will help you get a sense of their “bedside manner” and the experience of working with them from start to finish.
03. Have you ever shot a wedding like mine? Have you shot at our location? Can I see the photos?
Getting married in the woods of the Pacific Northwest? That’s a different experience (read: rain!) than shooting a wedding in the bright sunshine of Southern California. Your photographer should understand the environment and be prepared for all types of weather and mishaps.
04. Can I see a full set of photos from a recent wedding?
It’s good to see an edited selection of a photographer’s best images but to get a sense of their range, style, and skill, you’ll want to see a full set of wedding images. Know that not every picture will be great — so don’t toss a photographer aside because there are some less-than-perfect pictures in the set.
Just browse the images to be sure all the important moments were captured and you like the overall style of the images.
05. What do your packages include? What costs extra?
Get specific about your costs: If you’re buying a package, find out exactly what’s included and what will cost you extra. (For example, if you need the photographer for an extra hour on the day of, how much will it cost? Are digital images included?)
Also, ask if your photographer works with an assistant or second shooter and whether or not that person is included in the package fee. Before you walk out of the meeting, confirm when your deposit and all remaining balances will be due.
06. What happens if you can’t make it to my wedding?
Things happen, people get sick, and there’s a (slim!) chance your photographer won’t be available on your big day. If he or she works with a second photographer or another agency, make sure you’re able to meet those professionals before your big day. The last thing you want on your wedding day is an unpleasant surprise!
07. Do you have any other events booked on my wedding day?
It’s okay if your primary photographer has other bookings, but you’ll want to be aware of any time constraints and work them into your wedding day schedule. If you need your photographer from morning till night, make that clear and find out how much it’s going to cost you.
08. What kind of editing will you do on my photos?
All professionals do at least some editing on photos; fixing colors, shadow, highlights, and exposure is all considered standard. But there are some photographers who like to clean up “imperfections” on the subjects in their photos — i.e. you and your new spouse — and not everyone is down with that.
Ask any potential photographer how much editing they plan to do, and be sure you’re comfortable with it.
09. I have some particular shots in mind, are you willing to follow a list?
Most wedding photographers are 100% familiar with shot lists, but ask this question in case you’re working with a renegade who can’t be tied down!
10. How long after the big day will I get proofs?
Get this information in writing. You’ll want to have a timeline for when you’ll receive proofs and all final images clearly laid out in your contract before you hand over any cash. That way, you know what to expect and won’t start harassing your photographer the minute you get back from your honeymoon!
Reviewing Your Proposals
Great news! You’ve had the initial calls with your potential photographers and they’ve compiled a proposal with package options and pricing. Now it’s time to select the photographer and package that works best for you! Normally, each photographer’s package will include options at different price points, so we recommend reviewing each proposal and selecting the one that checks all of your boxes.
It's important to review the proposals with your partner so you’re in agreement about your expectations for wedding photos and, more importantly, the final wedding photography price. This is the time to discuss with your partner what photos are important to you both so you can make sure they're included.
A typical proposal and wedding photography packages will include the information listed below:
Number of Photos
This number should be spread out across all of the events your photographer will be a part of, such as the engagement shoot, rehearsal dinner, and wedding day.
This can get granular, so try and compare this number to your shot list and what your photo expectations are. This is also something you should have discussed in your initial call with the photographer.
Second Shooter
Having two photographers isn't a necessity per se, but if you want shots from different perspectives and angles, a second shooter is incredibly important. Your photographer should give you different prices if you choose not to have a second shooter or assistant helping them.
Travel Fees, Accommodations & Misc.
Your photographer may charge you if they need to travel and/or book overnight accommodations for themselves. Review this fee and make sure you can cover it.
Also, they will most likely need at least one meal during their 8+ hour photography coverage - see if this is listed in their contract; if so, ask your caterer if they have a meal, i.e. dinner plate, to offer the photographer and what that will cost you.
Total Number of Hours
The total number of hours should be crystal clear on the proposal and should also detail what you’ll be charged if your photographer needs to run over the agreed hours.
Cancellation Clauses
The proposal should state a clear cancellation or rescheduling penalty fee just in case a conflict arises.
Photo Delivery Timelines & Feedback Processes
Most photographers take between four and six weeks to share their photos. Review the timeline on your photographer's proposal to see if their number works for you. It should also clearly state if and how many rounds of edits they will make should you provide feedback.
See if those turnaround times are also to your liking. You just want to make sure you have a clear grasp on post-event timelines because you will be so excited to see and relive your special day!
Payment Process & Timelines
The majority of professional photographers will state their specific payment process and what to pay upfront. Credit card payments are rarely accepted by photographers. This is due to the fact that all the extra fees add up and quickly dent the photographer’s income.
Make sure you understand and feel the following is clearly outlined in the contract before signing: agreed-upon payment amounts, due dates, and accepted payment methods.
Find the Photographer that Meets Your Wedding Budget
Finding the right photographer is an important factor in staying within your wedding budget. Although the process can seem daunting, these tips and tricks should help you snag the right professional to capture your wedding memories perfectly.
Find numerous tips for building your wedding budget!PLAN YOUR WEDDING BUDGET
About The Author
Kellee Khalil is the Founder & CEO of Loverly. She lives in upstate NY with her fiancé and two dogs.
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