How Much is Wedding Photography: Let me just start this blog post by saying this — there’s no magic number when it comes to the average cost of a wedding photographer. It really varies greatly, and it’s totally dependent on many factors. Factors such as the photographer’s experience level, their education, where they work (service areas), the local cost of living, and even their financial goals all play a part. I know this because each year, I reevaluate my numbers and I adjust them, based on these and other variables. All that to say, pricing can look like a moving target but that’s normal in the wedding industry.
As a photographer who has now been in the industry for over 13+ years, the following information comes from my own lived experience. I started out, like most of us, super fresh and unsure — very green, inexperienced. But as I learned more, polished my craft, and focused on delivering a better client experience, naturally, my numbers climbed. That growth showed in my prices, my confidence, and my work — an elevated experience overall. While I know there’s still so much to learn, I can confidently say I’m an expert, an Experienced wedding photographer now. And yes — I invite you, if you’re looking, to see if I’m the wedding photographer for you much money, and save.
How Much is Wedding Photography? | Lets Explain
On average, a wedding photographer with fewer than 2 years of wedding photography experience will charge about $3K, or less. As I mentioned before, that comes with a lot of risk. Now, don’t get me wrong, that said, we all started somewhere, and we all needed someone to take a risk on us.Thinking of booking a photographer like this for your wedding? Definitely dig into their work first. Some of them are shooting weddings left and right or balancing it with a day job, so you might not get their full attention or their absolute best photos.Plus, they could be heading straight down the road to total, utter burnout.Now, a moderately experienced wedding photographer, someone with a few more weddings under their belt, typically charges between $4-7K. These photographers in this range may or may not be full-time. Usually, they book around 15-30 weddings each year. From my experience, their client experience, while not bad at all, probably isn’t very personal or intentional. That’s not always true, of course, but their attention is most certainly split between a lot of clients, which does make a difference, especially on an emotional and artistic level.
The cost of an experienced wedding photographer generally starts at $8-10k+. These folks usually have many more years of experience (think 10+ years) and are full-time in this business. These expert wedding photographers really care — they invest big in their craft and the client experience. Many attend master photography classes, workshops, and retreats each year. They don’t overbook either — most shoot fewer than 15 weddings a year. And trust me, when you hire an experienced photographer like yours truly, you’re getting thoughtful, intentional, one-on-one care.You’re not just a number to them — they are invested in you, your love story, and the success of your wedding.In my humble opinion, if your budget allows it, you absolutely should book someone experienced. There’s very little risk on the client’s end when you do. Just please make sure you like their work and personality before you sign a contract. Now, I won’t say too much about ultra-experienced luxury wedding photographers, because I’m not one… yet. But I’ve learned a lot from my mentors, who fall into this category. These photographers usually have 20+ years of experience, and often shoot luxury or ultra-luxury weddings. It’s not unusual for their prices to start around $20k, and with all the value they bring, I totally see why.
What You Might Really Pay for a Wedding Photographer
Newly engaged couples often have no idea what wedding photography even costs, and honestly, I didn’t either when I first got into this field. Like I stated above, it can be anywhere from $0–$20k, or more, depending on your choices. There are just so many factors at play that determine how much you’ll need to pay a wedding photographer or How Much is Wedding Photography, from their experience to where your wedding is happening. The first thing a couple must decide is the value they really want and what kind of photos they will be happy with in the long run. Only then does it make sense to start determining their price range.
How Much Should I Spend on Wedding Photography?
Hey! Just got engaged? That’s so awesome, congrats! Planning a wedding is crazy fun, yeah? I bet you’re thinking about money, whether you’re just starting or already got most stuff booked. I just wanna share some ideas to help you pick what’s good for your big day. If you’ve checked out photographers, you know prices are wild—maybe free if your friend takes pics, or like $20,000 for the big-shot ones. The range is pretty large, and it can be hard to decide what YOU should pay for wedding photography. So, from one human to another, below we will go over a few factors you should consider during your search for the perfect photographer — so let’s get straight to it!
The Top Factors That Affect Wedding Photography Prices
The Photographer’s Skill vs. Real Experience
When I was planning my wedding, the prices for photographers totally threw me off. At first, I figured it was just about how long they’d been doing it. But I learned pretty quickly that experience isn’t everything when it comes to getting a good one.A person who has shot hundreds of weddings will have a much better idea of how to work out various tough situations that can come up during a wedding. And believe me, a lot can happen on a wedding day. So for us, having someone with a lot of experience can take a good deal of stress off your big day. You just feel safer knowing they’ve done it all before.But then there’s expertise, and that’s something I didn’t understand until I really started digging. Expertise, on the other hand, is more about the actual skill, like knowing how to shoot in various lighting situations, or how well they can work with coordinators and other vendors. From my own search, I found that some photographers had less experience, but their skill level — wow! That’s why expertise and experience are both extremely valuable, and they both impact the price.
If you want to get a better picture of a photographer’s experience and expertise, don’t just rely on Instagram posts. Go and check reviews, see what past clients have to say. I did this a lot, and it gave me a real sense of what I could expect. Also, always ask to see full galleries. Trust me, oftentimes you only see highlights online, but a full album will show you how they handle changing light, indoor vs. outdoor, and even those emotional moments during the reception.In short, a good way to judge a photographer’s expertise is not just by their number of years, but by how consistent and thoughtful their work looks throughout an entire wedding. And once you see that balance of expertise and experience, you’ll start to understand why prices can vary so much — and more importantly, why some are truly worth it.
The Location Can Change Everything
From my own wedding planning journey, I noticed how pricing often varies based on your location, and honestly, it surprised me at first. If the cost of living is higher, like in a big city such as LA, there’s a big chance that wedding photography will be higher too, sometimes double the amount! So when I compared photographers between LA and a smaller place like Texas, the difference was huge. You could end up paying an average starting price of $8,000 vs $4,000 for a similar photographer or videographer. This made me realise that where you live plays a big role in what you’ll pay, even if the quality is the same.
Time Matters More Than You Think
When I was getting my wedding ready, one thing that hit me was how photographers set their prices based on how many hours they’re shooting the day for. It’s not a flat fee for everyone — it really depends on the hours. For example, photographer Tom Keene from LA Digital Photo in Southern California offers an average rate of $1,500 for six hours of coverage and about $2,000 for eight hours. So naturally, the longer your vendor works your event, the more money you’ll need to pay them. That’s something I had to factor into my budget early on.
Why Your Wedding Date Affects the Price
When I started looking at wedding photographer prices, I noticed something fast. Everybody, including me, wants to get married on a Saturday—it’s just the go-to day for weddings. But because it’s so popular, photographers are super busy on weekends, and that makes their prices go way up.So, if you’re throwing a weekend function, expect to spend more compared to one on a weekday. I noticed folks like Fu often charge $15,000 or more for a weekend package, but their weekday elopements usually run between $5,000 and $10,000. It wasn’t shocking, but it really helped me plan things out better.
3. How Wedding Photographers Create Their Package Rates
When I first started looking into how wedding photographers create their package rates, I was honestly surprised at how much is included behind the scenes. It’s not just about showing up and taking photos—there’s planning, editing, and often multiple people working on your day. Take someone like Fu, for example. Her packages start at $15,000, and that gets you stuff like eight hours of photos, two photographers, all the digital pics, and a nice box with some fancy prints. But if you want extra things—like more hours, a photo album, an engagement shoot, or pics at the rehearsal dinner—you might end up paying up to $25,000.
No matter the package, though, you’ll get 600 to 800 fully edited images, which is a lot of memories captured beautifully.
On the other hand, some photographers like Merry build custom proposal packages depending on what the couple wants. You’ll usually get a full team, digital images, and printed proofs in a nice box. She even lets couples add a custom album later if they decide to. Then there are others like Keene who work by the hour and don’t stick to fixed packages. He might give two to 12 hours of coverage, with high-resolution photos delivered in less than 10 days, and sometimes a short wedding video too. He’ll even throw in an engagement session if you book him for more than eight hours. Every photographer seems to have their own style when it comes to creating these packages, but from what I’ve seen, they all aim to match their offers with what you truly want for your big day.
What’s Usually Included in a Photography Package
When I started planning my own wedding, I quickly learned that not all photography packages are the same. Some photographers only offer basic packages, which honestly include almost nothing beyond the actual day’s photography. But then there are others who really go the extra mile and include amenities like engagement sessions, a bridal session, even a timeline review and creation. I remember one package I looked at included everything from a full-day shoot to a beautiful heirloom-quality album, and even videography. The price felt like a lot at first, but once I realized how much was bundled in one place, it made more sense. Whether you’re going for base packages or all inclusive packages, it’s really important to see what’s being offered—you might end up saving quite a bit in the long run, and your photographic experience will feel way more complete.
Why Can Wedding Photography Cost So Much or So Little?
Well, you get what you pay for — that’s something I learned the hard way when I started planning our wedding. Honestly, I didn’t realise how different photographers choose their pricing until I started digging around. The truth is, prices vary all over the NYC, and there isn’t a one-size-fits-all answer. Some charge more because they include extra services, while others keep it simple to stay budget-friendly. Look, one thing I’ve noticed every time is that how good the photos turn out, the editing, the time they put in, and the whole vibe you get—it all depends on how much you’re ready to spend. If you’re scratching your head wondering why some photographers charge a ton and others are dirt cheap, it’s really about their style, how long they work, their skills, and what they’re bringing to the party. I hope this helps you figure out what prices are like where you live and what’s gonna work for your wallet.Oh, and heads up—stuff like destination weddings or getting a videographer? That’s a whole other thing to think about.
Special Considerations – Destination Weddings and Videographers
Destination Wedding Photographer Cost
When I started checking out photographers for a destination wedding, I was kinda shocked at how wild the prices were. I heard last year the average was like $3,124, which is already more than you’d pay for a wedding close to home. But then you’ve got those fancy luxury photographers—some of ‘em start at $20,000 or even higher if they’re the real big shots. On the other hand, you can find cheaper options if your budget’s tight, but just a heads-up: what you pay usually shows in their skills, style, and how good the photos turn out
Average Rates Per Hour for a Wedding Photographer
Alright, so if you only need a photographer for a bit, like just for the ‘I do’ part or the dance party later, it’s usually like $150 to $500 an hour.It’s all about whether they’re a big-deal photographer or where you’re tying the knot.
How Much Does a Videographer Cost for a Wedding?
Oh, and videographers? Dude, getting one was such a win for me, even if it cost a bit more. Totally worth it Totally worth it to have those moments on video!
Just so you know, their starting prices are pretty close to what photographers charge, so it can feel like you’re paying for two of the same thing.
You might wonder, “Is a videographer worth it if it doubles my cost?” But it is my personal opinion that videography is extremely underrated. A highlight film lets you feel those moments again—the laughter, the vows, the reactions—a video captures feelings that still photos do not. I still get goosebumps watching a sneak peek video I once made of Verity and Brian’s first look. If you’re worried about budget, one smart way is to find a company that bundles Photography, Videography, one package—many times, these bundles can save you up to 50%, at least on the videography side.
Trends and Changes in Wedding Photography Costs
Lots of couples don’t just get a photographer—they also hire someone to make a video of their wedding. Those videographers usually charge anywhere from $1,500 to $5,000, depending on what you pick and where you’re getting married.
How Have Wedding Photographer Costs Changed Over the Years?
For me, it’s been clear that wedding photography prices have increased quite a bit over the years.When I first checked out photographers, their prices were pretty low. But now? Stuff’s gotten pricier with inflation and all the fancy new gear they use. Like, tons of them have these top-notch cameras, drones, and editing tricks, and that bumps up what you pay.And with more couples wanting destination weddings, the travel and gear expenses naturally push prices even higher. So, if you’re wondering why rates feel steeper now than a few years back, that’s a big part of it.
How to Find an Affordable Wedding Photographer
To me, the easiest way to pick the right photographer is just being real about what I can spend. I remember when I first started searching, I made sure to research photographers within my budget and really spent time looking through their portfolios. I’d make a list of whose styles resonate with me, then narrow it down from there. Fu advises doing just that—sticking to what you can afford and not stretching yourself too thin. Trust me, there are so many talented professionals available at varying price points, and going broke for pictures doesn’t make sense when you’ve got so many other wedding expenses, too.
Merry suggests something that really helped me: book the best photographer in your price range, and if you feel like splurging later, you can always add the extras, like albums or more coverage, down the line. I loved this advice because it took the pressure off having to get everything upfront. Like Merry said, “It’s pretty much impossible to go back and make the photographs better after the fact.” And that stuck with me. You want to get someone good enough now, not hope to fix it later.
Another thing I learned the hard way—never book a photographer you can’t afford. It’s easy to fall in love with a luxury portfolio, but remember, there is an array of packages at different costs, and you don’t have to spend beyond your means. So many photographers today offer different styles and packages that still deliver amazing results without that luxury price tag. Also, avoid trying to negotiate the price too much. According to Fu, having an open chat about your budget early in the initial consultation is much better.That’s how you find the perfect photographer for a price that works, without haggling.Being real about my budget helped me find a photographer who was totally okay with what I could pay, and it made the whole thing such a breeze and a blast.
Tips for Finding an Affordable Photographer
When I was getting my wedding ready, making sure I didn’t spend too much was really important to me.Here’s some easy stuff you can try to find an awesome photographer without spending a ton.First, book early—a lot of photographers give discounts if you lock them in well ahead of time. That helped us a lot. Also, think about how much coverage you really need. If you don’t need full-day coverage, just go for a shorter package. For me, the important moments were the ceremony and a bit of the reception, and cutting a few hours made a big difference in price.
One smart move I made was looking into newer photographers. Some of them are super talented and charge less because they’re still building their portfolio. And honestly, they can be more flexible and passionate about getting every shot just right. Also, don’t overlook package deals—some folks bundle photography and videography together, and you can save a lot that way. We found a great team that offered both, and it fit perfectly into our budget.
Every Couple Should Know the Average Wedding Photographer Cost
When you start planning your wedding, one of the first things you should look into is the average wedding photographer cost in your area. Me? I didn’t wanna spend a fortune, but I also wanted awesome photos I’d love forever. So, I checked out a bunch of photographers’ sites, read what other people said about them, and looked at their pics.Hey, don’t stress about asking stuff! Just go for it. It’s okay to ask about stuff like extra costs, travel fees, or what you get with albums.This is as basic and friendly as it gets, like you’re just giving a quick tip. If it’s still not working, just tell me, and I’ll keep tweaking it! The more you know about photographers, the easier it is to dodge surprises and pick someone who’s awesome at what they do and doesn’t charge a fortune.
Average Wedding Photography Costs in the Dallas Area
When I was helping my friend look for a wedding photographer in Dallas, we noticed a wide range in pricing depending on the experience and style of the photographer. In general, the base prices started around $0-500, usually offered by someone just starting out, maybe a family friend or someone building their portfolio. Then there’s the $500-1200 range, where the photographer has done a few weddings but is still working on getting more experience. Around $1000-2000, you can expect someone who photographs weddings more regularly, though they might not be in high demand or doing it full-time. Once you go past $3500+, you’re likely dealing with full-time professionals who are booked because of their unique style, strong reviews, and overall expertise. These are just starting point,s though—if you want to include videography, that adds another layer entirely, and the pricing will jump quite a bit.
Conclusion
Man, I get it—figuring out wedding photography and videography prices can be a lot to wrap your head around at first. I hope this post cleared things up a bit for you. For me, it’s really about what you’re cool with spending to capture the biggest day ever. When you’re planning your budget, just remember these are the memories you’ll be flipping through forever. So, pick a photographer or videographer who’s got the vibe you love, some solid skills, good reviews, and a package that checks all your boxes. Trust me, it’ll save you so much stress and cash down the road. Oh, and if you’re ever stuck or wanna chat more about it, just hit me up.
