Planning a wedding is an emotional, time-consuming journey filled with anticipation and countless details. It often takes months or even years to bring your vision to life. The day itself can feel like a whirlwind, over in a flash, with the photos serving as one of the few tangible memories that last beyond the moment. These images are genuene heirlooms, something to cherish 20 years from now and share with your children and grandchildren. A skilled photographer does more than capture scenes—they preserve the emotions, the atmosphere, and the unique story of your special day.
Choosing the right photographer is one of the most personal and significant decisions you’ll make. But as you start to explore your options, you might wonder, “How much should I expect to spend on a wedding photographer? What’s the average cost, and how much of our budget should we allocate?” The answers can be complex and influenced by many factors. In this article, we’ve gathered insights from experts to help you navigate the costs and make an informed decision for your big day.
Photo: Fox and Film
In this article:
The Average Wedding Photographer Cost
Wedding photography prices can vary significantly based on factors like location, experience, and the services offered. We will cover this in more detail further. Based on our survey of photographers, on average, couples spend between $2,500 and $6,000 for coverage with one photographer. Photographers in this range have good experience, well-established branding, websites, and professional gear. The key is to select a photographer whose personality and style resonate with you. “A photographer should be chosen instinctively—not just for what they provide, but for how they make you feel. The final image is a creation of the photographer, not just a raw shot,” says Gradisca Portento, a destination wedding photographer based in Italy.
However, prices can soar beyond $20,000, even reaching $60,000 for upscale weddings. “As a luxury destination wedding photographer, our starting price of $20,000 reflects a high-caliber approach designed to offer each couple an extraordinary experience. This fee accounts for the comprehensive nature of my services, artistic vision, and the exclusivity of taking on a limited number of weddings per year,” shares Jessica Mangia, an internationally awarded luxury wedding photographer based in Los Angeles and Milan.
Factors Affecting the Cost of Wedding Photography Services
Various factors, from equipment and experience to creative expertise, shape the cost of hiring a wedding photographer. Here, experts break down the key elements that impact wedding photography prices.
Experience and Personal Value
When it comes to capturing the most special day of your life, you want to relax and trust the experts. Many photographers have spent years, even decades, perfecting their craft and handling all kinds of situations. Like any other profession, investing more experience and time often means higher prices. According to Agustin and Lupe of Take It Photo, hiring an experienced photographer ensures capturing perfect moments, finding flattering angles, ensuring top-quality results, and managing any emergencies that arise on the wedding day—whether it’s tricky weather, lighting issues, or timeline changes. They also skillfully interact with your family and guests.
A photographer’s cost can also be influenced by their reputation, unique style, and the kinds and scale of weddings they typically handle. Popular photographers, especially those covering high-profile or destination weddings, often charge more and book quickly, especially during peak wedding seasons. “An exceptionally talented photographer who usually covers local small-town weddings will charge much less compared to a destination photographer handling celebrity events,” say Lusine, Jacob, and Martin of Shotlife Studio. Italian photographer Gradisca Portento adds that popularity can significantly impact pricing. “A photographer with a large social media following and a lively community might charge more than someone with a smaller audience, even with similar talent and experience,” she explains.
Amelia Soegijono emphasizes, “The biggest factor affecting wedding photography costs is the photographer’s unique voice. Those with a strong, distinctive style often have higher demand and may charge more to limit the number of jobs they take.”
TIP: Popular photographers get booked quickly, especially during peak wedding seasons, so secure your photographer as early as possible.
Location
The location of your wedding can significantly influence the cost of photography. According to Sheff Production, a wedding photographer based in California, photographers in major cities like Los Angeles or San Francisco typically charge more than those in smaller towns due to higher living costs and greater demand.
Generally, photographers in the USA are more expensive than those in Europe. Neiyo, a Melbourne-based photographer, points out that Australian photographers often charge less than their counterparts in the USA and Europe.
“If you’re planning a destination wedding in Europe, hiring a local photographer can save you significant travel expenses,” says Samin of Samin Photography. “Flying a photographer from another continent can make the package much more expensive.” Louis Gabriel, a photographer in Greece, adds that you might need to add an extra 15% to cover travel costs, especially since many of the most popular places here are on the islands.
Demand
Demand is another key factor. Louis Gabriel explains: “The wedding season in Greece runs from May to October, which means Saturdays are in high demand and often booked out early. This limited availability can drive up the cost of services. However, destination weddings tend to be more flexible, with clients often willing to book on weekdays, making these dates particularly attractive.” If you’re planning an off-season wedding, you might even score a discount.
Coverage Time
The cost of your photographer can also depend on how long you need them on your wedding day, as they can charge different rates for 6, 8, 10, or 12 hours of coverage.
Film or Digital
Film photography and a natural, unconstructed approach are making a major comeback, bringing a nostalgic touch to weddings. With its rising popularity, it’s definitely a trend worth considering. Samin Photography shares, “Film photography often comes with a higher price tag compared to digital. The cost difference between film and digital gear is significant. Plus, buying and developing film can add hundreds or even thousands of dollars to your photographer’s expenses. Each shot taken on film can cost around $7 to $10 once everything is factored in.”
Types of Wedding Photography Rates
Wedding photography rates typically fall into three categories: hourly rate, flat rate, and package deals.
Hourly Rate
With an hourly rate, photographers charge based on the number of hours they work. This is often ideal for smaller, more intimate weddings. As noted by Carly Dowhos of Life as She Knows It Photography, many photographers have a minimum number of hours they will book, especially during peak wedding seasons.
Flat Rate
A flat rate covers the entire event, regardless of how many hours are worked. For example, DavidAnn Weddings gives as an example that a main photographer with over 5 years of experience might charge around $6,000 for a flat rate, while a second photographer with similar experience charge an hourly rate starting at $75.
With both pricing structures, clients typically receive a professional review of the wedding timeline, 6-12 hours of coverage with high-quality equipment, and an online gallery of edited high-resolution photos. Additional costs might arise for extras like photo albums, a second shooter, and analog film options. Louis Gabriel, for instance, also offers drone photography and content creation services, which are becoming increasingly popular for destination weddings.
Package Deals
“Most wedding photographers offer packages that bundle various services and products to simplify the couple’s choice and provide better value,” explains Samin of Samin Photography. “These wedding photography packages usually include a set number of hours, a second shooter, an online gallery of high-resolution digital images with downloads, and often extras like albums, rehearsal dinner coverage, or an engagement session.”
For example, Emily Cappelen of Evergreen Photo Co. offers packages that feature an exclusive welcome box, a post-wedding box, a USB with the full gallery, a second shooter, an engagement session, and 35mm film. Amelia Soegijono adds, “High-end professionals often create custom wedding photography packages that tailored to clients’ vision and budget for a truly personalized experience.”
Neiyo emphasizes the extensive work involved: “A wedding photographer pricing reflects the time and effort invested, from client meetings and itinerary planning to scouting locations, working long hours on the wedding day, editing thousands of photos, designing albums, and safely storing images. The job goes far beyond just the wedding day itself, ensuring a comprehensive and thoughtful approach rather than a simple transaction.”
Tips for Calculating Your Wedding Photography Budget
Photography usually accounts for about 10% of your overall wedding budget. But consider prioritizing photography since these images will be your lasting memories. “If you find a photographer whose style you love and with whom you feel a strong connection, don’t hesitate to invest a bit more,” Agustin and Lupe of Take It Photo say. “After all, the only things that remain from your wedding day (besides your partner) are the photos you’ll cherish forever!”
If your dream photographer’s fees exceed your budget, consider a smaller wedding or elopement to help cover the cost and still work with your ideal photographer. The Sheff Production team also advises evaluating what different professional include in their wedding photography packages to ensure you get the best value for your money.
A Payment Schedule
Payment schedules can vary between photographers, but most use a two-payment system. Typically, you’ll pay a deposit of 30% to 50% to secure your date, with the remaining balance due closer to the wedding day—anywhere from a week to 30-60 days before, depending on your contract. For example, Noah and Kim of DavidAnn Weddings offer the option of paying the remaining balance in monthly installments. Sheff Production notes that some photographers may require the final payment upon delivery of the photos.
More Tips From Wedding Photographers
Life as She Knows It Photography
Dear couples, remember that most aspects of planning a wedding are a luxury. Focus on what truly matters to you and what will hold lasting value. In this industry, you definitely get what you pay for.
Martin Wilk Photography
Photography is the smartest investment you can make. After the wedding your flowers wither, your dress goes in the closet and your guests go home. The only thing you have left are your photos. It’s the only way your memories will last forever. Choose a photographer who meets your needs and expectations: A bad photographer can diminish the beauty of even the most stunning wedding, while a great one can make a simple event look spectacular.
DavidAnn Weddings
Your planner and photographer are key vendors that should be allocated a significant portion of your budget. A grand wedding requires a grand team to bring your vision to life. A a well experienced photographer will make it their priority to capture every aspect of your day, from intimate moments to the intricate details that reflect your tastes and personality.
Take It Photo
When choosing a photographer for your big day, the most important factor is finding one you feel a connection with, even if they’re slightly above your budget. We’ve heard too many stories of brides who chose a photographer based solely on price, only to regret not investing more in this crucial aspect of their wedding.
Amelia Soegijono
Define the storytelling style you want for your wedding photos and aim big. Choose a photographer whose style you absolutely love and whose personality is perfect to the kind of experience you are hoping for. If you need to adjust your budget, consider a photographer with slightly less experience. Remember, a bargain can sometimes lead to disappointment. Investing in a photographer based on price alone is risky and might result in unsatisfactory photos or a negative experience.
Tee & Rebecca Lambert
In the world of wedding photography, you truly get what you pay for. Look for someone who listens to your needs and works full-time in the industry. Full-time professionals respect their craft and price their services accordingly. This is an investment in your marriage and your future, so choose wisely.
Samin Photography
Lastly, remember that being Instagram famous doesn’t tell you much about a wedding photographer’s quality. The number of followers and their activity on Instagram don’t determine the quality of their work. Instead, closely examine their website and ask to see at least two full wedding galleries. This will give you a clear picture of how they capture a wedding day and ensure you get the photos you’ve always dreamed of.
Meet the Experts
A luxury destination wedding photographer and educator based in Australia and Europe.
An internationally awarded luxury wedding photographer based in Los Angeles and Milan.
A wedding photographer and creative editorial director working in the most exciting locations in Italy.
Agustin and Lupe are the primary photographers of Take It Photo, a boutique wedding photography studio based in Mexico.
A destination wedding photographer capturing weddings and elopements in Europe, Dubai, and Canada.
Lusine, Jacob, and Martin are a photo & video team specializing in luxury weddings and editorials in Toronto and beyond.
A wedding photographer with over 16 years of experience in the US, Germany, and Hong Kong, and her current base in Melbourne.
Noah and Kim are a photographer & videographer and a husband & wife duo with over a decade of expertise in creative directing, art, fashion, and film.
Emily Cappelen is the lead photographer at Evergreen Photo Co., a Florida-based company that blends digital and 35mm film photography.
A husband-and-wife photography team from California who captures authentic love stories for over 25 years in the US, the UK, and Europe.
Carly Dowhos is the owner and creative director of Life as She Knows It Photography, which is located in Canada.
A global destination wedding photographer describing his style as Cinematic Realism.
