How Much Does a Wedding Photographer Cost?
Wedding Photography Budget: A Complete Guide
Creating your wedding photography budget can feel overwhelming, as prices can vary widely. I’m here to help you understand what goes into these costs and why investing in wedding photography is truly worthwhile. Let’s dive in!
Understanding Wedding Photography Prices
Professional wedding photographers can charge anywhere from $2,500 to well over $10,000. It’s no wonder couples often feel confused and overwhelmed. The cost depends on several factors: location, the photographer’s level of experience, the type of equipment they use, whether they work full-time or part-time, the services and products they offer, and their demand. All these elements play a role in shaping the price.
No matter your budget, you can find a photographer who meets your needs. However, it’s crucial to find someone who will capture your wedding beautifully. Unlike other photo sessions, there are no do-overs if something unexpected happens. That’s why it’s important to focus on the photographer’s portfolio, reviews, and personality. Ideally, your wedding photographer should have experience with at least 30 weddings as the lead photographer, and you should quickly feel at ease when speaking with them.
Beautiful RaeLynn glances back at her admiring groom as she spins for him during their “first-look.”
Why Wedding Photography is Worth the Investment
Wedding photography is not just about taking pictures; it's about capturing moments, emotions, and memories that will last a lifetime. Here’s why investing in a professional wedding photographer is a decision you won’t regret:
1. Capturing Irreplaceable Moments:
Your wedding day is filled with fleeting moments that you’ll want to remember forever. A professional photographer has the skill to capture these moments beautifully, ensuring that every smile, tear, and joyful expression is documented.
2. Experience and Expertise
Experienced photographers know how to handle various lighting conditions, challenging environments, and unexpected situations. Their expertise ensures that your photos are stunning, regardless of any hurdles.
3. Quality and Consistency
Professional photographers use high-quality equipment and have a consistent workflow, resulting in photos that are sharp, vibrant, and beautifully composed. This level of quality can make a significant difference in how your memories are preserved.
4. Peace of Mind
On your wedding day, you have enough to think about. Knowing that a skilled photographer is capturing all the important moments allows you to relax and fully enjoy your day.
5. Heirloom Keepsakes
Your wedding photos are not just for you; they are a legacy for your family. High-quality prints, albums, and other products ensure that your memories are beautifully preserved for generations to come.
Stunning Katie, taking in all the love on her wedding day with her gorgeous triage.
Finding the Right Photographer for You
If you’re planning a wedding during peak season (May-October) or on a holiday, expect to pay a premium. The cost of an 8-hour day, plus an engagement session, typically falls between $3,000 and $6,500, with the average being around $4,500. For under $2,000, you might hire a part-time photographer or someone with less experience.
When creating your budget, aim for $350-$600 per hour of photography coverage. This might seem like a lot, but trust me, it’s worth it. Once you’ve narrowed your search to a few experienced photographers with beautiful work and good reviews, focus on what’s included in their wedding packages. Typically, $3,000-$4,500 will include 8-10 hours of coverage, an engagement session, and a digital gallery. If you want a wedding album or a second photographer, the price will increase accordingly.
What Should Be Included in a Wedding Photography Package?
A comprehensive wedding photography package should cover:
Timeline Consultation:
Your photographer should do a thorough run-through of your timeline with you. It’s even better if your photographer helps you right from the time you book, with the creation of your timeline and provides you with a good understanding of the approximate amount of time each element of the day will take.
Wedding Day Coverage:
Ensure you agree on the number of hours. You should also have a clear idea of what it will cost if you choose to add more time after booking a package, and how much that cost may increase if you should choose to wait until the day of your wedding to add time.
Number of Photographers
If you have a shorter day with a guest list under 80 people, you will likely need only one photographer. The larger your guest list, and longer your day, and more locations involved on your wedding day, you’ll want more photographers. Usually not more than two or three. Discuss with your photographer the unique activities of your wedding day to determine whether it is necessary to have more than one photographer.
Edited Digital Photos
All of your wedding photos should be edited for proper exposure, color, and sharpness. Ask your photographer if they have the software and skills necessary to edit backgrounds, remove objects, touch up skin blemishes, fix hair, whiten teeth, etc. You should know in advance whether or not your photographer will be able to skillfully retouch your photos if you request this. Retouching is usually offered at an additional charge. Prices for this service vary.
Form of Delivery
Your digital photographs should be delivered via an online gallery or USB, or ideally, both. Online galleries can be offered for various lengths of time. Be sure it is clear how long you will have access to your gallery. If you’ll be receiving a USB, ask if an online gallery is also an option, as it is certainly convenient for your friends and family to have access to the wedding photographs for viewing, sharing, downloading, and ordering prints.
Engagement Session
Engagement photos are not only a beautiful keepsake, the session helps you get comfortable with your photographer before the big day. If your package includes an engagement session, ask how long your session will be, where you are able to have it, if you are able to bring multiple outfits, and how many digital photographs will be provided from the session. If your package does not include one, but you’d like one, make sure you ask your photographer how much it will cost to add this to your package.
Wedding Day Travel
Your wedding package should state whether or not travel is included. If not, ask your photographer if there is a travel fee, and what the total travel fee will be after all locations are accounted for.
Prints and Products
High-quality products that will preserve your memories beautifully are essential for every bride and groom. Ask your photographer if there will be any prints, books, or products included. If not, ask for a list of prices to be clear on what products they provide and what the costs are.
Wedding Album
Ask whether a wedding album is included, what the cost is, what size it will be, how many photos it will include, whether the photos will be retouched, who will be designing it, what materials it will be made from, and if the album is backed by a lifetime guarantee. Wedding albums cost anywhere from $300 to upwards of $3,000 depending on all of the elements previously listed. For an expertly designed wedding album, 10 inches by 10 inches or larger, made of premium materials, with all of your photos retouched, expect to pay upwards of $1,500.
Investing in a wedding album is something I highly recommend. You’ll want to ask your photographer if they have experience in album design. Your memories should be preserved in a stunning and durable format. Many photographers offer payment plans, making it easier to invest in this priceless keepsake.
Enjoying a quiet moment between “I-do” and the grand entrance, Matt and Katie are even more enchanting than their surroundings!
Key Qualities to Look for in a Wedding Photographer
Your photographer should have professional-grade equipment, including backup gear, and be physically capable of handling the demands of a wedding day. They should be skilled in various lighting scenarios, have a calm and outgoing personality, and be experienced in managing wedding day timelines and capturing every important moment.
Additionally, ensure your photographer carries business insurance, offers a solid contract, and has a network of backup photographers. Their ability to professionally edit photos is crucial, as is their use of high-quality editing software or professional editors.
Final Thoughts
When choosing a wedding photographer, cost is important, but so is finding someone whose style, personality, and values align with yours. Start by reviewing portfolios and reading reviews, then schedule consultations to ensure a good fit. Booking early is essential, especially for peak wedding season.
Investing in a professional photographer is an investment in your memories. Your wedding photos will be a lasting legacy, capturing the memories of your special day for you to revisit for years to come. Book a photographer who will put your mind at ease, and allow you to enjoy every special moment of your day, confidently knowing the moments are being secured for you to enjoy again and again.
About Lola Marie Photography
I believe in creating personal connections with my couples and capturing their legacy. My classic, romantic, editorial style focuses on storytelling and beautiful memories. With over 10 years of experience and 100 weddings, I offer advanced skill and expertise when photographing weddings. I also offer various packages, including extras like fine art prints and customized premium albums, to make your wedding photography experience unforgettable. Let’s make some magic happen and create memories that will last a lifetime!
A classically captured moment, in downtown Chelsea, Michigan by the Clocktower. Edited to a legacy black and white for an heirloom quality.
