A Complete Guide to Wedding Photography Prices

The key to successfully planning a wedding lies in the details, as wedding planning requires couples to meticulously map out party elements that are unique to them and their love story. However, most of these details aren't fully admired on the big day since weddings tend to fly by in the blink of an eye. But after months of organizing your seating chart, shopping for day-of looks, and taste-testing cake flavors, among other components, the last thing you want is to not remember the hard work you put into making your special day, well, special. That's where wedding photography comes in: Once you’ve walked down the aisle, said "I do," and danced the night away with friends and family, your photos will serve as a physical reminder of all the elements that made your ceremony and reception memorable. They will also capture the details you may have otherwise missed while you were focused on marrying the love of your life. Meaning, hiring the right wedding photographer is a crucial part of the planning process.

But how much do wedding photographers cost? Is there an average amount someone should spend to get the best photos post-wedding? What percentage of a couple's wedding budget should be allotted to photography? If any of these questions have popped into your mind, you're in luck, as we have all the answers you need. Here, we asked the experts to break down the finances in our complete guide to wedding photography prices.

The Average Cost of a Wedding Photographer

The cost of a wedding photographer depends on a variety of factors, such as the location and the vendor’s experience level. That being said, average pricing falls around $2,500 to $4,000—though wedding photographer costs can range anywhere from $1,000 to $50,000 and higher in the United States.

This then begs the question, "How do wedding photographers like to be paid?" While payment schedules vary among photographers, most choose a two- or three-payment system. In a two-payment system, the first payment is the deposit (due with the signed contract), and the second payment is the remaining balance (due 30 days before the wedding). In a three-payment system, the last payment is split into two separate payments, and clients typically pay one installment before the wedding and one when the final images are ready to go.

The Top Factors That Affect Wedding Photography Prices

Here, the experts share some of the biggest contributors that often influence wedding photography prices. 

The Location

Region is one element that can increase or decrease the total price of wedding photography. For instance, New York City photographer Jenny Fu of Jenny Fu Studio explains that wedding photography costs around $8,000 to $10,000 in Manhattan, whereas pricing tends to be lower in non-metropolitan areas. “Photographers in cities, like New York City, often charge more to cover living costs and their business,” she explains. So if you’re tying the knot outside of a costly city, like in the Midwest, expect prices to be lower.

The Photographer's Expertise

In addition to the region, the experience level of the photographer plays a large role in determining overall package prices. According to Fu, hiring someone with years of experience under their belt means you can trust that your pro will be able to capture the best shots in any lighting and weather conditions, and skillfully catch fleeting moments like your parents’ reactions when you walk down the aisle. Since Fu has over a decade of experience shooting weddings, her packages range from $15,000 to $25,000. 

KT Merry is a destination wedding photographer who also has a decade of experience in the industry. Not to mention, she’s a luxury photographer and has a roster of celebrity clients, all of which affect the amount she charges. With her expertise and clientele, her services begin at $50,000, though she is able to adjust costs to suit her client's needs and preferences. 

The Amount of Time the Vendor Works

Some photographers charge their clients based on how long they are hired to snap shots at the wedding. For instance, photographer Tom Keene of LAdigitalPhoto in Southern California provides an average rate of $1,500 for six hours of coverage and around $2,000 for eight hours. In general, the longer your vendor works your event, the more money you’ll need to pay them.

The Demand of the Photographer

Since Saturdays are the most popular time of the week to say “I do,” wedding photography will cost a lot more money if you’re throwing a weekend function versus one on a weekday. This should come as no surprise, though: Since photographers are in high demand over the weekend, the price of their services will reflect that. (While Fu charges at least $15,000 for her minimum package, a weekday elopement is around $5,000 to $10,000.)

How Wedding Photographers Create Their Package Rates

Wedding photographers usually offer robust photography packages at varying rates. For Fu, specifically, a minimum package will typically cost $15,000 for eight hours of photography coverage, two shooters, digital images, and a bespoke linen box with 15 fine art matted prints. Those who want more of Fu’s services get all of the above, plus 10 to 12 hours of coverage, multiple photographers, an heirloom wedding album, an engagement session, and rehearsal dinner coverage (the cost of these additional services is up to $25,000). But no matter the package that the couple selects, she will always deliver 600 to 800 fully edited images.

Merry also creates custom proposal packages depending on her clients’ vision and wants—but regardless of the type of package, she offers every one of her couples an experienced team of shooters—including her husband, Chad—digital images, and printed proofs in a custom box. If one of her clients desires additional coverage, Merry charges any extra time at a flat hourly rate. She also gives couples the option of adding a custom album at a later point.

Since Keene charges by the hour, from two to 12 hours, he doesn’t offer well-defined packages. That being said, each of his clients typically receives edited, high-resolution photos less than 10 days after the wedding and a five-to-seven-minute video set to music. For coverage that extends beyond eight hours, Keene will also provide an engagement session. Some optional charges for couples are a wedding photo album and a second shooter.

How to Find an Affordable Wedding Photographer

To choose the right person for the job—one you can afford—Fu advises researching photographers within your budget and then exploring their portfolios, making note of which styles resonate with you. Merry further suggests booking the best photographer in your price range and then deciding whether or not you want to splurge on the extras. “If they need to wait for some of the bells and whistles until after the wedding, they can always add it down the line,” Merry adds. “It’s pretty much impossible to go back and make the photographs better after the fact.”

All this to say, never book a photographer you can't afford—especially since there are tons of talented professionals available at varying price points. Plus, since these vendors typically offer an array of packages at different costs, spending above your means isn't necessary. Another tip? Avoid trying to negotiate the price. According to Fu, having an open conversation about your budget is an important part of the initial consultation, as that'll help you land on the right person, at the right price, without having to to try and bargain a new rate.