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Wedding Photographer Cost

How Much Does a Wedding Photographer Cost?

Low: $100-$1,000

Medium: $1,300-$3,000

High: $3,000-$5,000+

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For many couples, photography ranks high in importance because pictures are tangible keepsakes that are intended to last. A photographer should be selected only after careful consideration of cost, professionalism and personality.

Typical costs:

Wedding photography can be broken down into four basic categories: budget, moderate, upscale and luxury. Budget photographers run from under $100 to $1,000; moderate photographers average between $1,000 and $3,000; and upscale photographers between $3,000 and $5,000. Luxury weddings photographers average between $5,000 and upwards of $10,000.
For those on a very limited budget, consider asking a friend or relative to take ceremony photos with a digital camera. Don't rely on someone who is participating in the ceremony, such as a sister or father.
BridalTips suggests placing disposable cameras on each table so guests can take candid shots.

What should be included:

Basic wedding photograph packages under $500 may include 1-4 hours of coverage by one photographer, proofs in an online or hard cover album, and a limited number of prints or printable images on a CD or DVD.
Package prices in the $500-$1,000 range may include more hours by one photographer and an assistant, and additional prints or special albums.
Packages between $1,000-$3,000 may include an additional photographer and up to 8 hours of coverage, plus special albums, parents albums or photo books, though for some photographers, the fee will cover only the photography.
Packages that cost upwards of $3,000 may include unlimited coverage, up to three photographers, multiple shoot locations, or albums or photo books.

Additional costs:

Extras can include more hours of coverage, additional photographers, special albums or photo books, parent albums, or additional shoots (such as an engagement session).

Discounts:

Packages are typically the most cost-effective way to purchase wedding photography services. Don't be afraid to negotiate or haggle with the photographer.
Some photographers encourage pre-wedding installment payment plans at a discount. However, pre-paying for services can be risky. Consider negotiating payment installments.
Weddings are often scheduled on weekends, and some photographers may offer discounts on off-days.
According to TheKnot, you can trim costs by hiring a professional just for the ceremony, or a limited amount of time at the reception. Avoid photo "add ons," such as sepia tones, multiple exposures, or split frames. If selecting digital photography with copyright release, cut down on your print order, since you can easily do your own prints later at substantially lower prices. You can share a virtual album with family and friends, so they can order prints themselves. Check out reviews by CNET of popular sites.

Shopping for a wedding photographer:

The Wedding Channel allows you to search for a photographer by state or region. Check TopWeddingSites and FrugalBride for advice and suggested questions to ask each candidate, and use them as a guide for the screening process. If possible, attend a bridal show to get a broad look at the range of services available. BridesClub maintains a list of bridal show dates and locations across the country.
Always check references before hiring a photographer. Visit wedding chat boards like TheKnot for recommendations from real-life couples. The Better Business Bureau also has advice on hiring wedding photographers, and provides an online search function which allows you to check for complaints about any particular business.
Look into references from professional organizations like Wedding and Portrait Photographers International, The Wedding Photo Journalists Association and Professional Photographers of America.
Once you've selected a photographer, make sure to get every cost spelled out in your contract for services. The Better Business Bureau, FrugalBride and Wedding Guide provide helpful checklists for what to include in a contract.

Article updated March 2007

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Amount: $2,588.00

Still waiting for photo books...

Posted by: Summer Wedding in Cupertino, CA.	Purchased: 2007
Photographer:	Firm: Sophia Wedding
Number of Hours: 10	Number of Photographers: 1+1 assistant
Other Sessions: none

My wife and I aren't very good about printing photos, arranging them, and creating albums so we bought a package that includes photography and 3 printed books. The photography itself was about $1,000. They took pictures all day (preparations, family photos, ceremony + reception, about 10 hours) and we got the photos on a CD when we got back from our honeymoon. The studio is now supposed to touch up the photos, professionally lay out the books, and print 1 big one for us and 2 smaller ones for our parents, and the books + layout adds the other $1,588, which in hindsight is pretty pricey. So far, we were pretty happy with everything, but we're waiting for the books. We wish we started our search a little earlier -- the studio's head photographer was already booked on our wedding day -- but we started our search a little late.