How Much Should I Spend on a Wedding Photographer?

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Weddings are a once-in-a-lifetime moments it's important that each of your moments are captured! One of the most critical decisions you will make for your wedding is selecting a photographer. You may be wondering how much you should spend on a wedding photographer, so let's explore some of the factors that influence wedding photography prices and help you determine what you should be spending!


Remember, your wedding photos will be with you forever, and they are an investment in your memories. Spending a little extra to hire a quality photographer who can capture your special day's essence is always worth it!

Considering a wedding photographer for your wedding?

How Much Do People Usually Spend on Wedding Photography?


General Information

The cost of wedding photography depends on many factors, such as experience, hours of coverage, collection additions, and the location of the wedding. While everyone has their own price points in mind, here is what you can expect from wedding photographers based on your investment level:


Luxury: Starting at $6,000+

Photographers with collections starting at or exceeding $5,000+ are the most experienced in the industry. These photographers often have refined styles that can be recognized by others in their area and primarily service high-end weddings or clientele. It is not uncommon to see photographers charging $10,000+ who incredibly sought after.


Professional: $3,500-$5,000 Wedding Photography

These photographers are established with a solid style, and a wealth of knowledge and expertise to draw on. They will be able to deliver stunning, artistic images that capture the emotions and atmosphere of your day. They structure their business to make sure you feel well cared for and are also likely to offer premium products, such as albums and prints, to showcase your images.


Amateur: $2,000-$3,000 Wedding Photography

Photographers with collections starting at $2,000 may have a couple years of experience with capturing weddings. It’s not uncommon for photographers at this level to be beginning to invest in good gear, backups, and even furthering education that will help them grow their business.


Beginner: $500-$1,500 Wedding Photography

Photographers at this level have very limited experience with weddings and may have only potentially captured a few on their own. They may still be building their business and are working on developing their style and earning more experience. While incredibly budget friendly, there's risk involved with their consistency and they may struggle to provide natural posing or other developed skills you see in higher level photographers.


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Specific Factors That Influence Wedding Photography Prices Outside of Location:

Experience

Wedding photographers with many years of experience will charge more than those who are just starting. This is because experienced photographers have developed their style, techniques, and equipment, making them more valuable to couples who are looking for quality wedding photography where they can trust their photographer to capture these special, once-in-a-lifetime moments.


Number of Photographers

Some couples prefer to have more than one photographer to capture different angles of their special day. Having multiple photographers means you can capture more moments from your wedding and that you will be provided with more images in your final gallery.


Hours of Coverage

Wedding photographers charge by the hour, and the more hours you need them to cover, the more expensive it will be. Some photographers offer packages that include a certain number of hours of coverage, and others charge by the hour.


Included Options

There are various wedding photography packages to choose from that go beyond digital files. Some packages may include second photographers, photobooths (such as our Bouzy Photobooth), guestbook Polaroids, luxury albums, prints, and potentially videography. The more items you are interested in, the higher the price will be.

The cost of wedding photography can vary significantly, depending on several factors. It's essential to determine your price point, research photographers in your area, and select a photographer who can capture the moments that matter most to you. With the right photographer, you'll be able to relive the memories of your special day that tells your love story for decades.

"At the end of the day, when the champagne has been popped, the food has been eaten, and the last song has played, the one thing that you will have to withstand the test of time is the photographs from your wedding day."

Let's Make Some Memories! Request Detailed Pricing & Availability

Hi! We are Zoe & Damara, a best friend wedding photography duo based in Southwest Florida! Our approach in photography and in life is pure, authentic, and candid. Our images are whimsical, joyful, and timeless. Our editing is natural yet refined. Through your love story and our lens, we will provide you with a wedding album of authentic moments and emotions, with a fun and personalized experience. Complete this short form to connect with us. We would love to hear from you!