How Much Should You Spend on Your Wedding Photography?

When it comes to planning your wedding, one of the biggest decisions you’ll make is choosing your photographer. After all, once the day is over, your friends and family have all traveled back home, and you're settled in from your honeymoon, your photos will be what remain to tell the story of your day. But how much should you expect to invest in wedding photography, and what exactly are you getting when you spend more?

 

Typical Wedding Photography Costs:

 

• Budget: <$2,500 - this price range typically consists newer photographers who may not have as much experience in the wedding industry, or with photography in general. Of course, if you are booking a smaller wedding with limited hours and fewer deliverables, you may be able to find a photographer with a bit more experience for the job.

 

• Professional: $3,000-$6,000 - this is generally the price range to expect for an experienced photographer with full day coverage, consistent edits in a beautiful gallery, and additional deliverables in their packages, such as printed albums and engagement sessions. You can typically expect a streamlined experience and a professional sense to their workflow. 

 

• High-End/Luxury: $7,000+ - the luxury wedding photography space has no limits. Expect a top-tier experience with extremely high quality images. Wedding photographers in this range are often photographing high end weddings at top notch venues or even abroad.

 

Keep in mind that these are averages. Prices may be higher in major cities or for destination weddings, and lower in more rural areas.

 

 

What Changes When You Pay More?

 

You might wonder why one photographer charges $1,200 and another $6,000. Here are the key differences you’ll notice as you move up the pricing scale:

 

1. Experience and Skill

Experience is THE MOST important aspect of wedding photography. There is so much more to the day than technical skill and being able to functionally operate a camera. Dare I say that's the easiest part of it. Weddings are a large coordination of vendors, family, guests, etc and reliant on a large number of factors to go 100% according to plan. As much as we don't want to think about it, there is a high probability of something going "wrong" - timelines get delayed, weather changes some plans, someone's outfit gets ruined, the officiant gets stuck in traffic... the list goes on. When a wedding day goes off script, you'll want an experienced photographer who can work under pressure and make quick decisions.

 

2. Style and Artistic Vision

Experienced photographers often have a distinct style, whether it’s light and airy, dark and moody, or classic and timeless. Their editing is consistent, and their work looks like it belongs in a magazine. At higher price points, you’re not just hiring someone to document your day, you’re investing in their artistic interpretation of your story.

 

3. Equipment and Backup Plans

More expensive photographers tend to use top-tier equipment (including backups), which can make a significant difference in image quality. They also have reliable workflows for storing and backing up your photos—something that’s often overlooked until something goes wrong.

 

4. Time and Coverage

Budget photographers may only include a few hours of coverage. As you go up in price, packages often include full-day coverage, second shooters, engagement sessions, and more. You’re not just paying for the time on your wedding day, you’re paying for pre-wedding consultations, post-processing, additional package inclusions such as engagement sessions or printed albums, streamlined processes and professional online delivery services, and hours of editing.

 

5. Deliverables

At higher price points, expect more than just a digital gallery. You might receive heirloom-quality albums, prints, and custom-designed packages. Some photographers offer concierge-style service, walking you through album selections and wall art for your home.

 

 

So, What’s Right for You?

There’s no "one size fits all" answer. If photography is a top priority for you (as it is for many couples), it’s worth investing more to ensure the quality, reliability, and experience align with your expectations.

 

Pro tip: Book early! Top photographers often book 12–18 months in advance, especially for peak wedding dates.