The secret to nailing your wedding plans? It’s all in the details. Wedding planning means carefully mapping out every element that reflects you and your love story. But here’s the thing—most of those little touches don’t get fully appreciated on the big day because weddings fly by in a flash. After months of organizing seating charts, picking out outfits, tasting cakes, and more, you’d hate to forget all the effort that went into making your day truly special.
That’s where wedding photography comes in. Once you’ve walked down the aisle, said “I do,” and danced the night away, your photos become the lasting keepsake of everything that made your ceremony and reception unforgettable. They’ll also capture the moments you might’ve missed while you were swept up in marrying the love of your life. That’s why hiring the right wedding photographer is a must when planning your big day.
But how much does a wedding photographer cost? Is there a standard amount you should budget for the best photos? What percentage of your wedding fund should go toward photography? If you’ve been wondering about these things, you’re in luck—we’ve got all the answers. We asked the experts to break down the costs in our complete guide to wedding photography pricing.
The Average Cost of a Wedding Photographer
Prices vary based on location, experience, and other factors, but on average, wedding photographers charge between
2,500and
2,500and4,000—though costs can range from
1,000to
1,000to50,000+ in the U.S.
So, how do photographers prefer to be paid? Most use either a two- or three-payment system:
- Two payments: A deposit (due when signing the contract) and the remaining balance (due 30 days before the wedding).
- Three payments: The final balance is split—one installment before the wedding and another when the photos are ready.
What Affects Wedding Photography Prices?
Here’s what the experts say drives costs up or down:
1. Location
Where you get married plays a big role. For example, Jenny Fu notes that Manhattan weddings typically cost
8,000–
8,000–10,000, while non-city areas (like the Midwest) are often cheaper. “Photographers in big cities charge more to cover living and business expenses,” she explains.
2. The Photographer’s Experience
A seasoned pro knows how to handle tricky lighting, bad weather, and fleeting moments (like your parents’ reactions as you walk down the aisle). With over a decade of experience, Fu’s packages range from
15,000–
15,000–25,000.
KT Merry, a luxury destination photographer with celebrity clients, starts at $50,000 but adjusts based on needs. As planner Kate Ryan adds, top photographers also invest in high-end editing and equipment, which factors into their pricing.
3. Hours of Coverage
Some charge by the hour. Tom Keene, for instance, offers:
- $1,500 for 6 hours
- $2,000 for 8 hours
Longer coverage = higher cost.
4. Demand
Weekend weddings (especially Saturdays) cost more since photographers are busiest then. Fu’s minimum package is
15,000∗∗foraweekendweddingbutdropsto∗∗
15,000∗∗foraweekendweddingbutdropsto∗∗5,000–$10,000 for a weekday elopement.
How Wedding Photographers Structure Their Packages
Most offer tiered options:
- Jenny Fu’s basic package (
- 15,000∗∗)includes8hours,twoshooters,digitalimages,andfineartprints.Upgrading(∗∗upto
- 15,000∗∗)includes8hours,twoshooters,digitalimages,andfineartprints.Upgrading(∗∗upto25,000) adds more hours, an album, an engagement session, and rehearsal coverage. All couples get 600–800 edited photos.
- KT Merry customizes packages but always includes a shooting team, digital images, and printed proofs. Extra time is billed hourly, and couples can add an album later.
- Tom Keene charges hourly (2–12 hours) and delivers edited photos within 10 days, plus a short video. Beyond 8 hours, he includes an engagement session. Optional add-ons: a second shooter or album.
How to Find a Photographer Within Your Budget
- Research photographers in your price range and review their portfolios to find a style you love.
- Book the best you can afford and skip extras (like albums) if needed—you can add them later, says Merry.
- Don’t stretch your budget—there are talented pros at every price point.
- Avoid haggling. Fu recommends discussing your budget upfront to find the right fit without awkward negotiations.