Your wedding day should be an unforgettable experience, and it’s important you capture every moment. A wedding photographer can memorialize those sweet glances, first dances, and the all-important “I dos.” Knowing how much a wedding photographer costs and what each package offers will help you understand your options.
In this guide, we’ll cover a variety of important topics, including:
Average cost of a wedding photographer
Factors that influence wedding photography pricing
What’s included in a wedding photography package
Whether you tip a wedding photographer
How to choose the right photographer for your budget
Prepare to hire the right photographer for your big day with this look at photography budgets, packages, and hiring tips.
Capture Every Moment — Let Modern Moments Help You Find the Perfect Wedding Photographer!
Modern Moments is known for its charming, versatile space and affordable rates that make our venue accessible to a wide variety of guests. But we’re also pros at connecting our couples with the perfect vendors. Explore our wedding planning services to see how we can help you find a photographer who will brilliantly capture your love.
Average Cost of a Wedding Photographer
Wedding photography prices vary widely depending on the size of the photography team, the type of services provided, and the number of photos included in the package. Generally, the average price for wedding photography is between $1,500 and $4,000.
Budget photographers: Newer photographers are more likely to offer basic packages in the $1,000-$2,000 range.
Mid-range photographers: For $2,500-$4,000, expect more experienced photographers with better equipment and multiple package options.
Luxury photographers: High-end professionals with extensive experience, customized albums, and multiple day-of photographers/videographers will likely charge $5,000+.
You may also pay a premium for busy season bookings, longer sessions, and travel.
Factors That Influence Wedding Photography Pricing
Wedding photographers often base their rates on a variety of important factors:
Experience and reputation. Experienced photographers are often in demand and can command higher rates.
Length of service. Photographers generally charge less for covering a short elopement versus a full day of shooting wedding prep, the wedding ceremony, and the reception.
Number of photographers. The more photographers and videographers you have, the higher your bill will be.
Editing/retouching. Professional editing is time-consuming and will increase your package cost.
Travel. Photographers often charge extra to travel outside their normal service areas. If you bring a photographer to a destination wedding, expect to pay their going rates plus airfare, hotels, and meals.
Prints and extras. Basic packages include a set number of digital images or prints. Adding photo albums, canvases, and other products will incur extra expenses.
What’s Included in a Wedding Photography Package?
Wedding photography packages differ from vendor to vendor, but here’s a look at what a standard package may include:
A consultation to discuss vision, style, and must-have shots
An engagement photo session
About 8-12 hours of day-of coverage
Edited, high-resolution digital photos (including printing rights)
An online gallery to facilitate reviewing and sharing photos
Printed albums or framed photos
Always clarify with your photographer what's included in each package before you sign a contract.
Do You Tip a Wedding Photographer?
You are not required to tip your photographer, but a little extra cash is a nice way to show your appreciation for their work. A standard tip for a wedding photographer might be $50-$200 for a single or lead photographer. You can tip secondary photographers and photography assistants around $25-$75.
Referrals and positive online reviews are other ways to thank your photographer for a job well done.
How to Choose the Right Photographer for Your Budget
Follow these tips to find the best photographer for your price range.
Set a budget. Know how much you want to spend, including day-of photography, editing, and prints.
Research portfolios. Every photographer has their own style. Find one whose aesthetic matches your vision for your big day.
Schedule interviews. Meet with photographers to ensure your personalities and visions align.
Ask about hidden fees. Confirm what’s included and what isn’t.
Read reviews. See how past couples viewed their experiences with your list of candidates.
Timeless Wedding Photos Start Here — Get Expert Photography Advice From Modern Moments
A picture is worth a thousand words, especially when you’re talking about wedding photos. Modern Moments provides a picturesque backdrop for your big day, including beautiful indoor and outdoor venues for you and your guests. Take advantage of our wedding planning services for advice on day-of photography, catering, and so much more.