how much money we talking?
This is one of the most common questions asked by engaged couples, and it is a great question and necessary question to ask. Your pictures are the only thing that lasts beyond the wedding day, so understanding the ins and outs helps you invest wisely for your wedding and avoid unexpected surprises.
the short answer
In most markets across the US, couples typically invest anywhere between $2500-$6000 on a professional wedding photographer. Here in North Carolina specifically, more photographers fall right in the middle of that range. If you are looking for a luxury photographer, you can probably expect to spend a little more than this average, while a beginner photographer you can probably spend a little less. However, price is not the only thing to look for when choosing a photographer to capture your most important moments.
Why wedding photography costs what it does
Believe it or not, wedding photography is a LOT more than just showing up with a camera and pushing a button. If that were the case, you would never get your pictures back, because something has to be done with them afterwards. Here is what your investment covers:
Experience and expertise (your photographer knowing how to navigate a wedding day, adjusting on the fly, getting you the best lighting, things like that)
Pre wedding planning and consultations
Wedding day coverage
Post production editing (typically 30-50 hours taken to edit 1 gallery)
Image delivery systems
Professional gear (your inspo would not be your inspo without the right tools to get the look you love)
Experience (I know I put experience twice, but this experience I am talking about is how they tailor to you as a couple and how they make you feel throughout the process).
You aren't just paying for them to show up and take pictures, you are paying for their time, talent, peace of mind, and the confidence that they will do a great job with your wedding.
typical wedding photography pricing tiers
budget friendly ($1500-2500)
Best for small weddings and elopements. A full wedding at this price point usually communicates limited experience, or less hours and deliverables.
mid range ($2500-5000)
This is where most couples will probably land. This budget usually communicates solid years of experience, professional and consistent editing, full day coverage, and a smoother all around experience that allows you to feel stress free and relaxed.
luxury ($5000+)
This is where you will find the established photographers who possibly have a team with them. You will get a very hands on experience, that pinterest inspo that you love, and the editorial storytelling all your friends talk about on tiktok. You can probably also expect things you would typically have to pay extra for such as second shooters and fine art albums, but one thing is for sure that you will definitely have a highly curated luxury experience.
what impacts cost of a wedding photographer?
Another great question. There are quite a few factors that goes into the cost of wedding photography, to name a few:
Hours of coverage (whether it's half day or full day)
Second shooters or other team members they may bring with them to curate that experience
Engagement session
Albums and/or prints
Turnaround time for galleries (you may be paying more for quick turnaround)
Experience level and demand (how busy they are)
This is just to name a few but of course, the more that is included, the more you can expect to invest.
how much of your wedding budget should go to photography?
The important question you have been waiting for. Typically, the rule of thumb to go off of is to expect to invest between 10-15% of your overall wedding budget into your photographer.
For example:
$30,000 wedding = $3000-4500 for photography
$40,000 wedding = $4000-6500 for photography
This typically ensures that you are booking someone who has experience with that level of wedding, won't cut corners, will give you the experience to match that price point, and can help you relive the day in a way that makes everything look great.
what to look for besides the price
Very important things to look for when choosing your wedding photographer are:
Can you see yourself in their photography?
How do the images make you feel?
Can you see yourself being with them for an entire day?
Is there consistency to their work or do all their images look different?
Are there actual weddings on their website or just styled shoots? (styled shoots = faux weddings)
Can they properly photograph my skin tone?
Do they have a contract so that you know you are protected?
Can they show you a full gallery?
Do they genuinely enjoy what they do?
Do they communicate clearly and professionally?
Do their values align with yours?
What is their process in making sure your images are safe?
There is a 100% chance that if all you are looking for is the cheapest option, it is more expensive on the backend with regret. If you really care about your wedding pictures and how they look for future generations, invest wisely.
final thoughts
Your wedding photographer is honestly probably the most important vendor you are going to book for your wedding day. Not saying the other vendors are not important or that you should overlook them, each vendor plays a vital role for the wedding day. However, without the photographer, the day cannot be relived by imagery, only memories. Set a realistic budget, and look at realistic inspo for that budget, prioritize experience and consistency, and choose a photographer who you love, who you know will capture you and your day in a way you will love, and makes you feel something. It is always worth investing in the right photographer if you prioritize the once in a lifetime moments that will happen on your wedding day.
ready to find the right photographer?
If you are in the wedding planning process and wondering what kind of coverage truly fits your day and the coverage you are looking for, the next step is to have a conversation and not just guess. I love to work with couples who value photography, real moments, and an experience that is no stress and tailored specifically for them. I help you choose coverage that works for you, something that can go beyond just the standard. Click below to inquire about availability for your date, I will send you my full pricing guide, and let's schedule a call so that we can make sure the moments you create on your wedding day, turn into memories that last forever.
