Updated: March 2025
How much does a wedding photographer cost in 2025?
There’s no one size fits all, but I’m here to be your guide all things wedding photography related. I’ll do my best to break down the wedding photographer cost average for you. If you have any questions or you’re looking for a wedding photographer, I’d love to connect.
Why do wedding photographers cost so much (or so little)?
The saying is true, you get what you pay for. A higher price tag usually comes with more experience, vendor relationships/connections, refined style, elevated client experience and other intangibles. Photographers who live in big cities also usually charge more because their cost of doing business is higher.
Have you ever considered what’s at stake when choosing your wedding photographer?
Your wedding day is a once-in-a-lifetime event—there are no do-overs. An inexperienced photographer may miss the fleeting moments, struggle with challenging lighting, or fail to deliver the polished, timeless images you deserve. Poor communication, long turnaround times, and inconsistent quality can turn what should be a seamless experience into a stressful one.
By investing in the most experienced professional you can afford, you’re ensuring that your love story is told with artistry, precision, and care. A seasoned photographer anticipates moments before they happen, navigates any challenge effortlessly, and delivers a gallery of stunning, emotional images that will become part of your legacy.
Isn’t your wedding day worth that peace of mind?
KEY QUESTIONS TO ASK YOUR WEDDING PHOTOGRAPHER
What is included in their packages?
Is an engagement shoot included?
Will there be one or two photographers on the wedding day?
Do they include heirloom quality albums?
Do they create a timeline for you?
Are they available for unlimited consultations?
Will they do a venue walk-through before the wedding and scout photography locations?
Do photographers sneakily overcharge?
A lot more work goes into wedding photography than most people realize. I’ll break it down for you:
2–3 hours for meet ups/initial consults
2–3 hours of engagement session travel and shooting (local to LA)
6–8 hours of engagement session editing, exporting and delivery
2–3 hours of wedding day timeline prep
2–3 hours of venue tours/scouting the best photo locations
10–20 hours of wedding day-of travel, shooting, back ups and editing sneak peeks
48–60 hours of editing, exporting and delivery of the final gallery
6–8 hours of design and communication with the bride to create the wedding album
That’s potentially 108 hours of actual labor alone. Keep in mind that the cost of our equipment and other expenses have not yet been factored in. Most professional photographers show up to a wedding with more than $10,000 of equipment in their bags.
Costs you don’t see:
Business licenses and insurance
Cell phone and internet bills
Website and domain fees
Assistants and staff
Rent
Professional services (like CPAs or lawyers)
Software subscription fees
Marketing and advertising costs
Taxes
AVERAGE PHOTOGRAPHER COST FOR WEDDING
Wedding photographer cost average for a full service wedding (engagement shoot may or may not be included). Let’s break it down by experience level.
Brand New: $0– $4000
Experience Level: Beginner photographers, often just starting in the industry with little to no wedding experience. They may have experience in other types of photography but are new to weddings.
Service Level: Clients can expect basic coverage with minimal planning and direction. Image quality may be inconsistent, and editing styles can vary. Turnaround times may be longer, and customer service may not be as polished.
Amateur: $4000 – $6000
Experience Level: Photographers with some wedding experience, often part-time or still building their portfolio. They may have shot several weddings but are still refining their style and workflow.
Service Level: Clients will receive better consistency in quality and professionalism. The photographer will have a clearer editing style and a more structured approach to wedding day coverage. However, they may not provide extensive pre-wedding consultations or luxury-level service.
Professional: $6000 – $8000
Experience Level: Full-time wedding photographers with years of experience and a solid portfolio. They have a defined style, understand wedding timelines, and can handle unexpected challenges with ease.
Service Level: Expect strong communication, a seamless client experience, and high-quality imagery. These photographers often include engagement sessions, detailed planning, and a structured workflow. Their work is consistently polished, and they provide reliable turnaround times.
Premium & Luxury: $8000 – $20,000+
Packages may start at $8k, $10k, $12k, or beyond…
Experience Level: Highly experienced photographers specializing in high-end, multi-day weddings. They often work with luxury planners and have been published in top-tier wedding publications.
Service Level: These photographers provide a fully bespoke experience, often traveling for destination weddings and offering concierge-level service. They work closely with planners to ensure every detail is captured with artistry and intention. Their approach is refined, offering museum-quality albums, editorial-style imagery, and seamless, white-glove service.
Ready to get started?
I understand that sometimes there is a bit of sticker shock, but here’s what you have to decide—IS BEING ABLE TO PRESERVE YOUR MEMORIES FOR GENERATIONS AND RELIVE YOUR WEDDING DAY A PRIORITY?
If so, I would love to connect. It is my joy and my honor to capture your big moments, quiet moments and all the in between. I want you to remeber how it felt for a lifetime.
Your wedding should be an unforgettable experience you treasure forever.
And you deserve to have top-tier partners by your side, dedicated to making that happen.
When you hire me, you’re not only hiring a photographer, but also you’re hiring
a true professional, advisor, and trusted friend.
Head to my >SERVICES PAGE< to find out what working with me looks like.
Or if you’re ready to get started, hit the CONTACT button below.
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