Here's What an Average Wedding Photographer Costs in 2025
Your big day should be remembered in a big way, no matter your budget. Find everything you need to know about the cost of wedding photography right here.
Congrats! You’re getting married! Cue the happy tears, the champagne, and the endless hours spent staring at your ring in different lighting. Big hugs, high fives, and maybe even a celebratory cupcake (or five) are in order.
Alongside the lovey-dovey vows, comes wedding planning and budgeting. If you’re reading this, you’ve probably found yourself Googling things like “What’s the average price for a wedding photographer?” “Why are wedding cakes so expensive?” and “Do we really need chairs?” (Spoiler: Yes, you do.) Chances are you’ve entered the “Oh-my-gosh-how-much-does-this-all-cost?!” phase of wedding planning. And, hi! Welcome. You’re not alone.
One of the biggest—and most important—investments for your big day is (dun-dun-dun) your wedding photographer. Because long after the cake is eaten and the dance floor has cleared, your photos will bring you back to all the moments that mattered. Photos are forever! No pressure, right?
How much does a wedding photographer cost? What’s included in a photography package? It’s a lot to think about. Take a deep breath—it’ll all work out. You’ll find everything you need right here so that you can make the best decision for your big day and walk away with photos you love, without blowing your budget. Ready?
The average wedding photographer costs anywhere from $2,000 to $5,000+. Before you start hyperventilating into your veil, know that this number varies considerably based on experience, location, and what’s included in the package.
Want someone who’s been shooting weddings for years and knows how to capture that just-married glow even when it’s 95 degrees and your mascara is melting? That may cost more. Hiring your cousin with a nice camera? Probably cheaper, and also… a little more risky.
It’s similar to hiring a babysitter. You’ve got:
- The high school neighbor kid: Affordable, but maybe not entirely up to the task.
- Your bestie with a new fancy camera: Loves you, is wildly enthusiastic… but also might miss half the big moments while figuring out the settings.
- A seasoned pro who’s seen it all: They know how to handle weird lighting, rowdy groomsmen, and your Aunt Karen and her insistence on replicating poses from TikTok. It costs more, but it’s worth it.
The truth is, wedding photography isn’t as simple as clicking a button. A great photographer is part artist, part ninja, and part therapist. They’re capturing memories while herding family members, corralling the bridal party, and making sure you don’t have lipstick on your teeth.
While $2,000–$5,000 might feel like a lot (because, it is), remember: These are the photos you’ll be looking at for decades–so it’s totally worth making sure they’re exactly what you want.
If you're getting hitched in a big city (or even the nearby suburbs), know that wedding photography comes with big-city prices. Everything in major metro areas costs more–we’re looking at you, $9 cup of coffee. From venue rentals to catering, the wedding industry knows city couples are ready to splurge, and photography is no exception.
Here’s a rough idea of what you’re looking at:
The city may never sleep, but your budget might need a nap.
- Budget/Entry Level: $2,500 - $5,000
- Mid-range: $5,000 - $10,000
- High-end/Luxury: $10,000 - $20,000+
Sunset photos? Stunning. Price tag? Also stunning.
- Budget/Entry Level: $1,500 - $2,500
- Mid-range: $3,000 - $5,000
- High-end/Luxury: $6,000 - $15,000
Midwest nice, but not Midwest cheap.
- Budget/Entry Level: $1,000 - $3,000
- Mid-range: $4,000 - $6,000
- High-end/Luxury: $8,000 - $12,000+
Everything’s bigger in Texas… including wedding budgets.
- Budget/Entry Level: Under $3,000
- Mid-range: $3,000 - $6,000
- High-end/Luxury: $6,000 - $10,000+
Those Golden Gate views don’t come cheap, folks.*
- Budget/Entry Level: $2,500 - $3,500
- Mid-range: $3,500 - $5,500
- High-end/Luxury: $6,000 - $10,000+
*Popular wedding locations like iconic San Francisco landmarks may influence and increase pricing.
Why the higher price tags? In cities, photographers typically face higher business costs—studio space, permits, travel time, and sheer work demand. Plus, city weddings often mean navigating logistical chaos—stopping traffic for the right shot, tight schedules, venue restrictions, and the possibility of a rogue street performer photobombing your first look.
Of course, if you’re tying the knot in a smaller town or rural area, you’re likely looking at something closer to $1,500–$3,500+. Less demand, lower overhead, and more flexibility mean you can often get amazing photographers without maxing out your credit cards. (And hey, maybe fewer parking nightmares.)
Bottom line? Where you get married plays a massive role in how much you’ll pay. Whether you’re saying “I do” with a skyline backdrop or a countryside sunset, just know that pricing is all about location, location… and, yep—we’ll say it again—location.
This person will only be capturing some of the biggest moments of your life…so how do you pick the right one? Well, for starters, let’s make sure you don’t end up with someone who thinks “vintage” means blurry.
Here’s what to look for:
Weddings are fast-paced and unpredictable. A seasoned pro knows how to handle surprise downpours, awkward moments, and unpredictable flower girls who may or may not throw a tantrum mid-aisle. They’ll keep their cool, and more importantly—help you keep yours.
Every photographer has a unique style. Some go for light and airy, or love moody, dramatic shots, while others specialize in documentary-style candids. Take time to look through their past work—if their photos make you feel something, that’s a good sign. If everything looks over-filtered or staged… maybe keep scrolling.
Some photographers bundle in engagement shoots, second photographers, and albums, while others keep it strictly à la carte. Ask these essential questions for wedding photographers to know exactly what’s included and avoid feeling surprised when the final invoice lands in your inbox.
This person will be following you around all day. If they make you feel awkward, stiff, or forced—your photos will show it. No one wants their wedding album to resemble a series of uncomfortable prom poses. Meet with them, chat, and see if you click—because trust us, the best photos come when you feel totally at ease.
Choose someone whose work you love and whose general presence won’t make you want to hide in the bridal suite.
Not all wedding photography packages are created equal, so before you sign on the dotted line, make sure you know exactly what you’re getting. Here’s what’s typically included:
This is just a fancy way of saying “let’s make sure we’re on the same page.” Grab an iced coffee and set expectations with your photographer—this is your chance to go over your must-have shots (e.g., the couple’s first look, Grandma’s reaction to your dress, etc.), preferred photography style, wedding timeline, venue specifics, and more.
Usually anywhere from 6, 8, or 10-12 hours, depending on the package you pick. Basically, enough time to capture everything from getting-ready excitement to the dance floor chaos when Uncle Bob decides to bust out The Worm.
Usually 500-1,500 images—because no one needs every single blink-and-blur shot from the day—just the good stuff.
The edited digital photos are usually showcased in a digital gallery format - so your mom can easily send the link to everyone she’s ever met and probably a few strangers at the grocery store.
Meaning you can actually print and use your favorite photos instead of keeping them trapped on a hard drive forever.
Depending on which tiered package you pick, some photographers also offer:
Engagement photos are typically included in higher-tier packages. This pre-wedding shoot is a great way to get comfortable in front of the camera before the big day.
Creates an opportunity for more angles and candid moments, and an extra set of eyes to catch details like that single happy tear rolling down your dad’s cheek.
This may include offerings such as a full wedding or parent-specific album, or designated shots of the wedding party—because scrolling through photos on your phone isn’t the same as flipping through a real, beautifully bound book. (More on this in a sec!)
Read the package details and fine print carefully to avoid standing at your wedding assuming you have “full day coverage” and wondering why the photographer peaced out before the cake was even cut.
You’re spending good money on these photos and want to ensure they turn out amazing. The right photographer will work their vision, but a little planning goes a long way. Here’s how to set yourself up for wedding photo greatness:
If possible, schedule your portraits during golden hour (aka the hour before sunset) for that dreamy, glowy, straight-out-of-a-romance-movie light. Trust us, it’s well worth the timing tweak.
Want a special moment captured with all the siblings? A must-have group shot with your college besties? Write it down! Your photographer isn’t a mind reader, and wedding days move by quickly. A shot list helps make sure nothing important gets missed.
You hired them for a reason! The best moments are often the ones you don’t plan—your partner’s reaction, a spontaneous laugh, that adorable moment when your niece decides the aisle is actually a dance floor. Let your photographer do their thing, and let go of perfection.
Nothing ruins a perfect “I do” shot faster than a sea of arms holding up cell phones. Encourage your entire guest list to be present and leave the photo-taking to the pros.
Seriously, this is the biggest secret to great photos. The best shots happen when you’re genuinely enjoying yourself, not worrying about angles or hand placement. Soak up every moment, laugh a lot, and trust that your photographer is capturing it all.
At the end of the day, the best wedding photos aren’t about perfect poses—they’re about the love, the joy, and the moments you’ll want to relive over and over, forever.
Now is not the time to fret about the average wedding photographer cost. At this point, it’s all said and done and you’ve spent valuable time, money, and energy to find the right photographer—so don’t let your wedding photos live a lonely life in your inbox or, worse, the black hole of your camera roll! Chatbooks can help. Get those wonderful wedding memories off your phone and into your life, where you can actually see and enjoy them regularly.
There’s something special about flipping through a real book of the best wedding moments with your favorite people. It also makes for a perfect anniversary tradition—grab a glass of something bubbly, relive the wedding magic, and remind yourselves why you said I do in the first place.
Your wedding day deserves more than just an Instagram post. Pick a few favorite shots, print them big, and turn your home into a mini art gallery of love.
Parents, grandparents, and in-laws love printed photos. Seriously, if you want to make your mom cry happy tears, hand her a beautifully framed picture of your first dance. Boom: instant favorite child status.
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