How Much to Tip a Wedding Photographer
Learn how to show your appreciation without breaking your budget.
Congrats—you’re officially married! The vows have been spoken, the cake has been eaten, your wedding photos have been shared, and your dad’s dance floor moves have (hopefully) been caught on camera. Now that the big day has come and gone (sigh), you’re probably busy catching your breath and beginning to tackle a handful of post-wedding to-dos—like writing thank-you notes, preserving your dress, and figuring out how much to tip your wedding photographer.
Tipping can be one of those “wait, am I supposed to do this?” moments. Should you tip? How much? Who else needs a little extra love? It’s a lot to think about after one of the most magical days of your life. It’s fine. No stressing allowed—this blog is here to break it down so you can bask in your post-wedding bliss for a little bit longer–and show your appreciation the right way without second-guessing yourself.
Short answer: It depends! Unlike your hairstylist or the server at your favorite brunch spot, wedding photographers typically don’t expect a tip—but it’s always a thoughtful way to show appreciation for their hard work and artistic talent.
Here’s the general rule of thumb: Tipping isn't required if your photographer owns their business (since they set their wedding photography rates/pricing). However, if they’re part of a larger studio or company (where they’re not setting their prices), working as a second shooter where they are likely working for a lower rate, or assisting another photographer, a tip is a kind and appreciated gesture.
That said, tipping isn’t just about etiquette—it’s about gratitude. Did your photographer hype you up when you were feeling awkward in front of the camera? Did they fix your veil and keep your flower girl entertained? Did they come up with some awesome wedding poses? Did they roll with last-minute timeline changes like a total pro? If they went above and beyond to make your day stress-free and truly unforgettable, a little extra thank-you is never a bad idea.
If you decide to tip, a good rule of thumb is 5–15% of your total photography package cost or a flat rate of $50–$200 per photographer, depending on how long they were with you. If your photographer had a second shooter or assistant, tipping them $50–$150 is a great way to acknowledge their help.
It is customary to hand off tips at the end of the reception before your photography team heads out. If you’re tipping in cash, you can put it in an envelope and have your planner, MOH/Best Man, or another trusted friend/family member handle it.
If tipping doesn’t fit your budget, don’t stress! A heartfelt thank-you note, a small, thoughtful gift, or a glowing online review can mean just as much, if not more. Many photographers rely on word-of-mouth marketing, so sharing your experience on social media (don’t forget to tag them in your Instagram Stories and add a fun caption to your post) or leaving a five-star review can be a sweet way to show appreciation.
Ultimately, there’s no right or wrong way to do this. Your photographer’s real reward is seeing your happy faces and knowing they captured the day you’ll never forget.
Your photographer isn’t the only one hustling behind the scenes to make your big day picture-perfect! From the DJ keeping the dance floor packed to the wedding planner who made sure your timeline actually happened—it takes a village, and your crew of wedding pros put in some serious work. While tipping isn’t always required, it’s a great way to show love to the people who helped bring your dream day to life. Here’s a quick rundown of who to tip (and how much):
$50–$200 per person or 5-15% of the video contract, especially if they don’t own their business. If they flawlessly captured every happy tear and hilarious toast, a little extra thank-you goes a long way.
$50–$150 per DJ (or 10-20% of the total bill), or $25–$50 per musician, band member, or sound technician. This is a great way to show appreciation if they nailed your playlist and kept the party going.
Tipping isn’t generally expected, but if your planner handled last-minute changes like a champ, a 10–20% tip or a thoughtful gift (like a handwritten note or a bottle of their favorite wine) is a sweet way to say thanks at the end of the reception or after your honeymoon. If your wedding planner had an assistant, it’s customary to tip them too, typically between $50-150 per person.
$50–$100 or 10-20% of their total fee—20% if they put out any fires and kept things running so smoothly you didn’t have to check the clock once. Give them their tip at the end of your event or after your honeymoon.
15–25% of the total cost, just like you would at a salon. They deserve extra love if they gave you wedding-day glam that made you feel like the best version of yourself. It’s always a good idea to check your contract for any pre-existing gratuity or service fees—and if you’re covering your wedding party’s hair and makeup, make sure to account for their services as well.
Tipping doesn’t have to add to your wedding day stress or feel overwhelming—it’s just one way to thank and recognize the people who went the extra mile for you, and there are plenty of other ways to show the love!
Now that we’ve covered how much to tip for a wedding photographer, let’s talk about the real MVPs—your wedding photos! You spent months (maybe years!) planning this day, and your photographer captured every smile, tear of joy, and epic dance move. Please, we beg of you, don’t let those memories sit on a USB or get lost in your camera roll once you get your wedding photos back!
A wedding photo book is the perfect way to relive your big day whenever you want—curled up on the couch with your spouse, showing the kids one day, or flipping through with friends for a little “remember when” moment. Want to go big? Frame a few standouts for your walls, turn a favorite shot into a premium print, or even create mini albums as sweet thank-you gifts for your parents and bridal party.
Your wedding was full of once-in-a-lifetime moments—so make sure they’re front and center, where they belong.
Chatbooks is here to help you keep that newlywed glow going steady. You can easily print a beautiful photo book and relive your best day ever, forever, without breaking the bank. So go ahead—print the love, keep the memories going strong, and make sure your wedding photos last a lifetime.
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