Capturing all the special moments during your big day is an important job. You want to hire an experienced wedding photographer who will ensure you have a wedding album to look back on and treasure for years to come – but how much should you budget for a top-quality wedding photographer?
Planning your wedding budget can be stressful, but if you’re going to forgo any traditions for a more economical celebration, don’t let it be the wedding photos. Choosing wedding photographers for your special day is one of the most significant decisions you’ll make as a couple. We’ve put together some info about the average wedding photographer cost and other planning tips to help you find the perfect wedding photographer!
How much does an average wedding photographer cost?
According to GigSalad’s nationwide booking data, the average wedding photography cost is around $1,425 for eight hours. However, wedding photography pricing can also run as high as $2,600 and as low as $610. This price varies depending on several factors, including but not limited to your location, the venue, and the vision you have for your wedding photos. It is helpful to have a general idea of your wedding photography style before reaching out to a photographer so they can provide you with the most accurate photography cost for their services.
Keep in mind that their services may not be the only expense when you’re considering your wedding photographer prices. Will you need to pay your caterer for an extra meal? How far do they have to travel, especially if you’re having a destination wedding? Will you need to cover travel expenses or lodging? And don’t forget, it’s customary to tip your wedding photographer, usually $50 to $200 is an acceptable amount. Learn more about tipping wedding vendors.
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What’s included in a standard wedding photography package?
Wedding photography packages will vary greatly, and it’s essential that you clarify those with your photographer. Packages are generally based on how many images you receive, the length of the photoshoot, and whether a second photographer attends the wedding. When inquiring about photography packages, make sure that you’ve touched base with the wedding photographer on whether editing will be included in the package cost and how many images will be edited. Some photographers only edit a set amount but are willing to hand over all the photos they took during the day.
If you plan on printing and sharing your photos, you’ll need a print release from the photographer, too. Lastly, be sure to ask how the photographer delivers the images to you. It may be a USB drive or a link to online galleries. They may be able to help you order paper prints or a book of prints, too! If you’re on a budget, the wedding photographer price could possibly be adjusted to reduce or change services to fit your needs.
✍️ Pro tip: Make a list of questions to ask your photographer, so you don’t forget anything during your conversation.
Does a wedding photography package include engagement photos?
Not only is an engagement session the perfect opportunity for you and your fiance to get comfortable in front of the camera before your big day, but it’s also a great chance to get to know your wedding photographer. Plus, it’s just nice to have some high-quality photos of you and your significant other! A couple can use their favorite engagement photo on save-the-dates, engagement party invitations, wedding websites, or other pre-wedding announcements.
Some wedding photography prices will include a wedding package with an engagement session, others may offer discounted engagement photos, or you may be asked to buy a separate package entirely. According to our data, a two-hour engagement session will cost between $300-$500 on average. This session is generally less expensive since it requires less time and editing than an entire wedding day photoshoot. As with wedding photos, plan some adorable ideas for your engagement photos to share ahead of time with your photographer!
What are the different wedding photography styles?
There are several different wedding photograph styles, and every wedding photographer will have one they prefer (or are best at). Before you book, make sure that your photographer’s style aligns with your own. Here’s a quick breakdown to help you determine which style is perfect for your wedding!
Traditional: For classic poses with your new spouse and loved ones, the traditional style is the one for you. Your photos will result in a clean and straightforward composition with all the tried-and-true standard shots. Traditional wedding photography is a great choice if you’re planning a simple, rustic wedding.
Editorial: For en vogue and fashion-forward brides, editorial-style wedding photos are a dream. If your wedding dress is taking center stage, consider this type of wedding photography! You can expect your wedding album to be filled with glamorous magazine-style photos with an artistic flair.
Emotionally-driven: Your wedding day is all about the love story you’re sharing with your closest friends and family. Emotionally-driven photography is the key to capturing all those genuine smiles and tears! This free-spirited style is a great fit for Boho weddings.
Vintage: If a different era is inspiring your wedding decor or wedding dress, the vintage style will be right up your alley! Vintage-style wedding photos will have an antique feel created with lighting, filters, and lots of editing. A wedding theme like the Roaring 20s lends itself well to this wedding photography style.
Fine Art: Does your wedding theme lean toward the avant-garde? Then the highly stylized and dramatically posed fine art style is a unique choice. A makeup artist and hair stylist can help with a dramatic look that pops in this powerful photo style.
Should I hire a second photographer for my wedding?
Hiring a second wedding photographer has its perks. An additional photographer can help capture the most meaningful moments of your wedding day from multiple angles, such as the first look or exchange of vows. It also allows their team to get more wedding coverage. While you and your partner take portraits, a second photographer could capture the cocktail hour.
Some wedding photography companies will include a second photographer in specific packages, but others may charge an additional wedding photography cost. And remember, another photographer means another meal, possible room and board, and a second tip. If you’re planning a small wedding or have decided to stick to a firm budget, then one wedding photographer might be all you need.
🤩 For a fun and interactive alternative to a second photographer, try booking a photo booth instead!
How much does a wedding videographer cost?
If you’re interested in having a video of your wedding day to capture the fleeting moments that a still photo might miss, you’ll need to hire a wedding videographer. Most wedding photography packages won’t include wedding videography. Although you may find a service that will provide a professional photographer and a videographer, you will likely need to hire them separately. According to our booking data, you can expect to pay $1,200 on average for six hours of wedding videography services. Prices may go as high as $2,600 and as low as $500, depending on the level of expertise, amount of editing, and length of the video shoot. When hiring a videographer, remember to discuss how long they’ll be at the wedding, the length of the final video(s), any raw footage that you may get, how it’s delivered, and the expected delivery timeframe.
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Nothing is more important than having a beautiful wedding album full of memories of your special day. Knowing how much you want to spend, asking the right questions, and determining your wedding photography style are the first steps to hiring the perfect wedding photographer.
Ready to book something unforgettable for your wedding day? Find the best wedding photographers and more on GigSalad.
Sonia is a Customer Happiness Agent at GigSalad and uses the knowledge she’s gained from helping both the vendor and client through the booking process to give her best event planning advice. When she’s not at work she enjoys the outdoors, a good book, trying new recipes, and spending quality time with her husband and their furbabies.