Average Cost of a Wedding Photographer

After securing your wedding venue and date, one of your next to-do items is likely finding a wedding photographer. Your photographer will capture your day and create pieces of art you can reflect on and love, which makes this a pretty big decision. 

Finding the right photographer can be easy when you understand the elements impacting price and how to prioritize what you want on your big day. 

This guide will walk you through the average cost for a wedding photographer, the factors that impact your total price and strategies for saving on your wedding day.

How Much Does a Wedding Photographer Cost?

According to Wedding Wire, the national average for a wedding photographer is between $1,150 and $3,000. These numbers vary slightly from The Knot, which found couples recently spent an average of $2,900. 

The Knot also highlights that weddings with fewer than 50 guests spend around $1,850, while those with more than 100 guests often break $3,000.

Understanding the Factors that Influence Wedding Photographer Cost

The average cost of wedding photographers varies because many elements contribute to your total. Some of the most influential factors include:

Hours of Coverage

One of the biggest price factors is hours of coverage. Of course, you have to pay your photographer for all the effort they put into capturing your day. 

For some couples, photographers start working during the getting-ready stage. They may be in the bridal suite to take pictures of the party in hair and makeup or snapping pics of the venue before guests arrive. For other couples, late-night coverage of the dance floor is the highlight, so a photographer may be working well into the night. Regardless, you can expect to pay more for longer working hours.

Location

Your region is another important price consideration. For example, The Knot estimates that Southwest couples are more likely to spend less than Mid-Atlantic couples. You and your partner are also likely to pay more for a wedding in a busy city than in a less busy location. Additionally, the time it takes your photographer to travel to your site will factor into your total.

Professional Skill Level

The photographer’s experience, specifically shooting weddings, will also influence their rate. Skilled professionals with years in the business are going to have a higher price tag. 

That said, experience level also helps ensure you get the best photos from your big day. Investing in talented photographers can give you greater confidence and peace of mind, knowing they’ll take the most flattering, high-quality shots.

Time of Year

You’ve probably heard the term “wedding season” while planning your big day or preparing to attend another. Wedding season varies by location, but it is a great indicator of which times of the year are the busiest and most expensive. This idea is true for nearly all vendors, venues and packages. Having a prime-time wedding will often result in prime-time payments.

Breaking Down Wedding Photography Prices and Packages

Another significant impact on wedding photography prices is the type of package you choose. Every vendor has unique offerings. 

For some, packages may vary based on the amount of coverage you need and the number of digital and physical prints you receive. Other vendors may offer additional services or multiple photographers for maximum coverage. Most often, you’ll find vendors with several package offerings, such as standard, basic and premium. 

Here are some elements to consider before choosing a photography package:

Multiple photographers: Packages with multiple photographers will be more expensive but provide greater coverage. You may be able to schedule your photographers to show up at different times to maximize coverage. For example, one professional is typically enough to take pictures of bridal parties getting ready, but having two photographers on the dance floor can ensure you capture all your loved ones throughout the night. 
Hours of coverage: More expensive packages will often include more hours of coverage. Typically, packages will vary by one or two hours of coverage. However, you may also be able to add extra time at set rates. For instance, if the package you want covers all your bases but you need an extra half hour of coverage, you may be able to pay for the additional time without moving up to the next package. 
Edited images: The average cost for wedding photos will vary, depending on the number of prints you get and editing services. Editing photos takes time, so the number of edited images you want will impact your price. Basic editing will include elements like color correction, smoothing skin and straightening lines. However, you may also be able to request specific retouches, which will usually raise your total. 
Wedding album: A wedding album is a beautiful way to relive your nuptials. Albums often walk through the day, from getting ready to saying goodnight. The number of photos in your wedding album and whether you opt for one at all can guide you to the right photography package.
Physical prints: A final consideration is physical prints. Your photographer will likely ship physical prints to your home after the wedding, meaning there will be a cost for printing materials, packaging supplies and shipping fees. You may also be able to choose prints in several sizes, and large prints will cost more than smaller ones. 

How to Save Money on Wedding Photography Prices

While there are many considerations for photography packages and several elements impacting price, there are also some ways to save money. Check out these tips for making your choice more affordable without sacrificing quality:

Bundle photographers and videographers: Wedding videographers don’t have to be an extra expense. Combine your photo and video prices by bundling with one vendor. Videographers can bring your wedding to life in a whole new way and produce stunning visual art for you to enjoy well after your big day. Rather than hiring two vendors, look for qualified vendors that offer both services for a seamless and more cost-effective experience.
Choose the same photographer for engagement photos: Another way to save cost is by choosing the same vendor for your engagement photos and your wedding day. Some vendors may offer engagement photos as part of a package.
Select an off-season date: A great way to save on wedding costs across the board is by having your big day during the off-season. Vendors may be more likely to offer discounts or include more in their packages during this time. Research the peak season for your desired area location and ask vendors about their off-season deals.

Choose Shutter and Sound for Your Upcoming Wedding

The right photographer and videographer can capture all your favorite moments and produce art for you to enjoy for the rest of your life. Trust Shutter and Sound with your wedding day. We offer comprehensive bundles and packages serving couples across the U.S. to meet your needs. 

Connect with us for more information.