How Much Do Wedding Photographers Cost?
As soon as you start wedding planning, there’s one crucial aspect you have to consider early on: What’s your wedding budget, and what will be your most significant costs?
Wedding photography is a biggie. And it’s not just the cost of hiring the perfect photographer for your wedding day to take into account, but also documenting related events. For example, an engagement session, if you want one, and photography services for the events leading up to your wedding, such as the various showers, bachelor and bachelorette parties, and/or the rehearsal dinner.
So, what’s the average cost of a photographer for a wedding? We dive into the topic and provide tips on how to save money on your wedding photography experience and how to pick the best wedding photographer for your needs.
What You Will Learn
The Average Cost of Wedding Photographer Services
Your wedding budget will impact every element of your dream wedding experience. The budget will dictate what venues to tour, which potential vendors to interview, and how extravagant your honeymoon can be. Along these lines, your budget will determine which photographer you hire and the photography services you ultimately purchase.
According to The Knot’s 2025 Real Weddings Study, the average wedding in 2024 cost around $33,000, and for couples who spent this amount, the average wedding photographer cost was $2,900.
The study also found that couples spend the second-largest portion of their wedding budget on the photographer, second only to the venue. However, other wedding expenses were cheaper, with the cost of a wedding florist being the third most expensive at $2,700.
Of course, not everyone can pay the average cost of $33,000 for their wedding, and some couples may have the budget to pay for more. As such, it’s best to consider your expenditure in percentages.On average, most couples spend about 8% of their total wedding budget on wedding photos.
So, if your wedding budget is $10,000, you might set aside about $800 for wedding photography. If your budget is larger, maybe $50,000, you might set aside about $4,000 for the wedding photographer cost.
Factors That Influence the Average Cost of a Wedding Photographer
Luckily, the wedding industry is highly varied, and you can find everything you need for your wedding at a wide range of price points.
When it comes to the average cost of photographer for wedding services, a handful of factors will influence the starting prices.
There are some things about your wedding that you might not want to change. For example, you might not want to alter where you have your wedding, when you have your wedding, or the size of your wedding. These all impact how much you’ll pay for your photographer, though.
For example, photographers in larger cities often charge more than those in smaller locales. Likewise, a photographer will charge more if they need to travel to your destination event than if your wedding is in town. Likewise, photographers charge more for large events, which require multiple assistants. Many also charge more in the summer, when demand is highest.
However, there are some ways to save money, too. If you are willing to hire a wedding photographer with less experience, for example, or if you purchase fewer services overall. In the latter case, you might forgo a first look photography session, or “getting ready” photos ahead of the ceremony, or you might not require the photographer to stay for the full duration of your reception. There are even more ways to get the most for your money.
How to Save Money on the Average Wedding Photographer Cost
No matter how big your wedding budget is, you may not want to spend 8% on wedding photography services. So, how can you save a little cash? Here are some ideas.
1. Prioritize What You Want
As mentioned, if you want to lower the cost of your wedding photography, consider what moments you’d really like photographed and which you are okay with skipping.
For example, you may not need an engagement shoot to cap off your perfect proposal. Or, if you do an engagement shoot, you might opt for a lower-cost photographer with less experience.
You might not want your photographer there for the entirety of your wedding, either. You may prefer they show up in time for your ceremony and then stay until the reception fully begins.
If you forgo wedding videography, that will also lower the cost. If you do, consider finding a vendor that provides both photography and videography for a bundled price.
2. Ask for the Digital Files Only
Some photographers offer printed photos or specialty products like photo books and canvases. Rather than invest in these items right away, consider only buying the digital photo files and then purchasing prints and specialty products later when you and your new spouse have recovered from paying for the wedding.
3. Ask About Payment Plans
Many photographers will work with you to help you afford their fees. For example, they may offer discounts on off-day weddings (like a Thursday or Friday rather than a Saturday). Many also offer payment plans, which can be a great way to afford the photographer you want without paying for their services in one lump sum.
4. Book As Early As Possible
Some wedding photographers will offer discounts on advance bookings, too. As soon as you decide on a wedding date and venue, consider booking your wedding photographer next. If you’re booking a year out or so, you may be able to snag a great deal.
5. Ask About Vendor Partnership Discounts
In the wedding industry, many vendors often work together, offering discounts if you book with multiple partners. For example, your venue might provide a discount if you work with a particular photographer, caterer, etc.
If you have a few vendors booked but are still trying to find the right photographer, ask about potential partnership discounts.
How to Pick the Right Wedding Photographer
Have an idea of the price range you can afford, regardless of the average photographer cost for wedding services?
As you interview potential photographers, remember these tips to choose the best photographer for your money.
- Always ask for client referrals to get an honest idea of the client experience.
- Ask about extra fees and package exclusions, such as travel fees, that might apply if you’re having your ceremony and reception in separate venues.
- Ask about camera equipment insurance and what backup plans your photographer has in place if something happens. For example, what do they do if the weather is bad during an outdoor wedding, or what will they do if they suddenly become ill the day of your event?
Also, before contacting a wedding photographer, thoroughly examine their online portfolio. It’s important to pick a wedding photographer who’s not only talented but who can deliver the aesthetic that you want for your wedding day photos, whether that’s a playful, fun vibe or a more elegant, refined style
Wedding Photographer Cost FAQs
What Is the Average Cost for Photographer for Wedding Services?
The average cost for photography services at a wedding is about 8% of your overall wedding budget. So, for example, if your wedding budget is $20,000, you will likely spend about $1,600 on a photographer.
How Far in Advance Should You Book a Wedding Photographer?
It’s best to book as far in advance as possible. The earlier you book, the more likely you will get on their calendar and possibly get an early booking discount.
Should You Hire a Relative Or Friend to Photograph Your Wedding?
Unless your family friend or relative is a trained professional photographer, refrain from hiring them to photograph your wedding. The last thing you want is photos that didn’t turn out how you wanted and any discord with your loved ones.
Who Pays for the Wedding Photographer?
Who pays for the wedding — the photographer and everything else — is really up to the individual couple. If a parent wants to chip in, that’s always great. However, many couples pay for the entirety of their wedding on their own.
How Much Should You Tip a Wedding Photographer?
Consider tipping 5–10% of your wedding photographer’s overall fee. At least tip $50, but don’t feel bad about keeping your tip to $200 or less.
Don’t Forget the Wedding Insurance!
No matter who you choose to photograph your big day, be sure to factor in the cost of wedding insurance. Many venues require it, and even if your venue doesn’t, wedding insurance can protect your big day if something goes wrong, from vendor cancellations to rowdy guests.
Check out BriteCo’s wedding insurance options to learn more.
Also Check:
Is a Wedding Planner Worth It?
Hidden Disasters to Avoid on Your Wedding Day
How Much Is a Wedding License?
Wedding Jewelry Trends for 2026
How to Choose a Wedding Venue
Ideas for Destination Weddings in the US
Affordable Wedding Insurance: More Coverage, Less Cost!
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