How much does an engagement photographer cost?

Many photographers offer engagement photo packages for a set price, which include a number of photography services. These packages typically include a set number of hours and locations during the shot, and post-production services like photo touch-ups and an online gallery with a pre-determined number of photos.

Here are some engagement session pricing examples:

Cathy Quarles Photography in Kansas City: $199

• 30 minutes of shooting
• One location
• Online gallery of about 35 images with an in-person ordering session
• Ability to choose 10 high-resolution images to be delivered electronically with print release

Keira Davis Photography in Atlanta: $300

• 1 to 1.5 hours of shooting
• Multiple outfit changes if desired
• Online gallery of about 50-60 photos
• Image editing

Before you hire a photographer or business, you should be able to get a quote on your package so you know how much you'll expect to spend.

Engagement photos may be candid, a posed portrait or a combination of both. An engagement photographer usually will talk with the couple, try to make them comfortable and suggest ways for them to interact to create the desired photos.

Some photographers offer journalistic style engagement photos, where the couple do one or more activities while the he or she stands back and captures the shots as the couple interacts spontaneously.

After you have booked your photographer, they will usually ask you to pick between one and three locations with a special meaning in your relationship. The best spots will be personal to you. Some ideas on where to photograph you and your fiancé include:

• the street where you met
• the art museum you strolled through on your first date
• the bridge where your fiancé proposed
• the park where you go hiking together with your dog every weekend at sunset

Most engagement photographers offer between one and three locations, and you might have to pay extra if you want more changes of scenery. Also, engagement photos may cost extra if you want your photos done in a studio and not outdoors. For example, Cathy Quarles Photography adds a $25 fee for a studio shoot.

Engagement photographers may allow one or more outfit changes during the shoot, and some let you change clothes as many times as you want at no extra cost. For example, Alyssa Lisac Photography in Portland, Oregon, includes unlimited outfit changes with engagement packages.

Some photographers suggest couples wear one casual outfit and bring a dressier change of clothes, or vice versa, so you'll have options during your shoot.

Not sure what to wear for engagement photos? Most photographers recommend you leave the matching outfits at home and instead coordinate on color and style. Try to pick clothes that express each of your individual personalities and style, while still working together. But let's face it, we all already know you both look good together.

At the end of the session, the engagement photographer will give you a set number of photos, about 30 to 60 on average. If you want more, you'll end up paying more since you might need to schedule a longer photoshoot, and your photographer will need to spend more time photo-editing. If you're not happy with the number of photos included in your package, be sure to negotiate an additional cost ahead of time.

These days, most engagement photographers will deliver your photos as a digital album or file. Some photographers include printing rights for a limited number of photos from your album. Other photographers include a few prints as part of the total engagement photos pricing, or offer it as an add-on option.

It's a good idea to think ahead of time about how you plan to use the photos. If you're only going to share online, digital files may work fine. But if you plan to use the photos on your save-the-date cards or wedding invitations, you'll need printing rights and appropriately sized files.

Also be sure to ask how long it will take for your photographer to finish and send you the finalized images. You may not receive your shots until several weeks after your photoshoot -- after all, they have to retouch them and make sure you and your fiancé look amazing. If your photographer doesn't state a timeframe upfront, be sure to ask, especially if you're depending on them for another timely step in the wedding planning process.