How much does a wedding photographer cost?

Long after the vows have been said and the reception hall has been cleaned up, your wedding photos tell the story of your big day and capture the special moments you cherish. Finding the perfect wedding photographer may seem overwhelming, but once you understand the basics of cost and contracts, it's a fairly simple process.

In this guide, we'll break down how you can hire a wedding photographer who has an aesthetic you love, a personality you like — and a cost you can afford. 

The average price for wedding photographers ranges from $200-$2,500. That's quite a wide range. Let's take a look at how costs can vary by hour, whether you decide to get a photo package and much more.

Wedding photographers charge an hourly rate of $100-$474, but the average wedding photographer cost is $150-$200 per hour. However, hourly rates are not as common as set package pricing — especially during the peak wedding season months of spring and summer — but are typically offered by independent photographers or those just starting out.

Wedding photographer prices can vary, depending on geographic location, photographer experience, day of the week and time of year.

Wedding photography rates per hour:

When hiring a wedding photographer on an hourly basis, use a clearly written contract and be sure to specify what printing rights you'll have to the photos, and whether the hourly rate includes post-production editing or if that will cost extra.

A package can offer great cost savings while allowing you to purchase more high-quality images at a future date. The majority of professional photographers offer wedding packages, which are typically less expensive than a la carte pricing.

Flat-rate packages typically include a set number of hours, retouched photos and other deliverables. The more services you receive, the higher the package cost. The various digital or printed components of a photo package — beyond time, locations and number of photographers — also affect the overall cost.

The best wedding photographers deliver the final package as a CD or DVD, online with access to digital proofs and high-quality images or quality prints, as physical proofs and prints, as a photographer-made photo album or some combination of these. The photographer can typically recommend the best wedding photography package options for your budget. Make sure your contract specifies how you will receive the photos and whether you have printing rights.

Here are a few examples of wedding photography package pricing:

Wedding package 1:

• Price: $1,000
• What's included: Up to four hours of coverage on the wedding day, with most formal photos taken before the ceremony, car service (black Mercedes) as needed from ceremony site to the reception, photos of reception highlights (until time runs out) and high-resolution images via digital download.
• Add-on options: Second (junior) photographer for $200, additional hour of coverage $100 per hour, engagement photo session (one hour and 10 edited pictures) for $200.

Wedding package 2:

• Price: $1,400
• What's Included: Up to six hours of wedding day photography, arrival at the venue prior to preparation, first look and formal photos prior to the ceremony, car service to the reception, full coverage of the reception and high-resolution images via digital download.
• Add-on options: Second (junior) photographer for $200 or engagement photo session (one hour and 10 edited pics) for $200.

Wedding package 3:

• Price: $2,600
• What's included: Up to eight hours of wedding photography and all the services of wedding package two, one hour of private portraits after the ceremony, up to 30 edited images for printing and two 16x20 canvas gallery wrapped prints.
• Add-on options: Second (intermediate level) photographer for $300, two-hour, two-location engagement photoshoot with 15 edited pictures for $400, photo booth at reception with a digital download for $300 and first family Christmas card photoshoot session for $300.

Wedding package 4:

• Price: $3,000
• What's included: 10 hours of coverage, everything included in wedding package three, a private bridal portrait session with the gown, first look before the ceremony with portrait session, 20 additional edited shots ready for print (50 total) and a 26-page printed wedding album. This pro offers additional wedding packages beyond those listed.

Wedding photographer prices are based on how long they need to work, the number of retouched photos you want, whether any additional photographers or assistants will be on hand, the reputation of the wedding photographer, your geographic location, the day of the week and the season.  

On one end of the spectrum, wedding photography may involve simply taking amazing photos of the marriage ceremony or your elopement — in which case costs remain relatively low, from $200-$400. Or, a wedding photographer can capture everything wedding-related, including wedding showers, engagement parties, getting ready, the ceremony, the wedding reception and beyond. However, you'll likely pay closer to $3,000-$5,000 or more.

Time

The length of time that the photographer's services are required can contribute significantly to cost. The typical wedding photography agreement covers several hours or half a day so the photographer can capture the venue, the ceremony and the important parts of the reception.

Any additional activities and photos beyond the ceremony and reception that couples want can add to the time and cost, including photos of the wedding party getting ready, formal family photos, rehearsal dinners, bridal showers, engagement photos or engagement parties, day-after brunches and so on.

The average wedding photography agreement is typically for eight to 10 hours or more so the photographer can capture the venue, the ceremony and the important parts of the reception.

Number of locations

Some couples want every aspect of their wedding day photographed, from the early-morning gown and tux shots in the dressing rooms to the last guests snacking at the midnight food truck. If the photographer has to travel between multiple locations — such as the getting-ready location, the bridal party limo ride to the wedding site, the ceremony site and the reception hall — costs can be greater.

Multiple destinations don't always mean a higher price range, however, especially if you've purchased a wedding package that covers the full day.

Destination weddings

Destination weddings will almost definitely increase wedding photographer fees. Some photographers charge their normal rates plus travel, room and board. Other photographers may have an additional fee beyond their standard rates and travel expenses to accommodate the extra effort required for them to pack up their specialized equipment and work remotely.

Number of photographers

If your wedding is large, you might request — or your photographer may recommend — a photographer's assistant or additional photographer. If your guest list is very long, you'll want more than one camera to document those magic moments and important guests.

Even for small weddings, a photographer's assistant may be needed to handle extra equipment, set up lighting and ensure your photographer is primed to take those perfect shots. If your wedding takes place at sunset or you have requested a certain aesthetic, such as an editorial style, a wedding photographer may also need an assistant to ensure styling and proper lighting.

Adding a second photographer may increase the cost based on an hourly rate, while the photographer's assistant is typically paid at an hourly rate that is lower than that of the principal photographer. In general, extra hands mean a higher cost.

Wedding photographer's experience

Photographer reputation and demand have a huge impact on rates. Professional wedding photographers with a widely recognized brand will cost more than those just starting out.

The photographer's experience will also play a role. A new photographer looking to build their portfolio will often offer discounts to build clientele, while more established pros will have rates that reflect their experience.

Most wedding photographers only work one wedding a day, so if you have your heart set on someone with a cult following, secure their services early with a deposit. 

Post-production

The bulk of the photographer's work takes place in post-production, editing and fine-tuning the photos. Special touches like smoothing out splotchy skin, adding extra sparkle to the rings, or editing out shadows all take time and skill — but that's what makes your wedding photos really glow.

This hard work on the back end is why the cost of wedding photography is based on much more than the several hours your photographer spends taking photos on the wedding day.

Equipment

Equipment is another factor that impacts wedding photography costs. To get those glorious, high-definition photos, you need your pro to have top-of-the-line equipment.

High-end professional cameras can run around $6,000 or even as high as $30,000 for the premium brands. Add the cost of lenses to that (an average of $1,000-$2,000 or more each), and you'll understand why a professional photographer's rates are higher than those of a hobbyist with a mid-priced camera.

Wedding photographers who are individual contractors or photography business owners are tipped less frequently than employees of a larger photography company or a photographer's assistant hired for the event.

Of course, if you feel the person went above and beyond, coaxing a smile out of your cranky uncle and putting your camera-shy nieces at ease, a gratuity is a wonderful way to show your appreciation.

Another helpful way to show appreciation is by writing your wedding photographer a positive review. You probably counted on customer reviews to help guide you in the selection process. By sharing your experience, you can pay forward the favor and help your photographer build an even larger clientele.

You may be able to save money by securing access to printing rights rather than being contractually obliged to purchase prints and enlargements from the photographer. Always be sure you understand whether you will have full rights to download and print pictures from any site you choose. This will help you understand the real final cost of your wedding photos. 

You can also save money by bundling engagement photos with wedding photos for a discounted package rather than purchasing each event's photos individually.

And lastly, don't be afraid to negotiate or ask for discounts. Depending on the season and demand, you may be able to negotiate lower prices for your wedding photos — especially if you receive lower, more reasonable cost estimates from other wedding photographers.

For more hiring advice, check out our tips for smart hiring.

Finding the perfect wedding photographer may seem overwhelming. These are the photos you'll cherish the rest of your life, after all — no pressure or anything.

Wedding planning pros recommend you hire your wedding photographer in the early planning stages: first the planner (if you're working with one), then the venue, followed by the caterer and photographer.

How to find a wedding photographer

Visit Thumbtack to find wedding photographers near you. Then, start reading their profiles, ratings and client reviews. Testimonials from former clients will tell you a lot about what you can expect. Keep track of photographers who have positive reviews for their professionalism, communication and punctuality.

Questions to ask wedding photographers

Once you've identified a few photographers you're interested in, start contacting them and asking questions. Don't know what to ask a wedding photographer? Start with these ideas:

Ask about their previous experience. When researching photographers, find someone with wedding experience. You don't want your wedding to be their first foray into this type of work. Ask to see their portfolio, and look for examples that showcase similar settings and lighting to what you're planning, such as an outdoor ceremony at sunset.

Ask about their rates. Most wedding photographers offer wedding packages — make sure you understand exactly what is included for the rate you're paying.

Ask about  worst-case scenarios. Preparation is the best defense. Ask the photographer what their plan is if they're sick the day of the ceremony or if there's rain or bad weather conditions. Ask them for some examples of weddings where things went wrong and how they resolved it. 

How to choose your wedding photographer

Here are a few more tips to help you decide which photographer you should hire for your wedding.

Go over your aesthetic. In the Northeast, editorial-style wedding photos are all the rage, while in the South, traditional reigns supreme. Review online portfolios to find a wedding photographer who can deliver the photo aesthetic you want — candids and colorful, formal and stylized, or whatever your heart desires.

Get free estimates from several pros. You can easily request free quotes from the best wedding photographers near you. Aim to get cost estimates from at least three or five photographers so you can make a cost-effective choice when hiring.

Creating a contract and making a deposit

After you decide on a photographer, get a contract. A clearly written contract is crucial for stress-free wedding photos. The contract should outline how many hours the photographer will be onsite, what location(s) they will be at, the photographer's assistants, etc. It should also specify how many photos you will receive. Be clear on whether this includes retouched photos, as well as raw (unedited) photos.

You don't want to wait three months for your wedding photos. The contract should state the general time frame for delivering your completed photos and the format you'll receive them in (print, online, USB drive, etc.)

Finally, clarify in the contract whether you will have full printing rights for the wedding photos (i.e., you can print through any photo website) or if you must purchase prints and enlargements solely through the photographer.

Popular professional wedding photographers can book up fast during high season, so once you know who you want to document your day, don't hesitate to put down a deposit to lock them in for your date.