How much does wedding photography cost? When determining your wedding photography budget, keep in mind that you get what you pay for. You should expect to spend at least $1000 on your wedding photographer, with rates varying depending on skill level and experience. The size of your wedding will also determine the photography cost, as additional guests will increase the amount of time that the photographer must spend at your event. For instance, for an event of less than 100 guests, a wedding photographer will typically dedicate four-six hours of time. For a larger wedding of 300 or more guests, a photographer may have to spend eight-ten hours on the job.
Most wedding photographers will give general pricing information over the phone, so you can use an initial phone call as your first step towards a match in choosing the photographer that suits your needs. In comparing photography costs, remember that different photographers offer different packages - so initial rates can be misleading. Some rates only include the photographer's time while prints and albums are extra. Other photography packages may include proofs, a set number of prints and an album. Determine what services and options you want first, then compare photographers' rates for those specific options to determine which best suits your wedding photography budget.
If you simply must have a certain photographer who commands higher rates, consider these ways to save on your photography budget:
- Buy a more basic wedding photography package with less prints and albums
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- Negotiate and switch out an engagement portrait for an additional parent's album
When reviewing your contract with a potential photographer, make sure that it is specifically clear in what it covers. Consider these questions:
- Do you need to make a deposit?
- What is the cancellation policy? Will you get anything back?
- Is any travel time considered an extra or included in the bill?
- Are you entitled to final prints only, or can you obtain all of the proofs?
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