Your wedding day is one of the most important and cherished events in your life. It’s a day filled with love, happiness and great memories that you should always hold dear.
One of the most crucial elements in preserving these memories is wedding photography. It is crucial to document those valuable moments, sentiments and subtleties if you want to have a lasting memory of your special day.
Finding the right wedding photographer can be challenging, especially when costs are taken into consideration.
In this post by ProCurian, we’ll explore how much is a wedding photographer & videographer and how to save costs without compromising quality.
How much is a wedding photographer?
Wedding photography packages can range from $2,500 to $10,000. Major cities and popular wedding destinations may have higher starting prices.
The average cost of a small wedding photographer could range anywhere from $1,000 to $3,000.
How much is a wedding videographer?
In the United States, the average cost of a professional wedding videographer can range from $1,500 to $10,000.
However, prices may vary based on factors such as the videographer’s experience, location, duration of coverage, services offered, and the style of videography.
Highly experienced and sought-after videographers may charge higher fees for their expertise and quality of work.
Couples may find varying packages that include highlights reels, full-length videos, drone footage and additional services.
Wedding photography prices and packages
| Package Level | Average Price Range (USD) | Number of Hours Coverage | No of Photographers | Digital Images Included | Prints Included | Engagement Session Included | Additional Services |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Basic | $1,000 – $2,500 | 4 – 6 hours | 1 | 100 – 200 | Limited | Not Included | Basic Editing |
| Standard | $2,500 – $5,000 | 6 – 8 hours | 1 – 2 | 200 – 400 | Medium | Included | Advanced Editing |
| Premium | $5,000 – $8,000 | 8 – 10 hours | 2 | 400 – 800 | Extensive | Included | Fine Art Prints |
| Luxury | $8,000 – $15,000+ | 10+ hours | 2 – 3 | 800 – 1500+ | Extensive | Included | Luxury Albums |
Here are some details for cost of wedding photographer &videographer in major cities of United States.
| City | Wedding Photographer Cost | Wedding Videographer Cost |
|---|---|---|
| New York | $3,000 – $8,000 | $3,500 – $9,000 |
| Los Angeles | $2,500 – $7,000 | $3,000 – $8,000 |
| Chicago | $2,000 – $6,000 | $2,500 – $6,500 |
| Houston | $1,500 – $4,500 | $1,800 – $5,000 |
| Miami | $2,000 – $5,500 | $2,500 – $6,000 |
| Arizona | $2,000 – $4,000 | $2,500 – $5,000 |
| Michigan | $2,500 – $4,500 | $2,000 – $4,000 |
| California | $3,000 – $6,000 | $3,500 – $6,500 |
| Austin,TX | $2,500 – $5,000 | $2,500 – $5,000 |
| Atlanta | $1,500 – $4,000 | $1,800 – $4,500 |
| San Francisco | $3,000 – $8,000 | $3,500 – $9,000 |
| Seattle | $2,000 – $6,000 | $2,500 – $6,500 |
| Boston | $2,500 – $6,500 | $3,000 – $7,000 |
| Dallas | $1,500 – $4,500 | $1,800 – $5,000 |
Components of Wedding Photography Pricing
1) Pre-wedding consultations and planning
Before the big day, professional photographers will often meet with couples to discuss their vision, preferences, and the schedule for the wedding day. This planning process ensures that the photographer understands your expectations and can tailor their approach accordingly.
2) Engagement photoshoots
Engagement shoots are a popular add-on to wedding photography packages. They allow the couple and the photographer to build rapport and get comfortable working together. These photos are also great for save-the-date cards or wedding invitations.
3) Wedding day coverage
The bulk of the cost usually goes into the actual wedding day coverage. This includes photographing the ceremony, reception, formal portraits, candid moments and details like decor and the wedding cake.
4) Post-processing and editing
After the wedding, the photographer will spend time selecting and editing the best photos to deliver a polished final product. Editing enhances the images, ensuring they look their best and reflect the couple’s style.
5) Prints, albums and other deliverables
Some packages include physical prints or albums, while others may offer digital-only options. Physical prints and albums are a tangible way to cherish your wedding memories and make for beautiful keepsakes.
How to Budget for a Wedding Photographer?
Budgeting for a wedding photographer requires careful consideration. Here are some steps to help you allocate funds for this essential service:
1) Evaluate your overall wedding budget – Begin by determining the total budget for your wedding. Once you have an idea of how much you can allocate for photography, you can move forward with narrowing down your choices.
2) Prioritize photography in your spending plan – Understand the significance of wedding photography and prioritize it accordingly. Remember that the photos will be the lasting memories of your special day, so it’s worth investing in quality photography.
3) Negotiating with photographers for custom packages – Don’t be afraid to reach out to potential photographers to discuss your needs and budget constraints. Some photographers may offer custom packages or be willing to tailor their existing packages to better fit your requirements.
How much does a wedding photographer cost in the Bay Area?
In the Bay Area, the cost of a wedding photographer typically ranges from $3,000 to $6,000.
What is a good budget for a videographer?
A good budget for a videographer can vary depending on your priorities and the level of service and quality you desire.
On average, for a standard wedding videographer, a budget of $2,000 to $4,000 is reasonable.
If you value premium services, advanced editing, drone footage or multiple camera angles, consider increasing your budget to $4,000 to $6,000 or more.
Is it worth it to have a videographer at your wedding?
Yes, having a videographer at your wedding is worth it.
While photographs capture still moments, a wedding video brings your special day to life, allowing you to relive the emotions, vows and cherished moments.
Why is wedding photography & videography so expensive?
Wedding photography and videography are expensive due to various factors:
- The equipment used such as high-end cameras, lenses, and editing software, comes with a substantial cost.
- Photographers and videographers invest significant time and effort in pre-wedding consultations, shooting the event and post-processing/editing.
- The business expenses including insurance, marketing and maintenance of gear, add to the overall cost.
- The demand for skilled professionals during peak wedding seasons also affects pricing.
How long is a typical wedding video?
A standard wedding video is around 20 to 30 minutes long.
This length typically includes highlights of the key moments such as the ceremony, vows, first dance, speeches and other significant events throughout the day.
Some couples may opt for a shorter highlight reel, usually 3 to 5 minutes long, showcasing the most emotional and essential moments.
Others may prefer a longer documentary-style edit, which can range from 60 to 90 minutes, encompassing more of the day’s events in detail.
Can I negotiate with my wedding photographer?
Yes, you can negotiate with your wedding photographer. Many photographers are open to customizing packages to fit your specific needs and budget.
When negotiating, be polite, respectful and clearly communicate your requirements and budget constraints.
How many photos should a photographer give for a wedding?
On average, a professional wedding photographer may deliver around 50 to 100 photos per hour of coverage.
For a full-day wedding, the total number of photos can range from 500 to 1500 or more.
How much of your wedding budget should be spent on photography?
As a general guideline, allocating 10% to 15% of your total wedding budget for photography is a reasonable approach.
Photography is an essential investment as it captures the cherished memories of your special day.
How to save money on wedding photography & videography?
Here are some ways to save money on wedding photography & videography
- Booking in the off-season or on weekdays.
- Opting for shorter coverage periods.
- Choosing digital-only packages.
- Bundling services with other vendors.
How much does a wedding photographer make?
In the United States, a wedding photographer can make around $40,000 to $60,000 per year.
Highly skilled and established photographers who cater to high-end weddings may earn higher incomes, while those starting or working in less competitive markets might earn more modest amounts.
FAQs
How much does a wedding photographer cost?
Wedding photographers’ fees range from $1,500 to $8,000, depending on experience and location.
What factors influence wedding videographer prices?
Videographer costs depend on location, coverage hours, style and additional services, ranging from $2,000 to $5,000+.
Can I negotiate with photographers for lower rates?
Some photographers may offer custom packages or discounts, but negotiating rates varies based on their policies.
Do destination weddings affect photographer costs?
Yes, destination weddings may include additional travel expenses, impacting photographer fees, usually ranging from $3,500 to $10,000+.
Are engagement photos included in wedding photography packages?
Some photographers offer engagement sessions within packages or as an add-on, ranging from $300 to $800.
What’s the cost difference between photo and video coverage?
Videography generally costs slightly more than photography, ranging from $2,500 to $5,000 or higher.
Can I find affordable wedding photographers without compromising quality?
Yes, researching local photographers and reviewing their work can help find quality options within budget.
Final Thoughts
Investing in a professional wedding photographer is an investment in preserving the memories of your special day.
The cost of hiring a skilled photographer may seem significant, but the value of beautiful and timeless images is immeasurable.
By understanding the factors that influence wedding photography costs, budgeting appropriately and selecting the right photographer, you can ensure that your wedding day is beautifully documented and remembered for years to come.
