Wedding Photographer Cost Average

Did you know:

9 out of 10 couples regret

not investing more

in their wedding photos and video.

CLICK HERE IF YOU WANT HELP FIGURING IT OUT!

Photography

Luxury: $6000-$10,000+

starting prices, e.g., may start at $8k, $10k, $20k, or beyond.
(Typically more established, refined style, and luxury branding, with a highly desired editing style making them HIGH demand)

-How they’ll likely make you feel: Can handle high-profile events with ease and flow through everything confidently. They usually have a very popular style and they choose their couples based on their ideal "dream client" mentality. Allowing them to tailor a package authentic to their couples while providing an experience solely focusing on the needs of each client.

Professional: $4000-$5000

(Typically considered full-time professionals, have the demand based on style, expertise, etc.)

-How they’ll likely make you feel: Very established with a solid, consistent, editing style. Has structured their business to make sure you feel well cared for with an emphasis on incredibly high quality photographs.

Growing Amateur: $2000-3000

(Probably has a semi-in demand style, shoots a few less weddings while starting to learn about getting into the “professional” level)

-How they’ll likely make you feel: At this point, it’s not uncommon for them to be investing in good gear, and wanting to get more education that will help them grow their business. They probably have some level of portfolio and can help you have a clear idea of the level of consistency they can provide.

Beginner Hobby: $500-1200

(May have shot some weddings, but not much experience they may not have a style that demands a higher price tag)

-How they’ll likely make you feel: You may have seen some examples of other weddings they’ve shot, so you can possibly feel comfortable that they can point and shoot to get some good moments. They likely will not possess the ability to provide comfortable poses and other developed skills you see in higher level photographers.

Amateur: $1200-2000

(Probably photographs weddings fairly regularly, may not have a high demand due to style, may not be considered full-time)

-How they’ll likely make you feel: With their knowledge, the photographer might be wanting to give a solid service at a comprisable price point for getting some quality cameras/gear.

Brand New: $0-500

(Just starting, may have not shot a wedding yet probably just a hobby)

-How they’ll likely make you feel: This is risky because you really won't feel confident they're able to deliver photos you want or expect might as well do Iphone photos.

COSTS YOU DON’T SEE:

Luxury and most Professional photographers have:

Business licenses and insurance
Cell phone and internet bills
Website and domain fees
Assistants and staff
Professional services (like CPAs + lawyers)
Software/Editing subscription fees
Marketing and advertising costs
Taxes

Rent

Bride and Groom at Capehouse Wedding Venue

DO PHOTOGRAPHERS SNEAKILY OVERCHARGE?

No.

That's a common misconception,

so much more work goes into wedding photography than most people realize.

Let's break it down together:

2–3 hours for meet ups/initial consultations
2–3 hours of engagement session travel and shooting (local to LA more for travel weddings)
6–8 hours of engagement session editing, exporting and delivery
2–3 hours of wedding day timeline prep
2–3 hours of venue tours/scouting the best photo locations
10–20 hours of wedding day-of travel, shooting, back ups and editing sneak peeks
48–60 hours of editing, exporting and delivery of the final gallery
6–8 hours of design and communication with the bride to create the wedding album

That’s potentially 108 hours of actual labor alone. Keep in mind that the cost of our equipment and other expenses have not yet been factored in gas, parking, food, travel, harnesses etc. Most professional photographers show up to a wedding with more than $10,000 of equipment in their bags.

The 10% Myth and Why You Should Instead Invest In The Photography That You Will Love For Years

"But we only have 10% of our wedding budget for photo and video."

HARD TRUTH

Spending only 10% of your budget for a photo and video team,

is old advice.

Sure it was doable in 2001 but

now in 2023 you have to invest

to truly have quality images

and a film you love.

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