How much does a wedding photographer cost?

A wedding is a huge turning point in a couple’s life, and investing in good photos allows you to relive that fairy-tale moment for a lifetime. But how much do wedding photographers cost these days? 

On average, basic packages cost around $1,000 to $1,500. Some wedding photographers also offer services for $100 to $200 per hour, depending on their experience level.

Wedding photographer price list

Here’s a list of wedding photographer prices based on Tasker listings:

What factors affect average wedding photographer costs?

Many things affect the average cost of wedding photographers in the US. We’ve listed the most important ones:

Location

Wedding photography prices could go higher or lower depending on where you are. Typically, professionals in bigger cities charge more, but expenses also increase if you’re in an outlying or remote area. Wedding photographers often carry large, expensive equipment. You might also need to work with a wedding coordinator if you need photos in multiple locations. 

Wedding date

In the US, the wedding season is from late summer to early fall. Costs are higher due to the demand and tighter schedules. So if you want to save money, consider having a winter wedding on a weekday.

Photographer’s level of experience

The average cost of a wedding photographer or videographer also depends on their expertise. More established photographers naturally charge higher than part-time ones. Newbie photographers are still building their portfolios, so they usually offer discounts to customers.

Number of photographers

The more photographers and assistants you need, the higher the cost of wedding photography. However, a second photographer is ideal if you have many guests and a big venue. They can capture the warm smiles of your family and friends and take beautiful photos with perfect lighting.

Number of service hours

Wedding photographers also charge by the hour, starting at $100 for beginners to $200 for professionals. You must pay more to get extras, such as digital copies, albums, etc. Typically, weddings last eight to 10 hours, resulting in 1,600 to 2,000 dollars worth of photography services.

Wedding photography packages and their costs

The cost of hiring a wedding photographer depends on the package you choose. Whether you want a basic or luxury one with bespoke album inclusions, we’ve outlined the costs to help you plan for your big day: 

Basic

Expect to pay $1,000 to $1,500, the usual price range for part-time or starting photographers. The package includes complete coverage of the wedding ceremony and digital photos. Some also cover the reception.

Mid-range

This includes the basic package with more professionally edited photos. The photographer usually covers the whole wedding ceremony and some speeches. Mid-range photography packages cost $1,500 to $2,000.

Full

This costs around $2,000 to $3,000 and is the most common package covering the entire wedding day, pre-wedding shoots and consultations, and expert post-processing. Photographers who fall into this range are usually more experienced, have advanced equipment, and sometimes come with an assistant. The package includes professionally processed photos, digital copies on a USB, and physical albums.

Luxury

This has the perks of a full package. However, it has additional bespoke items, like a specialized album and prints or an online app or gallery showcasing your photos. Luxury photographers are fully equipped to cover more guests. Their fees start at $3,000.

Additional costs when hiring a wedding photographer

More things can increase the fees of wedding photographers:

1. Administrative costs: These include the coordination or planning that happens before the wedding. Photographers spend time and creative energy to make your creative vision come to life.
2. Transportation: Booking a photographer for a destination wedding can be costly due to travel expenses and more landscapes or sceneries to capture.
3. Equipment and software: Quality and more expensive equipment lead to higher photography rates. High-end editing software will also affect costs.

Post a task for wedding photography

Are you ready for your picture-perfect wedding? Post a wedding photography task on our platform! You can get quotes from different service providers to understand current market rates and avoid over or underpaying. 

It also won’t hurt to do more research by asking for your prospect’s portfolio or website where you can view their previous work. Once you’ve chosen a Tasker, you can count on them to capture the beautiful and fleeting moments of your wedding.