Wedding Photographer Cost: What Couples Really Pay

Your wedding photos will be one of the few things from your big day that last forever, which is why photography consistently ranks as a top priority for couples. But with prices ranging widely and packages that can feel confusing, figuring out how much to budget can feel overwhelming.

In this guide, you’ll learn what couples actually spend on wedding photography, what affects those prices, and how to set a budget that works for you. You'll also learn what's typically included in different packages and get practical tips for finding the right photographer within your price range.

How much do wedding photographers cost?

The national average cost for a wedding photographer is $4,400, according to the Zola Wedding Cost Index (ZWCI). Most couples can expect to spend somewhere in the typical price range of $3,500 to $5,300.

This expense usually makes up about 9% of a couple's total wedding budget. Unlike catering, the cost isn't heavily tied to your guest count. Instead, it’s shaped by the photographer's experience, the number of hours they'll be with you, and what’s included in their package.

What couples really spend on photography

Photography is consistently one of the top three priorities for couples, right alongside the venue, and the food and drinks. It’s seen as a core part of the wedding experience, not just an optional extra. 

“Having lasting memories of your big day is a huge priority for most couples. We found that nearly 55% of couples are most willing to splurge on their photographer over any other category.”, Emily Forrest, Zola’s Publicist.

Allocating 9% of your total wedding budget is a great starting point, according to The Zola Wedding Cost Index (ZWCI). For couples with a larger overall budget, the dollar amount spent on photography might be higher, but it could represent a smaller percentage. Meanwhile, for those with a tighter budget, photography might take up a larger slice of the pie because it’s considered a non-negotiable.

Couples today see photography as more than just a service; it’s an investment in their memories. These photos become family heirlooms, the main way you’ll share your day on social media, and a beautiful reminder of every moment. Many couples feel that splurging on a great photographer was worth every penny, as the photos help them relive the joy of their wedding day.

To make it work for their budget, couples often get creative:

• Some prioritize photography over other elements, like elaborate floral arrangements or a top-shelf open bar.
• Many find smart solutions to afford their dream photographer, like booking them for fewer hours or opting out of an engagement session to lower the package price.
• Being flexible with your date. Booking your wedding on a Friday, a Sunday, or during the off-season (typically November through April) can often lead to lower package prices.

What's included in photography packages?

When you start looking at wedding photographers, you’ll notice that their offerings are usually bundled into packages. While the specifics vary from one professional to another, they generally follow a similar structure based on hours of coverage and what you get at the end. Understanding these tiers is key to comparing your options and finding the best fit for your needs.

Here’s a breakdown of what you can typically expect at different levels:

• Basic coverage is the most affordable option. It’s great for smaller weddings and usually includes six to eight hours with a single photographer, a set number of edited digital photos, and an online gallery where you can view and download your images.
• Standard packages: This is the most popular choice for many couples. It typically offers eight to ten hours of coverage, which is usually enough to capture everything from getting ready to the main reception events. These packages could include a second photographer to get more angles, an engagement session, and a larger number of edited digital images.
• Premium offerings: For couples who want the most comprehensive coverage, premium packages offer it all. This can include ten or more hours of coverage, multiple photographers, a designed wedding album, and sometimes even a separate bridal portrait session. Some photographers also offer add-ons like drone footage or a photo booth.

To make comparing easier, here’s a quick look at what different packages might include:

Package Level	Hours of Coverage	Number of Photographers	Engagement Session	Wedding Album
Basic	6-8 hours	1	Sometimes an add-on	Not typically included
Standard	8-10 hours	1-2	Usually included	Often an add-on
Premium	10+ hours	2 or more	Included	Usually included

When you’re talking to potential photographers, it’s helpful to ask specific questions to make sure you’re comparing apples to apples. You should always ask if an engagement session, a second shooter, and full rights to your digital images are included in their standard packages. This clarity will help you avoid any surprise costs later on.

What affects photography prices?

You might wonder why there’s such a wide range in wedding photographer costs. Several key factors determine a photographer's rates, and understanding them will help you see where the value lies.

• Experience and reputation: A photographer with a decade of experience and a highly sought-after brand will naturally cost more than someone who is just starting out. 
• Geographic location: Just like with real estate, location matters. Photographers in major cities like New York or Los Angeles have higher costs of doing business, so their rates will be higher than those in smaller towns or suburban areas. For example, NYC's photographers average $5,000 whereas Salt Lake City, Utah is $3,600. If your photographer has to travel to your venue, you should also expect to cover their travel fees.
• Style and approach: The way a photographer shoots and edits plays a big role in their pricing. A fine art photographer who creates stylized, painterly images may charge more than a documentary-style photographer who focuses on candid moments. The amount of time spent editing after the wedding is also factored into the cost.
• Time and coverage: This is one of the biggest cost drivers. The most common package offers eight hours of coverage, which is usually enough for the main parts of the day. If you need more time, like for a grand exit or extensive getting-ready photos, you’ll need to book a package with more hours. Adding a second photographer to capture more angles will also increase the price.
• Final deliverables: What you receive after the wedding affects the price. A package that only includes digital files will be less expensive than one that comes with a custom-designed leather-bound album and a set of professional prints.
• Season and date: Saturdays during peak wedding season (from May through October) are the most in-demand dates, so they come with the highest price tag. You might find that some photographers offer a discount for weddings on a Friday, a Sunday, or during the off-season.

How to set your photography budget 

Deciding how much to spend on a photographer is a conversation you and your partner should have together. It’s a chance to talk about what’s most important to you both and make sure you’re on the same page before you start signing contracts. This teamwork makes the whole process smoother and a lot more fun.

Start by looking at different photographers' websites and portfolios. Talk about which styles you’re drawn to. Are you into light and airy photos, or do you prefer a moodier, more dramatic look? Getting clear on your shared vision will make it much easier to find the right person.

To get the conversation started, here are a few questions to ask each other:

• What are the absolute must-have moments we want captured?
• How will we use our photos after the wedding—for an album, wall art, or sharing online?
• What photography style feels most like "us"?
• Are we willing to adjust other parts of our budget to get the photographer we love?

Once you have a better idea of what you’re looking for, you can use a tool like Zola’s wedding budget tool to see how photography fits into your overall spending. It helps you track all your vendor payments in one place and gives you a clear picture of where your money is going.

Remember to think about the long-term value. The cake will be eaten and the flowers will fade, but your photos will last a lifetime. Many couples find that investing in a photographer they truly connect with is one of the best decisions they make.

Your photography planning next steps

Choosing your wedding photographer is about more than just finding someone within your budget. It’s about finding an artist whose work you love and a person you trust to capture one of the most important days of your life. The right photographer will make you feel comfortable and confident, which will shine through in every photo.

Start by doing your research. Look through full wedding galleries, not just the highlights on their homepage, to get a true sense of their style. Once you’ve narrowed it down, schedule calls with your top two or three choices to see if your personalities click. Finally, be sure to read the contract carefully so you know exactly what you’re getting.

Ready to find photographers who match your style and budget? Explore pre-screened wedding photographers in your area.

Wedding photography cost FAQs

Is $5,000 too much for a wedding photographer?

A $5,000 price tag is within the typical range for an experienced wedding photographer in many areas, especially if the package includes a full day of coverage, an engagement session, and an album.

Should you tip your wedding photographer?

While not required, tipping your photographer $100 for exceptional service is a kind gesture. If you have a second shooter or photography assistant, $50-$75 is a nice gesture. A heartfelt thank-you card and a positive online review are also wonderful ways to show your appreciation.

Do you need to include your wedding photographer in the catering headcount?

Yes, you should plan to provide a meal for your photographer and any assistants who are working through your reception. This is a standard courtesy for vendors who are with you for a long day.

Can you negotiate photography prices?

Most established photographers have set pricing, but you can sometimes negotiate with wedding vendors to customize a package to better fit your budget. This might mean reducing the hours of coverage or opting out of an album.