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When it comes to wedding photography, the cost is always a concern. How much should you expect to pay for professional photography on your big day?
Like most things in life, there is no one-size-fits-all answer to this question. The cost of wedding photography will vary depending on the photographer’s experience, the package you choose, products you add on, and sometimes travel expenses depending on your location/ destination.
But generally speaking, you can expect to pay anywhere from a couple of hundred dollars per hour to several thousand dollars for full-day coverage wedding photography services. According to theKnot.com “Based on The Knot Real Weddings Study, an internal study of over 15,000 couples who got married in 2021, the average wedding photographer cost is $2,500. Almost 90 percent of couples hired a photographer, making them one of the most popular wedding vendors. Photography was also the most common area where couples were willing to spend more on the right wedding vendors. Nearly half of all couples increased their original budget once they started wedding planning—of that, 47 percent admitted to spending more on their professional photographer.”
So how do you know how much is the right amount to spend on wedding photos?
Weddings are a special life event that signifies something very special. We take the time to plan and host a memorable event; Be sure to think about how significant having physical memories from your day is for generations to come.
There are many popular wedding photography styles like light and airy, dark and moody, classic, special lighting techniques, and more. Selecting a photographer with a very specific or unique photography style may cost you a bit more due to the additional gear that may be required and additional years of experience and how many weddings it took to perfect their signature style.
The number of hours of coverage is usually the main factor for cost estimates on wedding photography packages. Typical wedding coverage includes some dressing room coverage through the couple’s exit; which amounts to 8 or more hours of coverage. Check out our timeline samples to compare the most popular timeline options.
Many photographers offer digital images as their main deliverable, but what about products? Do you want an album, framed prints, or decorative canvas’? Be sure to inquire about your package details including how many images your photographer includes, what print products are included or offered an additional cost, and lastly if they offer a print release. At Lacy Lane Photography, we are proud to offer affordable print options available in the client’s final image gallery. All clients also receive a print release so that they can choose where they would like to print their photos.
The number of guests is an important factor when considering your wedding photography budget a second photographer will give additional detail shots, angles, and guest photography as well. A second shooter is recommended for weddings with over 125 guests.
Couples often opt to add on an engagement session to commemorate their engagement as well as have images to send in their invitations or save the dates. Brides also enjoy adding on a dedicated bridal session so that they can test their day of hair and make-up and spend extra time to get those images they plan to display at their shower and or their reception.
Once you have a better understanding of your own priorities, you can start to narrow down your search for the perfect photographer.
Remember, it’s worth spending a little more to get the quality and service you deserve on your wedding day. After all, these photos will last a lifetime!
Thanks for reading! I hope this article was helpful in answering your question of how much do wedding photographers cost. Get instant pricing on custom wedding photography packages from Lacy Lane Photography HERE.
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