How Much Should We Budget for a Wedding Photographer?

When planning your wedding, one of the most important investments you’ll make is in your photographer. After all, once the cake is gone, the flowers fade, and the music stops, your photos are what you’ll have left to relive the day. But couples often ask: “How much should we budget for a wedding photographer?” Let’s break it down.

Why Photography Deserves a Significant Part of Your Budget

Your wedding photographer isn’t just taking pictures—they’re telling your love story in a way that lasts for generations. Beyond snapping photos, photographers provide:

• Professional experience in posing, lighting, and capturing fleeting moments

• High-quality editing that elevates raw images into polished keepsakes

• Timelines and guidance to keep your day running smoothly

• Archival products like albums, canvases, and prints

Because of the value they provide, photography often accounts for 10–15% of a couple’s total wedding budget.

Average Wedding Photography Costs in the U.S.

While costs vary by location, experience, and package inclusions, here are some general ranges:

• Budget-Friendly Photographers: $1,000 – $2,500
  Great for intimate weddings, elopements, or couples who want simple coverage.

• Mid-Range Photographers: $3,000 – $6,000
  Most couples fall into this range. Expect a full day of coverage, an engagement session, and beautifully edited images.

• Luxury & High-End Photographers: $7,000+
  Often includes multi-day coverage, second shooters, heirloom albums, and extensive editing.

Keep in mind that coastal destinations, big cities, or highly sought-after photographers may command higher rates.

Factors That Influence Pricing

When considering your budget, remember that several factors impact cost:

• Hours of Coverage – A 4-hour elopement package costs less than 10+ hours of full-day coverage.

• Second Photographer – Ideal for capturing different angles and moments simultaneously.

• Travel Fees – Destination weddings or locations outside your photographer’s home base may add extra costs.

• Albums & Prints – Tangible keepsakes are often offered as add-ons.

• Experience & Style – Established photographers with a signature style often charge more because of demand and expertise.

Tips for Setting Your Photography Budget

1. Decide on Priorities – If timeless photos are a top priority, allocate more toward photography and less toward areas that matter less to you.

2. Ask What’s Included – Some packages include engagement sessions, albums, or second shooters.

3. Remember Editing Time – For every hour photographing your wedding, your photographer spends multiple hours culling, editing, and delivering your gallery.

4. Think Long Term – Years from now, you’ll look at your photos far more often than your wedding favors or décor.

Final Thoughts

Every couple’s budget looks different, but a good rule of thumb is to dedicate 10–15% of your total wedding budget to photography. Whether you’re planning a large celebration or an intimate gathering, your photos will be the keepsakes that tell your love story for a lifetime.

If you’re in North Florida, I’d love to chat with you about your wedding photography needs and help create a custom package that fits your day and your vision.

I’m Lauren Taylor, a Tallahassee & North Florida wedding photographer passionate about capturing genuine, timeless moments for couples in love. From coastal celebrations to countryside vows, my approach is warm, professional, and storytelling-focused. If you’re planning your own wedding, I’d love to help document your day with images you’ll treasure for a lifetime. Let’s connect here!