How Much Should You Pay for a Wedding Photographer in 2025?

What you can expect to pay to have your wedding photographed in 2025

You’re planning your big day, and it’s time to decide on one of the most crucial aspects—capturing it. You want to look back on your wedding photos and relive the love, laughter, and magic. But as you start researching, you quickly realise there are so many options and price points for wedding photography! Relax, I’ve got you covered. This guide will help you navigate the choices and determine how much you should pay for a wedding photographer in 2025.

Where do you start?

Do you hire someone affordable but potentially inexperienced? Or go for the full-service luxury package? How do you know what’s too much—or too little? Don’t worry. This article will break down your options so you can find the best fit for your day, your budget, and your memories.

Decision Fatigue is Real

Researching wedding photography can be overwhelming, and it’s easy to experience a bit of decision fatigue. With so many options—ranging from your best friend with a new camera to high-end professionals—the choice can leave you feeling stuck. To make the best decision for your wedding, here are three key steps:

1. Assess your needs: Think about what you want from your wedding photos and the overall experience. What memories are you looking to preserve?
2. Budgets: Do you have a firm budget in mind or do you have some wiggle room? Is your budget realistic for the wedding photography you’re after?
3. Match your needs to your options: Understand the type of photographer that suits your style and wedding vision, and then find a professional who is going to nail the brief.

Let’s dive into each step and explore the different photographer options to help guide your decision.

1. What Do You Want from Your Wedding Photos?

Before you dive into pricing, it’s crucial to ask yourself a few key questions:

• How important are your wedding photos to you? Do you want them to be artistic keepsakes or just simple snapshots of the day? Do you like the idea of posing, or are you after a more natural, candid and dynamic approach?
• Are you looking for a full day of coverage or just the main moments—like the ceremony and reception?
• Do you feel comfortable in front of the camera or are you a bit camera shy?
• How many edited images do you expect, and would you like extras, such as an engagement shoot or wedding album?

Answering these questions will help narrow down the type of photographer who will best meet your needs.

2. Consider Your Budget

Rather than starting with a fixed number in mind, it’s helpful to research the average costs of wedding photographers in your area and the types of photographers available. This allows you to get a clearer picture of what’s realistic for your needs and helps prevent setting expectations too low or high before exploring your options. Prices can range widely depending on the photographer’s experience, style, and what’s included in their packages, so focus on finding someone whose work speaks to you and fits within a comfortable price range for your overall wedding plans.

3. Types of Wedding Photographers

When it comes to choosing a photographer, the market offers a broad spectrum of professionals, each with varying levels of experience and expertise. Understanding the differences between these can help you see what’s worth paying for.

• Friend with a Camera: If you’re looking to save money, you might consider asking a friend or family member with a good camera to shoot your wedding. While this can seem like a great option, it often comes with risks. Your friend may not be experienced with wedding-day dynamics, leading to missed moments or unflattering shots. It’s also hard for them to fully participate in your wedding as a guest if they’re working.
• Fashion or Commercial Photographer: Photographers from other industries, like fashion or advertising, may offer to cover your wedding. While they have professional equipment and skills, they may not have the same experience working in the fast-paced, emotionally charged environment of a wedding day. This can lead to beautiful portraits but missed candid moments.
• Studio Photographer: Many wedding photography studios offer packages with varying levels of service. You’ll likely get an experienced team, but you may not always get the lead photographer you want. Studios often have a more templated approach, offering consistency but potentially lacking the personal touch and creativity of an independent photographer.
• Experienced Wedding Photographer: This category includes photographers with 10+ years of wedding-specific experience. They understand the flow of a wedding day and have a talent for capturing the unique emotions and moments of your event. Experienced photographers typically offer a wide range of services, from engagement shoots to full-day coverage, and are skilled at working with different lighting conditions and wedding sizes. They are very good at making their clients feel comfortable in front of the camera.
• Luxury Wedding Photographer: These photographers offer premium services and a bespoke approach to your wedding. They are often in high demand and frequently travel for destination weddings. These photographers come with years of experience and impeccable reputations, but their high price points often reflect services that may be more than what many couples truly need.

4. Finding the Right Photographer

Instead of jumping straight into setting a budget, it’s a good idea to start by exploring the kind of photography you love. This helps you build a better sense of what’s available, rather than limiting yourself from the start. As you gather inspiration, consider these factors:

• Style: Photographers often specialize in different styles, such as documentary, fine art, or traditional posed photography. Take time to review portfolios and see what resonates with you.
• Experience: A photographer’s experience goes beyond years in the industry. Look for someone who is skilled at capturing moments that reflect the vibe of your wedding, from intimate ceremonies to large celebrations.
• Deliverables: Consider what’s included in the package. Do you want an album, digital files, or printed images? Do they offer engagement sessions or additional hours of coverage? These elements can impact the overall cost.

5. Wedding Photographer Price Ranges for 2025

Now that you have a better understanding of the types of photographers and their offerings, here’s a rough guide to what you can expect to pay for each in 2025:

• Friend or Amateur Photographer: Free or up to $1,500
  This option might seem like a steal, but it comes with significant risk. Without experience shooting weddings, an amateur might not know how to handle tricky lighting or manage time constraints. It’s a lot of pressure to out on a friend/amateur, especially if something goes wrong.
• Fashion/Commercial Photographer: $2,000 – $4,000
  Fashion or commercial photographers may offer a polished, editorial style but might not be prepared for the fast-paced demands of a wedding day.
• Studio Photographer: $2,000 – $5,000
  For couples looking for a balance between cost and reliability, a studio photographer can provide consistency. However, you may not get the lead photographer whose portfolio you loved, and instead get the work experience guy.
• Experienced Wedding Photographer: $5,000 – $8,000
  This is where you’ll find experienced professionals who have dedicated their careers to capturing weddings. They understand the emotional significance of the day and will be equipped to capture it perfectly.
• Luxury Wedding Photographer: $9,000 and up
  Luxury photographers are for couples seeking the highest level of artistry, service, and exclusivity. These photographers often travel for destination weddings and provide a fully bespoke experience, including custom albums and personal consultations.

6. Things to Keep in Mind

• Reviews and Testimonials: Look for photographers with positive reviews and testimonials. Word-of-mouth referrals or glowing feedback on wedding websites can help you feel confident about your choice.
• Meet Your Photographer: It’s always helpful to meet with a photographer before booking them. Whether in person or via video call, this meeting will give you a sense of their personality and approach, which is important for ensuring that you’re comfortable around them on your wedding day.
• Check for Hidden Costs: Be sure to discuss what’s included in your photographer’s package. Sometimes there are additional costs, such as for travel, second shooters, or photo editing, so make sure to get all the details upfront.

Conclusion: The Right Photographer for Your Wedding

Ultimately, the amount you should pay for a wedding photographer depends on your budget, the type of photos you want, and how important photography is to your overall wedding day vision. Whether you’re hiring a friend for free or investing in a luxury experience, make sure the photographer’s style and approach resonate with you.

In 2025, expect to pay anywhere from $500 to $20,000+ for a wedding photographer. Take the time to figure out your priorities, and you’ll find the perfect match to capture your day in a way that you’ll love reliving for decades to come.