What is a Normal Budget For Wedding Photography?

Updated 6/30/2023

The Average Cost Of A Kansas City Wedding Photographer in 2023 & 2024

When planning your wedding there are so many big decisions to make, one of them being which wedding photographer to hire. For most couples, the photographer is one of the very first vendors they choose for their wedding day, after only choosing a venue or maybe a wedding planner.

It makes sense that choosing a wedding photographer is one of the first and most important parts of planning your wedding. Your wedding photographs will serve as a lasting memory of your big day, so it’s essential to choose a photographer who can capture each special moments in a way that you’ll treasure for years to come. However, one of the questions that many couples have is how much they should invest in a wedding photographer.

The cost of a wedding photographer can vary greatly, depending on factors such as the photographer’s experience, location, and the type of package they offer. For example, an amateur photographer may charge around $1000 for a basic package, while an experienced wedding photographer may charge $5000 or more for a full-day coverage package that includes engagement photos, album, and other services.

Along with your budget, don’t forget to consider your priorities when choosing a wedding photographer. For some couples, a glowing and editorial style is the most important part of wedding photography. For others, it may be the sheer professionalism and ability to handle every aspect of a wedding that is most important in a photographer. It’s also worth considering the value of your wedding photographs over time; while a more expensive photographer may seem like a significant investment now, the value of those photographs will only increase as the years go by. If you see the value in having access to your wedding photography for years to come, you’ll want to make sure to pick a photographer who is a true professional, knows how to use professional gear, and takes the necessary protective steps in handling the digital files of your wedding photography from loss or corruption. Most professional-level and luxury-level photographers should be able to offer that peace of mind to you and your fiancé, as well as provide you with heirloom prints and albums that will not fade or deteriorate over time.

Lastly, consider the photographer’s reputation, portfolio, and experience. It’s important to look at examples of their past work, and read reviews from previous clients. This will give you an idea of the photographer’s style and the quality of their work. You may also want to meet with the photographer in person or over video chat to discuss your vision for your wedding photographs, and to make sure that you feel they will fit into your wedding plans in a way that flows with the rest of your wedding vision. Make sure you feel comfortable around the photographer that you choose, since they’ll likely be spending the majority of your wedding day with you!

Average starting price ranges that wedding photographers offer:

Just Starting/Hobbyist

$0-$500

A very new photographer like this may be excited about shooting your wedding and offer to do it for little to nothing, but with that comes the fact that they may have never shot a wedding before. It can be extremely risky to choose a photographer who is just starting out, since they won’t have the experience to know how to photograph your wedding and deliver the images that you’re expecting to see.

Beginner

$500-$1200

This would typically be where you find someone who has shot a wedding or two; maybe even a handful. They might be able to photograph a representation of your wedding day, but there will likely be holes in your photo collection from the day, as well as in your experience as a whole.

Amateur

$1200-$2000

With amateur photographers you may be able to see more of a portfolio before making your choice, and the photographer may be trying to learn and improve their wedding photography experience. This is a price point where the photographer is likely maintaining professional equipment, but you may still find that they rely on you to lead them through the wedding experience, rather than meeting you as an expert in their field.

Professional

$2500-$5000

These photographers are shooting weddings as their full-time job and will take it seriously! They should be experienced and knowledgable enough to provide most of the photographs you are expecting to see from basic wedding coverage, and have professional systems in place to keep your wedding photography high-quality, safe and secure.

Luxury

$5000-$8000+

Your wedding photographer at this level will handle the entire wedding process – from booking, to wedding day, to delivering retouched galleries and printed artwork – with finesse and ease. They will guide you through the process, giving you the capacity to relax and enjoy your wedding. You should have the utmost confidence in choosing a luxury-level wedding photographer that your wedding will be photographed professionally, with a consistent, artistic touch.

Furthermore, It’s important to remember that a photographer’s cost goes beyond just their time on the day of the wedding. The cost also includes the equipment and software they use, the cost of editing and retouching the photographs, and the cost of creating albums and other keepsakes. Luxury wedding photographers often have a team of photographers and other professionals that work together before, during, and after the wedding day itself to ensure that every moment of your wedding is captured.

In conclusion, investing in a wedding photographer is a decision that requires careful consideration. While you may have a budget to consider, it’s also important to remember that your wedding photographs will be a lasting memory of your special day. Investing in a high-quality, experienced photographer can provide you with beautiful, timeless photographs that you’ll treasure for years to come. It’s worth considering how much you value the memories of your big day and how much you are willing to invest in preserving them. Don’t hesitate to ask questions and do your research to find the best photographer that fits your style and budget.