After months of preparation and years of dreams, the wedding day comes in an instant. Photographers are one of your most significant vendors. They capture each moment so you can cherish them for years.
Photographer Emily Millay says, “Wedding photos are the only thing you take away from your wedding day.” “Brides are just going through the motions but missing out on all those candid moments.” Wedding photography is an excellent investment because those are the moments that make up a wedding.
However, talented and reliable wedding photographers are not cheap. Millay says that the price of wedding photography is affected by location, demand, and experience. Prices vary, but there are some similarities.
You can learn everything you need about budgeting for a wedding photographer.
What is the cost of a wedding photographer?
In the U.S., wedding photography prices range from $1,000 to $10,000 or even more. Millay states that the average cost for a Midwest-based photographer is $3,000 to $400,000. Brooklyn Susan Stripling says prices in New York range from $2,500 to $5,000. California’s fees are similar. West Coast photographer Zoe Larkin estimates Bay Area prices range from $3,000 to $4700.
Prices are not affected by styles. While wedding photographers have different preferences, some prefer bright and airy pictures while others prefer dramatic images or documentary-style photos, prices aren’t affected. Costs are determined more by experience and demand. However, a higher price does not necessarily mean better pictures. Millay says the price only sometimes determines how good a wedding photographer is. “Often, the price is determined by experience as most photographers increase yearly.”
What would hire a photographer with eight years of experience cost? Millay began shooting professionally in 2012. The starting price for her is $4,250.
What is Included in the Pricing of a Wedding Photographer?
Millay’s $4,250 package includes 10-12 hours of coverage on the wedding day with a second photographer, an online gallery, digital downloads, and a photo session. This includes photo editing and travel within four hours. This is only the basic level of coverage. Millay charges an additional $200 for each hour of coverage on the wedding day. Millay charges a la carte for albums, prints, and other add-ons. Prices range from $300 to $1200, depending on the couple’s choice. She limits the cost of images so clients can still afford to purchase what they want. When you look at old photos, it’s about something other than the quality. “You’re looking for the memory,” Millay explains. “Unfortunately, if the prints cost $75 or more, people won’t print them. “That’s why I keep them affordable.”
The $400 rehearsal meal coverage is another extra Millay clients are interested in. She says, “I encourage it as much as possible.” Getting to know the family before the wedding is essential so that everyone feels comfortable and familiar with me.
Most wedding packages do not include videography. Videographers and photographers usually work for separate companies. However, some husband-and-wife teams provide both services. A wedding videographer costs slightly less than a professional photographer. For 10 hours of coverage, and a 5-minute highlight film, expect to pay anywhere from $1,000 to $5,000.
Wedding Photographer FAQs
When should you hire a photographer?
When booking a wedding photographer, the sooner you book, the better. This is especially true if you are looking for a particular vendor. You should book your photographer ten months before your wedding date if you plan to use engagement photos in your Save-the-Dates. Save-the-dates are sent four to eight months before your wedding. Millay warns that if you wait too much, your preferred photographers may already be booked.
How do you choose the best photographer?
Wedding photography can be a costly investment. It’s crucial to do thorough research on photographers before committing. How can you find trusted wedding vendor testimonials? For starters, ask around. Millay says, “Most of my business is referred by past couples or other vendors.” Ask your vendors to recommend someone. They will not recommend anyone they do not know, trust or enjoy working with.
Should you Negotiate?
You can try to negotiate, but the majority of prices are fixed. To eliminate the need for negotiation, photographers offer a range of packages at different prices. Packages include fees for editing software, equipment, licenses, insurance, and other business expenses that brides and grooms may need to be made aware of. Negotiating could result in photographers barely breaking even or even losing money. On rare occasions, some photographers will work within couples’ Budgets. Millay is willing to listen if a bride or groom has wanted to work with her but cannot afford it. This is an exception and not the norm.
What is the standard tipping rate?
Stephanie Anter is a wedding planner at Kirkbrides. She says that not all brides and Grooms tip for their wedding photographers. But if you do, $50 to 150 would be reasonable. She says that around half of the people who tip their vendors do so. “Tips are not required but always appreciated.”
What is a typical payment schedule for a mortgage?
The payment schedules differ, but most photographers use a two- or three-payment. The deposit is usually due with the contract. This deposit is used to secure your wedding date. The second payment, the rest of the agreed-upon fee, is expected before the wedding. With a three-payment schedule, the photographers will split this last payment. Clients are required to pay when the images are ready and delivered.
