How Much Does Wedding Photography Cost?

For many, a wedding is one of the biggest and most special days of their lives. So, when they hire someone to take wedding photographs, they're expecting close to perfect. 

Talk about a lot of pressure.

But don't worry, this article will tell you everything you need to know about wedding photography. How much does wedding photography cost, best camer for weddings, camera and lens backpacks and more, we’ve got you covered!

How Much is Wedding Photography?

When planning your wedding, it might seem intimidating thinking about all the things you have to consider - venue, flowers, photographer, and more. However, you shouldn’t have to worry about how much does wedding photography costs. After all, your wedding photographs are the one thing that stays with you to cherish that special day. 

Wedding photography prices can vary from $1000 to $10,000 in the U.S. However, the average can be somewhere between $4000 to $5000. Wedding photography styles can vary and the different wedding photography packages that wedding photographers offer can lead to a variety of different price points. Most of the time, the pricing is related to the years of experience of the wedding photographer.

What does a Wedding Photographer do?

Wedding photography is simply a genre revolving around capturing wedding events and participants. While you might expect a wedding photographer to focus on the bride and groom, there's a bit more to it. 

Though pictures of the bride and groom are common, wedding photographers should capture all aspects of the event. 

Just think, the bride, groom, family and friends will all want memories of the wedding. As the photographer, it's your job to provide high quality memory material.

What is Documentary Wedding Photography?

This type of wedding photography is all about acting natural and telling a story. Instead of asking the bride and groom to pose, the wedding photographer will simply take pictures of the event as it unfolds. 

Some pictures might be silly, emotional, or unintentional, but it's a great way to capture memories.

What does Wedding Photography Include?

Pictures of the actual event are the obvious aspect of wedding photography, but often, there are more services included. 

For example, wedding photography usually includes pre-wedding events, such as bridal pictures. Additionally, photographers will offer proofs, prints, albums, and/or USB drives with photos. 

Remember that beauty is an important aspect of these events, so expect to spend a decent chunk of time editing photos too.

Wedding Photography Prices

Because wedding photographers are expected to travel and provide so many services, it’s a well paying niche. 

Depending on size, location, and services provided, wedding photography prices can vary from $1,000-$10,000 or higher in the United States. This price includes travel and photo editing. 

Many photographers also choose to offer a set amount of hours, such as 8-12, and then charge extra for every hour over that.

What is Bridal Photography?

For many women, a wedding is one of the biggest days of their lives. She’ll want to feel like a princess, or at the very least, as beautiful as she can be. 

Bridal photography is meant to highlight this feeling. Typically, bridal portraits are actually taken several months before the wedding. Brides will choose a location, and may want to be captured with or without their spouse. She can then gift the bridal pictures of her family or spouse, as well as display them at the wedding. 

As the photographer, try to highlight her beauty, as well as the beauty of the location she chose. Make her the focal point of the image, and make use of some of the best female model poses. Also, a flowing dress or veil is always a plus!

What a Wedding Photographer Should Know?

For reference, we have some extra tips every photographer should know before they get hired for wedding photography. These include: 

Know Your Equipment. Bring the right camera, lenses, and don’t forget your camera bag! We recommend The Voyager camera backpack, as it’s a balanced, quality bag. It's lightweight, spacious, and even water-resistant. You’ll also never miss a shot using the quick draw side access camera backpack.

Follow the Dress Code. Nobody wants a photographer in blue sweatpants to show up to their all pink wedding. Be courteous by following the dress code!

Remember Names. Again, this day is very special to the bride and groom, and they’ll appreciate it if you remember their names. 

Find Moments. Instead of clicking at everything you see, pinpoint the key moments. Maybe the bride is laughing at a joke the groom made, or dancing is about to start. 

Agree on the Details in Advance. While couples might want extra photos taken at the event, this can add a lot to your plate. Always agree on what you’re doing before the wedding!

Use Ambient Light. Whether the wedding is outside or not, you can use the natural light around you to your advantage. 

What is the Best Camera for Wedding Photography?

While there's no one camera that will fit every person, the best camera for a wedding photography is a DSLR. A DSLR will provide you with the level of detail you need to make someone's wedding look truly special. 

Here are some of our recommendations:

• Canon EOS 5D Mark IV
• Nikon D850
• Sony Alpha a77 II
  

Up Next: How to Start a Photography Business

Now that you know all about wedding photography, maybe you’ll want to consider starting your very own photography business. After all, why not make a career of your favorite hobby?

Fortunately, you can learn all about how to turn your passion into a career right here:

Up Next: How to Start a Photography Business →