Guide to wedding photography costs

Working out how much to spend on a wedding photographer to get great pictures without spending thousands of pounds can be difficult and finding out what is exactly included can be even more tricky.

Below is a concise guide to wedding photography costs, what services you will need on the day and optional extras it's wise to ask for.

How much do wedding photographers cost?

Expect to pay approximately £1,500 for an experienced and talented wedding photographer who will produce pictures you will want to look at time and time again. Prices range enormously regionally, and it is wise to broadly budget between £800 and £2,000 when searching for a professional wedding photographer with extensive experience.

Does it matter how much I spend on wedding photographers?

Yes. Pricing is reflective of experience, reputation, service level and the style of photography. If a particular supplier looks very cheap in comparison to others, it is wise to question this and ensure they come with adequate recommendations.

Choosing to save money on wedding photographs is a common regret, which can lead to unflattering pictures, key moments lost forever and lengthy disputes. Avoid this pitfall by basing your price within the above range and following our guidance before you book a photographer.

Related article: Six expert tips for choosing the right photographer

Do I need to hire an actual wedding photographer?

Yes, wedding photographers may initially seem to cost a lot more than semi-professional portrait photographers, but this cost differential is balanced by the experience a wedding photographer will have.

Wedding professionals will know exactly the right shots needed to capture the essence of your day, will have the technical knowledge of angles, poses and lighting. They will also do all the coordination with your venue, on arrival familiarise themselves and will be able to arrange guests if needed. The service given by wedding photographers will enable you to focused on enjoying your wedding day without any direction, which would be required with non-wedding trained professionals.

Related article: How to get perfect wedding photos

Essential services your wedding photographer should include:

When choosing your photographer, it is hard to know what you will need from them, and it can be challenging to start questioning someone you are trying to build a rapport with. Avoid any awkwardness by ensuring that their packages cover the below services before progressing too far:

• Engagement photographs and an initial meeting to get to know you as a couple
• Full wedding day photography package (from getting ready to an hour into the disco)
• Equipment and experience of taking wedding pictures in adverse weather conditions
• Guarantee that customers receive a high amount (at least 120) of high-resolution prints
• Final photographs are supplied on disk or USB (not watermarked)

Also make sure that mileage, VAT and additional expenses (like an overnight stay) are explicit as these can dramatically alter prices.

Additional extras that it is wise to have

• Make sure that all prints, electronic or paper, will be non-watermarked so these can be freely re-printed
• An option to have two photographers: This can mean more extensive coverage of the day and the benefit of two creatives rather than one
• Guarentee that your pictures will remain locked/confidential unless you want them freely viewable on their website
• Outline of approximate timescales for the aftercare and delivery of your photos

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