How Much Does A Wedding Photographer Cost?

Wedding photographs capture the touching, funny, and memorable moments of your most special day. This is why wedding photographers are one of the most important vendors for couples who are looking to tie the knot. On average, wedding photography can be quite an investment.
How much does a wedding photographer cost? Here’s everything you need to know about the average wedding photography cost.
What’s Covered in a Wedding Photographer’s Rates?
Before you make your choice, take the time to carefully read through what the photographer’s package or pricing includes. These can differ from one photographer to another, so it’s essential to know how much does a wedding photographer cost and what services and items are included to avoid problems later on.
Here are some of the usual items and services that you need to look for:
- Time – Most wedding photography packages include six hours of coverage. If you’d like the photographer to allocate more time to cover your wedding day, you’ll most likely have to pay more
- Travel – If your photographer has to travel a long distance before he can get to the venue, you may need to pay an additional charge. If he’s driving, you’ll most likely be charged by the mile. If it’s a destination wedding, be prepared to shell out for his airfare and accommodations.
- Assistants – If the photographer has assistants to help him out during the event, expect that you’ll get charged for their labor as well.
- Editing – This is usually included in the package since the bulk of the photographer’s time will be spent on this.
- Prints or Albums – On top of the digital files, some photographer may include prints or albums as part of their package. You can definitely opt to print out the files yourself, but they’re more likely to come out better when you purchase them from the photographer.
How Much Does a Wedding Photographer Cost?
Wedding photography rates vary depending on the location. In the United States, hiring a wedding photographer can cost you between $1000 to $10,000. The average price for most photographers is $2,400. If you’re located in urban cities, expect this price to increase. On the other hand, you’ll probably pay a little less if you’re holding your wedding in rural areas.
Another factor that affects the answer to the question, “How much does a wedding photographer cost?” is the experience of the photographer. More experienced photographers tend to charge more for their services. This is why it’s crucial to vet your photographer first before choosing the first one that meets your budget. Make sure that they have the qualifications, experience, and skills necessary to capture stunning photos. Here's how to learn more about wedding photographers.
Conclusion
How much does a wedding photographer cost? There are plenty of factors that affect the average rates of wedding photographers. No matter how much you can afford, remember that reliable and skilled photographers don’t come cheap. It’s best to plan and budget for this wedding expense as early as possible.