February 7, 2025
How Much Should You Invest in Wedding Photography?
Your wedding photos and videos will be the lasting memories of your big day, capturing every special moment and emotion. But when it comes to budgeting for a photographer and videographer, how much should you really invest?
The truth is, pricing varies based on experience, location, and the level of service you desire. In this guide, we’ll break down the costs of wedding photography and videography, the factors that influence pricing, and how to determine what’s best for you.
Average Cost of Wedding Photography & Videography in 2025
Understanding the average price range for wedding photography and videography will help you set realistic expectations for your budget.
- Wedding Photographer: On average, couples can expect to spend between $2,600 and $20,000 for professional wedding photography.
- Wedding Videographer: Videography pricing typically ranges from $1,400 to $3,600, depending on the package and expertise of the videographer.
Of course, these are just averages—some photographers charge more, while others may offer lower rates based on their experience and service offerings.
What Determines the Cost of a Wedding Photographer?
Several key factors affect how much you’ll pay for wedding photography. Here’s what you need to consider:
1. Experience & Expertise
A photographer’s level of skill and years in the industry directly impact their pricing. More experienced professionals not only deliver high-quality images but also know how to handle unexpected challenges on a wedding day.
- Beginner (0-1 years, limited portfolio): $500 – $1,200
- Amateur (1-3 years, decent portfolio): $1,200 – $2,000
- Growing Professional (3-5 years, refining style): $2,000 – $3,500
- Full-Time Professional (5+ years, established brand): $4,000 – $6,000
- Luxury & Destination (high-end experience): $6,000+
If you want a stress-free experience and beautiful, consistent images, investing in an experienced professional is the way to go.
2. Location
Where you’re getting married plays a huge role in pricing. A photographer in a major city like Los Angeles or New York will likely charge more than one in a small town due to the higher cost of living and demand.
Additionally, destination weddings often come with travel fees, accommodations, and extra expenses for the photographer.
3. Services & Deliverables
Wedding photography isn’t just about showing up with a camera. The more services included in a package, the higher the price. Common deliverables that impact pricing include:
- Engagement sessions
- Second shooters for additional coverage
- Wedding albums & prints
- Full-day vs. half-day coverage
- High-end editing & retouching
- Additional post-wedding sessions (bridals, anniversary shoots, etc.)
Understanding what’s included in a package ensures there are no surprises later.
4. Wedding Size & Complexity
A small, intimate wedding requires less coverage than a 300-guest celebration. Larger weddings may require multiple photographers, more editing time, and additional logistics, all of which contribute to higher pricing.
Why Wedding Videography Matters Just as Much as Photography
When couples start planning their wedding, photography is often a top priority—but what about videography? Many people assume it’s a separate industry with different pricing, but in reality, videography follows similar pricing trends as photography. However, it’s often slightly more affordable, for now.
As wedding videography continues to grow in demand, prices are expected to rise. Creating a cinematic wedding film requires extensive editing, audio mastering, and storytelling, making it an incredibly time-intensive process. That’s why investing in a skilled videographer today can be one of the best decisions you make for preserving your wedding memories.
But instead of hiring separate teams for photography and videography, many couples are realizing the benefits of booking a photo + video team for their big day. Here’s why it’s the best choice.
1. More Value for Your Investment
Booking a photographer and videographer separately can add up quickly. For example, if each vendor charges $4,000, you’re looking at an $8,000 total investment. But when you hire a team that specializes in both, you can get a comprehensive package for significantly less—without sacrificing quality.
2. A Stress-Free Experience
Coordinating two separate companies means juggling multiple contracts, invoices, and planning calls. When you book a combined photo + video team, everything is streamlined:
✔ One contract
✔ One retainer fee
✔ One team that works together seamlessly
This means less stress for you and more time to focus on enjoying your wedding.
3. Fewer Cameras in Your Face
One thing many couples don’t think about is the number of people following them around on their wedding day.
- A photographer typically brings a second shooter.
- A high-end videographer may bring one or two additional team members.
Suddenly, you have five or six people capturing every move you make. This can feel overwhelming!
With a dedicated photo + video team, everything is much more coordinated. In most cases, only two to three people are needed, keeping your day relaxed and intimate.
4. Consistent Style & Storytelling
One of the biggest advantages of hiring a photo + video team is the consistency in style, editing, and storytelling. Because we work together as one team, we ensure that your wedding photos and video complement each other perfectly.
Every couple we work with receives:
📸 Hundreds of beautifully edited images
🎥 A cinematic wedding film capturing the best moments of the day
For couples who want even more, we also offer premium packages with extended coverage, additional team members, and longer films.
How to Decide How Much to Invest
Forget the outdated “10% of your wedding budget” rule. Instead, ask yourself these questions:
- How important are high-quality wedding photos & videos to you?
- Do you want a premium experience with personalized service?
- Are you drawn to a specific photography style that requires an expert?
- Will you regret not investing in a professional photographer?
For couples who deeply value their wedding memories, investing $3,000 – $6,000 for photography and $3,000 – $6,000 for videography is a solid choice.
Standard Weddings (Local & Traditional)
For couples planning a traditional wedding in a non-destination city who value high-quality photography and a great experience, a reasonable investment ranges from $3,000 to $6,000. If you’re looking for both photography and videography, expect to invest a bit more to ensure consistent quality across both services.
Elopements & Intimate Weddings in the U.S.
If you’re planning a small elopement or intimate wedding within the U.S., professional photography typically ranges between $2,000 and $5,000, depending on coverage and experience. Adding videography will increase the cost slightly, and some photographers may have additional travel fees depending on the location.
Destination Weddings (International)
For couples having a destination wedding abroad, investing $5,000 to $9,000 in photography ensures that your once-in-a-lifetime experience is captured beautifully. Many photographers charge travel fees, but some include them in their pricing—so it’s always worth asking.
Pro Tip: Payment Plans Can Make a Big Difference
If your dream photographer is slightly out of your budget, don’t hesitate to ask about payment plans. Many photographers, including us, offer flexible payment options to make investing in high-quality photography and videography more manageable.
If You’re Working with a Smaller Budget
If your budget is closer to $1,000 or less, be extra cautious when selecting a photographer. While there are talented photographers at every price point, it’s important to do thorough research before booking.
Here are some key questions to ask:
✅ Do you have backup equipment?
✅ What is your posing and editing style?
✅ How do you handle unexpected timeline delays?
✅ Can I see full wedding galleries, not just highlights?
✅ How many weddings have you photographed?
Some lower-budget photographers offer great deals, but keep in mind that lower pricing often comes with trade-offs in experience, image quality, or reliability. Making an informed decision will help ensure you get beautiful, lasting memories of your wedding day.
Final Thoughts
Your wedding photography and videography are more than just another vendor expense—they’re an investment in the memories you’ll cherish forever. No matter your budget, the most important thing is to find a photographer whose work you love and who can deliver the experience you deserve.
If you’re ready to chat about your wedding photography and videography needs, reach out today—we’d love to be part of your special day!
