What does a wedding photographer cost?
As a wedding photographer, a question I get asked frequently is “how much does wedding photography cost?” It’s not a totally straightforward question though as the cost of a wedding photographer can vary significantly.
As a bit of a guide, it’s often recommended that you should set aside 5% of your wedding budget for wedding photography, rising to 10% if you’re very particular about the type of photography you want. However, bear in mind that the cost of a wedding photographer can vary significantly, so the above is just a guide price.
Something to keep in mind is that there are some very good reasons why wedding photography probably isn’t the place to skimp. Whilst a friend or relative might have offered to take some photos with their fancy new camera, there are numerous reasons why hiring a professional wedding photographer is really important. You only have one chance to capture your special day, and you want beautiful photographs that are a pleasure to look back on. I’ve talked in more detail here about why hiring a professional wedding photographer is definitely worth the money.
Choosing the right wedding photographer for you
There are lots of factors that affect wedding photography prices, such as location, what is included in the package, and whether you require a second shooter.
The first thing you should consider when choosing the right wedding photographer for you is to decide what you want from your photographs. Think about the theme of your day, and the atmosphere you want to create. Once you understand how you want your wedding day to be, the style of photography you want should fall into place. You can find out more about my wedding photography style here.
Once you’ve identified the style of wedding photography you want, and start to do your research into photographers who fit the bill. You will soon find a wedding photographer who stands out as a great fit for your day. Of course cost is important: everyone has a budget to stick to. However, once you find a photographer who fits your day, it will become clear how much they can enhance your wedding day. A good wedding photographer will take the time to get to know you, understand what you want from your wedding photography, and take the time to familiarise themselves with your venue.
What should a wedding photography package include?
The most important thing that is included in a wedding photography package is your photographer’s time, dedication, and commitment to your day. This is someone who you’ve chosen to spend the most important day of your life with you, so you should be looking for a photographer who you can trust to be really dedicated to your day, and to achieving what you want from your photography.
I offer a few package options to suit different weddings and budgets. However, as standard, every wedding I shoot includes a pre wedding meeting, and all photos edited, and provided high resolution in a downloadable gallery. I also provide an online gallery with password and a slideshow. Plus, of course, me with you on the day, and sometimes a second photographer upon request.
All my packages include typical coverage from getting ready in the morning (usually around 3 hours before the ceremony), and finishing half an hour or so after the first dance.
My packages start from just £995, and you can find out more about them here.
Wedding photographer in Cheshire, North Wales, and Chester
When you’re considering how much to spend on your wedding photographer, remember that the skills you want in a wedding photographer aren’t just about taking photos. An experienced professional wedding photographer brings so much more than that to your day: they will understand how to get the best out of people, be unobtrusive on the day, and know which details to capture. On top of that, they will edit your photos afterwards and ensure you receive beautiful lasting memories of your day.
I’m a professional wedding photographer based in North Wales, Chester and Cheshire. I also cover areas that are further afield. If you would like any advice on packages, costs, or how I might be able to help on your wedding day, please don’t hesitate to get in touch.
