How much should you spend on a wedding photographer? What a photographer costs and how to decide on your budget

The cost of a wedding photographer in the UK can vary greatly, depending on a number of factors, including the photographer’s experience, style, location, and the time of year. Whilst you need to ensure your budget is comfortable for you as a couple, it’s important to remember that while a photographer with more years of experience may charge more, they will likely produce higher quality photography, be more able to adapt to challenges like adverse weather conditions, plus they will be well versed in striking up good rapport with you and your guests.

Experience is everything
If you search for a wedding photographer in your local area, you are likely to be met with a wide range of experience levels. Some photographers will be fairly new with just a couple of years of experience, whilst others might have been shooting weddings for longer than you’ve been alive!

As a guide, here is a breakdown of the average cost of wedding photography in the UK, based on the photographer’s experience:

Entry-level photographers: £500-£1,000
Intermediate photographers: £1,000-£1,500
Professional photographers: £1,500-£2,000+

What style suits?
The cost of your wedding photography will also vary depending on the photographer’s style. For example, photographers who specialise in traditional posed photos tend to charge more than photographers who specialise in candid and documentary-style photos, because they have more specific shots to coordinate people for, and capture. My style, for example, is definitely more relaxed and natural. Whilst we might take some time out to do some posed shots of your choosing, I aim to spend most of my time capturing candid shots that really tell the story of your big day and what it was like to be there.

Location location location
The location of your wedding can also have a marked effect on the budget you’ll need for your wedding photography. Weddings in popular tourist destinations, such as London or Edinburgh, tend to attract higher prices than weddings in less popular destinations. If you are planning a destination wedding, don’t forget to consider how this might affect your overall budget. It’s not just the photographer who is likely to charge more!

Seasonal shifts
The time of year you choose to tie the knot can also affect the cost of your wedding photography. Weddings during peak season (May-September) tend to be more expensive than weddings during off-season (October-April) as there is higher demand during that time. The timing of your nuptials is worth considering if you’d like to make your wedding photography budget stretch that bit further.

Consider the value
It’s important to note that these are just average prices and that the actual cost of your wedding photographer will vary depending on the factors listed above. It’s also important to consider the overall value of the photographer you choose, not just what they charge. After all, a good photographer doesn’t just take photos, they add something to the overall experience and ensure that it’s enjoyable. For example, I will always help with the little touches like button holes, making cups of tea and even giving guests a lift between a church and the venue!

Here are some more specific tips for finding a wedding photographer that fits your budget:

  • Set a budget before you start your search (not after!). Setting a budget first will help you narrow down your options and avoid overspending.
  • Be flexible with your expectations. If you’re on a tight budget, you may need to be flexible with your expectations, such as the number of hours that the photographer will be at your wedding or the number of final photos that you’ll receive.
  • Shop around. Get quotes from multiple photographers before you make a decision and meet with a shortlist to see who you feel most comfortable with.
  • Consider hiring a second photographer. This can be a good option if you want to get more coverage of your wedding day. For example my Gold package includes a second photographer as many couples I work with love having maximum coverage of their special day.

 

Getting married in 2024?
Click here to check out my wedding packages and prices, or get in touch with me for an informal chat. One advantage of working with me is that all your photography needs are covered in one place – be it your engagement, wedding, a new baby or a big family event.