Choosing the right wedding photographer for you is absolutely crucial to ensure you have an amazing wedding album that you’re proud to leave out on the coffee table and show everyone who pops over (guilty!). Your photo album will be a keepsake from your wedding that you’ll want to return to again and again, and may even cement itself as a family heirloom for your kids, grandkids and beyond. It’s almost guaranteed that you’ll use them as your profile pics on social media, too!
Each photographer brings their own unique style to capturing your wedding moments, from the way they use framing and lighting to their approach to composition. Pricing will also vary from one professional to another, influenced by factors like their experience, expertise, and individual approach.
So, when it comes to budgeting for your wedding, how much might you expect to pay for a wedding photographer? In this post we’ll take a look at the average cost of a wedding photographer, what their rates include, and what you need to be aware of before your big day.
What’s the average price of a wedding photographer?
The cost of a wedding photographer can vary widely, but on average, couples can expect to pay between $4,000 and $8,000 for both photography and videography packages. If you’re looking for photography only, the price typically ranges from $2,000 to $4,000. While this may seem like a substantial investment, it’s important to remember that you’re paying for more than just the photographer’s time on your big day. Their fees also cover their skills, experience, and expertise, along with the time spent planning, shooting, and the detailed post-production work afterward.
It’s also important to note that the price may not include GST, which can impact the final cost of your wedding photography services.
What’s included in this cost?
What’s included in the price will depend on the package you choose. A basic package may include coverage on the day and your photographs on a USB, whereas a premium package will include this and much more. When making your decision, be prepared with the right questions to ask a wedding photographer to make sure you know exactly what your chosen package includes.
Depending on your choice, wedding photography packages may include many of the following:
- A pre-wedding photography session
- Coverage on the day
- Post-production including photo editing
- A second supporting photographer
- Prints of your photos or digital download link
- A physical wedding album
- Printed canvases
- A ‘best of the day’ video
Most photographers offer a range of packages for you to choose from, with optional extras that allow you to customise your package. For a rough idea of what to expect for your budget, check out the table below:
Budget | $6,000+ | $3,000 – $6,000 | $2,000 – $3,000 | Under $2,000 |
What may be included | This can offer you up to two experienced wedding photographers to follow you for the duration of your wedding day and a premium, leather-bound album with wedding photographs carefully chosen by you with optional personalizations. | This can offer you up to two photographers for eight hours and a set of beautiful high-resolution images, or just one photographer, an album and an engagement shoot. | This can offer you one photographer for six hours along with an engagement shoot, with all photographs available to view and share via your own private online gallery (or less commonly today, on a USB stick). | This can offer you up to four hours of coverage, with all photographs available to view and share via your own private online gallery (or less commonly today, on a USB stick). |
What factors can affect the cost of a wedding photographer?
While these are general, average Australia wedding costs, there are plenty of other factors that can influence the cost of a wedding photographer. These include:
- Your venue: How far does the photographer have to travel? Will they need to take public transport, or even fly to another state? Are you based in a major city or out in the country? All of these will affect how much a photographer costs.
- Location: Where you are in Australia will impact costs. For example, photographers in Sydney will be more expensive than those outside.
- Multiple photographers: Having multiple photographers means you have full coverage of the day both from your perspective and the perspective of your guests. It’s also a good idea for outdoor weddings in an expansive scenery, for example Whitsunday or Tasmania. The more photographers there are the better the coverage will be, but the pricier it will be as well.
- The date: During peak times, such as during the summer and at weekends, you can expect to pay more due to the higher demand. Many photographers are booked months (or even years) in advance during busier times of the year.
- How long they’re needed: Are you only looking for photos of the ceremony itself, or the entire day, including the wedding breakfast and evening reception?
- Equipment: Will they need additional lighting, multiple lenses, or even drones?
- The level of post-production: After they shoot a wedding, the photographer will spend time editing your photos, such as adjusting lighting, cropping, or tweaking your mom’s eyes because she blinked.
- The type of album: Many photographers will offer your options to customise your album, such as leather-bound covers.
What else should you be aware of when it comes to the cost of a wedding photographer?
As part of your package and one of the questions you should ask your photographer before hiring them for your wedding, find out what type of release they offer (complete copyright, vs a personal use/printing release) and how it aligns with your budget and needs.
By default, the copyright to your wedding photos belongs to your photographer. If you want to purchase the full copyright later, it can be a costly option, with some couples reporting unexpected expenses in the hundreds or even thousands of dollars. While this isn’t common, it’s worth considering when discussing terms with your photographer.
In most cases, a personal use license or a print release will suffice. These licenses allow you to print, share, and enjoy your photos freely, without needing to buy full copyright ownership.
Make sure to clarify the terms with your photographer upfront, so there are no surprises. Also, it’s always polite to credit your photographer when sharing un-watermarked photos on social media to show appreciation for their work.
What level of experience can you expect for your budget?
As mentioned earlier, wedding photography prices can vary greatly depending on the photographer’s experience and services offered.
Less experienced photographers often charge lower rates, but this can carry some risk in terms of quality and reliability. On the other hand, full-time photographers, whose livelihoods depend on capturing weddings, usually charge higher prices but bring more experience and professional assurance. Part-time photographers or those shooting weddings as a side business may offer more budget-friendly options, though their level of expertise can vary significantly.
For a clearer idea of what to expect based on your budget, refer to the table below. It outlines typical pricing tiers and what kind of experience or service you can expect at each level.
Budget | $6,000+ | $6,000-$3,000 | $3,000-$2,000 | Under $2,000 |
Level of experience | You’ll get a luxury or master photographer, who is admired in the industry. They may also have a second photographer working with them who also has plenty of experience. | You’ll get a very experienced photographer with a unique style. | You’ll get a photographer with a developing style and an increasing level of experience. | You’ll get an enthusiastic but less experienced photographer, who should still be able to produce fantastic photographs. |
Ready to start planning your wedding?
Selecting the right wedding photographer is about finding the right balance between your budget, the photographer’s experience, and the services you need. Whether you go with a seasoned professional or an emerging talent, it’s crucial to communicate clearly and fully understand the terms of your contract. This ensures your special moments are captured just the way you envision, leaving you with beautiful memories that last a lifetime.
Planning your big day but not sure where to start? Join Bridebook and take all the stress out of planning your wedding!
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