How Much Should I Spend on My Wedding Photographer?

Photographer Cost For Wedding

Have you started asking, “How much should I spend on my wedding photographer?” If so, this post is for you!

With so many wedding photographers out there at varying levels of skill and price, how do you decide? Why do wedding photographers charge the price that they charge?

After reading this post and the 5 tips for finding the perfect wedding photographer for you, you’ll be able to confidently choose a wedding photographer that is well-equipped, that you get along with, and that is the right investment for your wedding photos.

Bride in white dress holding hands with groom in black suit, posing for a wedding photo with city skyline behind them. Photo by Wedding photographers in Chicago, IL - The Gernands Photography.

The “10% Rule”

Some couples try to budget 10% of their total budget for photography. While this isn’t absolutely wrong, it doesn’t work for every couple. Why not? Because the photos that you will remember your wedding by matter more to some than others! Some want to be sure that they find a true professional, who is sure to deliver a stunning, cohesive gallery of photos, who has backup gear and is not prone to make any mistakes, who couples can remain utterly and completely confident in.. Whereas other couples may be willing to take some risks, or compromise quality and experience in order to save a little bit of money. In summery, know the risk of hiring a less experienced wedding photographer, and that is common to spend more than 10% of your budget for the right photographer!

Groom in grey suit and brown shoes sitting on park bench with bride in white lace dress posing for wedding portraits. Photo by Wedding Photographers in Chicago - The Gernands Photography.

“How much do wedding photographers cost?”

If you’re anything like me when I was looking for wedding photographer, you want a cut and dry answer to this question. The short answer is $0-$10k and sometime more! I know… that is such a vague estimate. Let's take a closer look and break down the costs of a true, professional photographer.

Location
Wedding photographers’ rates vary from city to city. In Chicago, wedding photographer prices average around the $4,000-$6,000 mark. You may find that prices in your area are significantly higher than what couples pay in other cities. Regardless of where you live, you’ll find that in order to get professional photos and a seamless, enjoyable experience, your wedding photography is going to be a very important investment. I offer payment plans for my couples, so that they can pay over the time leading up to their wedding day!
Packages & Pricing
It’s challenging to compare photography packages because there is no such thing as a “standard package.” For example, a photographer may charge an extra fee for having a second photographer on site, while others include two photographers. When deciding who to hire as your photographer, remember that all wedding photography prices and packaging are a little different. When talking with photographers, ask questions! Find out what that price includes. If you are comparing, ensure you are looking at the same set of deliverables, services, and times side by side. Ask the hard questions in order to approximate a true comparison. Don’t be afraid to ask “Why should I hire you?” or “Why is your pricing higher than others I’ve talked to?”
Skill & Experience
This is incredibly important! You might find two wedding photographers in the same area, both offering similar products and services, but whose prices differ by several thousand dollars. Why? Usually, the answer can be narrowed down to skill, equipment and experience. When I was getting started with wedding photography, I had very little experience, and my pricing was much lower than it is now. Over the years as I’ve refined my skills and invested in the best equipment and education, the quality, range, and artistry of my work has increased and so have my prices. The saying “You get what you pay for” is SO true when it comes to wedding photographers. Just because you see a handful of beautiful photos on a photographer’s Instagram or website, doesn’t necessarily mean that the level of quality will come through in your own wedding gallery. Be sure to check out your prospective photographer’s full galleries to be sure they have consistency in their work.

Bride in white floral lace dress, facing groom in dark grey suit at backyard wedding ceremony. Photo by Intimate backyard wedding photographers in Chicago, IL - The Gernands Photography.

Bride dancing with father at intimate backyard wedding reception. Photo by Chicago Wedding Photographers, The Gernands Photography.

Lastly, and maybe a no-brainer, be sure you read reviews! Look for reviews stating that the photographer was helpful in planning, delivered the photos on time and delivered what was expected! I recommend checking the photographer’s Google Reviews, as well as client testimonials on their website.

If you’re looking for wedding photographer in Chicago, IL who will make you feel free to be yourselves and capture your love and emotions in a truly raw way, we may be a great fit! You can contact me here.

My approach to photographing couples and weddings is simple: create an experience where you and your partner can feel completely comfortable and actually enjoy yourselves! I focus on a candid style rather than a more posed or staged style. This means that I like to prompt you to interact with each other in different ways, allowing me to capture your genuine personalities and dynamic. It also takes the pressure off being in front of a camera!

Hi, I'm Samuel, a fine art wedding photographer based in Chicago, IL. The day you choose to say "I do" to your partner and start a new chapter of your lives together is one of the most special moments you'll have. This day deserves to be captured artfully and authentically so it can be remembered by yourselves and your loved ones for many years. Providing this for couples brings me so much joy!

If you're looking for a wedding photographer in Chicago, IL who will help you feel free to be yourselves, give you a laid-back experience, and treat you like lifelong friends, we might just be a perfect fit.