Wedding Photographer Cost: What You Need to Know in 3 Steps

1. Factors That Affect Wedding Photography Cost (and what you should consider)

There are several factors that can affect the cost of your wedding photographer.The answer varies depending on several key factors. Generally, wedding photography prices are influenced by three main categories: Experience, Market, and Deliverables. Let’s break these down.

Experience & Skill Level

The experience and expertise of a wedding photographer play a major role in pricing. More seasoned photographers charge higher rates, and for good reason.

• Years in the Industry – A photographer with 10+ years of experience has captured countless weddings, giving them the ability to handle unexpected situations with ease. They also understand the flow of the day, can keep a steady timeline, and can anticipate key moments.

• Artistic Vision & Style – Photographers who have developed a signature style, whether it’s fine art, documentary, or editorial, often command higher prices.

• Technical Skill & Equipment Knowledge – Understanding lighting, composition, and how to adapt to different settings is crucial for producing high-quality wedding images.

• Familiarity with Venues & Locations – Local photographers who know the best spots for portraits at your venue can maximize your photo time and ensure beautiful results.

Hiring an experienced photographer is an investment in peace of mind. They not only capture your day beautifully but also handle challenges like low-light receptions, bad weather, or tight schedules with professionalism.

Market & Location

Just like the cost of living varies by location, so does the cost of wedding photography. Where you’re getting married significantly impacts the price.

• Geographic Location – Wedding photography costs more in major metropolitan areas like New York, Chicago, or Minneapolis compared to smaller towns or rural areas.

• Competition & Demand – In high-demand wedding destinations, photographers often charge more due to increased demand, especially during peak wedding season, which in Minnesota tends to be May through early November.

• Equipment & Business Expenses – Professional photographers invest in high-end cameras, lenses, lighting, insurance, and backup gear, all of which contribute to pricing. Professional photographers also cary liability insurance, equipment insurance, which contributes to the cost of business.

If you’re planning a destination wedding, additional travel fees (flights, accommodations, and meals) may also factor into your photographer’s pricing.

Deliverables & Package Inclusions

The final price of wedding photography isn’t just about the hours spent shooting—it also includes what you receive after the wedding. Deliverables can vary widely between photographers and directly impact the cost.

• Editing & Retouching – Every image is carefully selected and edited to match the photographer’s signature style. Some photographers also offer high-end retouching for an additional fee.

• Online Gallery & Digital Files – Most photographers provide an online gallery with high-resolution images. Some may include printing rights, while others require prints to be ordered through them.

• Wedding Albums & Prints – High-quality wedding albums, wall art, and photo prints can significantly add to the total cost, but they provide tangible memories that last a lifetime.

• Second Shooter & Additional Coverage – Want multiple angles of your ceremony and reception? Hiring a second shooter increases costs but ensures even more moments are captured.

Understanding what’s included in your photography package helps you make an informed decision based on your budget and priorities.

2. Average Wedding Photographer Prices by Region (and why)

Wedding Photography Costs in Minnesota

Here in Minnesota, wedding photography rates reflect a range of experience levels and service offerings. If you’re curious about my specific pricing, you can check out my wedding photography packages here.

• Entry-Level Photographers (Less than 2 Years Experience)

  • Typically charge under $2,000 for a full 8-hour wedding day.

  • Ideal for couples on a budget, though quality and consistency may vary.

  • Prints and albums are typically not included in this price range. Make sure you have the rights to print your own photos.

• Experienced Single Photographers (Solid Portfolio, 3+ Years Experience)

  • Average price: $3,000 (as cited by a crowd-sourced Reddit community discussion).

  • Typically includes full-day coverage, professional editing, and an online gallery.

• High-End Packages (Luxury & Full Coverage)

  • $5,000 and up—these packages often include:

    • A second photographer for more comprehensive coverage.

    • Additional services such as engagement sessions, premium albums, or expedited editing.

    • More advanced lighting setups and high-end equipment for optimal quality.

These price ranges align with professional insights from photographers in Minneapolis-Saint Paul, where the market is competitive and offers a variety of pricing options based on skill level, experience, and included deliverables.

At The Feisty Atelier, my wedding photography packages start at $3650, with full-day (8hr) coverage and premium editing included. If you’d like to see package details, you can check out my wedding photography pricing page.

At the end of the day, choosing a wedding photographer is about more than price—it’s about finding someone whose style you love and who can capture your day authentically.

3. How to Choose the Right Wedding Photographer for You

Remember, your wedding photos will be one of the only things that last beyond your big day—so investing in a skilled photographer is worth it.

Determine Your Photography Budget

Before reaching out to photographers, decide how much you’re willing to allocate to wedding photography. A good rule of thumb is to set aside 10–15% of your total wedding budget for photography.

Consider These Factors When Setting Your Budget:

• How many hours of coverage do you need?

• Do you want a second photographer for additional angles?

• Are engagement sessions, albums, or prints important to you?

Once you have a ballpark figure in mind, you can start narrowing down photographers who fit within your budget.

Research & Compare Photographers in Your Price Range

Start by Googling wedding photographers in your area or checking platforms like Instagram, The Knot, WeddingWire, and local Facebook groups.

✔️ What to Look For:

• A consistent editing style (light & airy, dark & moody, classic, etc.).

• Experience with weddings similar to yours (venue type, lighting conditions).

• Positive reviews and recommendations from past couples.

Make a list of photographers whose work you love and whose pricing aligns with your budget.

Ask the Right Questions Before Booking

Once you’ve shortlisted photographers, set up consultations to discuss their pricing and packages. Be upfront about your budget and see what’s possible.

Important Questions to Ask:

• What’s included in your standard package?

• Do you offer customizable packages?

• How many edited images will we receive?

• What’s your turnaround time for final photos?

• Do you have payment plans?

• What’s your cancellation or rescheduling policy?

This will help you compare what different photographers offer for the price.

Read the Contract Carefully Before Booking

Once you’ve found the right photographer, carefully review their contract before signing. Make sure everything is clearly outlined:

What to Look For in the Contract:

• Total cost and payment schedule

• Hours of coverage

• Turnaround time for receiving images

• Rights to digital files and printing permissions

• Cancellation and refund policy

A clear contract protects both you and the photographer, ensuring no surprises later.

Final Thoughts: Finding the Best Photographer for Your Budget

Your wedding photographer is one of the most important investments you’ll make—these photos will become cherished memories for a lifetime.

My wedding photography packages start at $3650, with options for engagement sessions, heirloom albums, and second photographers. If you’d like to learn more about my pricing and availability, click here to view my full package details.