Your ultimate source for wedding photographers is here. Browse our list of top wedding photographers in your area or who can travel to your wedding destination. View each photographer’s portfolio to see how they make each wedding come to life, and connect with your favorites.
Your wedding photographer is tasked with a tremendous responsibility: they’re in charge of capturing your wedding day beautifully and accurately so that it will last forever. Years later, when you reflect on the incredible celebration of love your wedding day represented, you will be looking at the work created by your wedding photographers. So choose wisely! The best wedding photographers will produce gorgeous images that are a testament to the love you and your partner share.
Wedding photographers are undoubtedly one of the most important vendors at your wedding. However, it can be daunting to figure out which wedding photographer is the right one for your big day, and determining where to start when looking at wedding photographers can be intimidating.
Our wedding vendor directory offers couples the ability to peruse hundreds of wedding photographers who were chosen by couples who had some of the most gorgeous weddings and worked with top tier vendors. Check out the stunning wedding pictures from real events, and figure out which wedding photographers fit your personality and the aesthetic of your big day. In many cases, couples select their wedding photographers to capture other events in addition to their wedding day, so this is also a helpful option if you are looking for an engagement photographer.
It’s no secret that finding the vendors—including the best wedding photographers—for your Big Day can be more stressful than you might expect. There are many things to consider when hiring the expert who will be in charge of your wedding pictures. You’ll want to be sure that their wedding photography style matches your vision, that the wedding photographer prices are within your budget, and that the wedding photographer is available on your date.
Next, there is the technology to consider. Should you hire a pro who is also a wedding videographer? Is a pre wedding shoot something you want to include? Maybe you only want to consider wedding photographers who use drones? What about digital versus film? If you have any strong feelings about the technology that your wedding photographer will use, you should mention this to them during your initial discussion. For instance, if you want drone pictures, you will want to make sure drone photography is within their skillset—and your budget. It’s important to ensure that the vendor you are selecting will be able to satisfy your wedding photographer requirements so that you’ll be happy with the results.
In addition, the best wedding photographers make you feel comfortable when you are working with them. Whether you are taking your wedding portrait with your partner or solo bridal photos, wedding photographers who make you feel beautiful and comfortable are essential.
If you’d like to see examples of a wedding photographer’s previous work, then our local directory is the tool you need to find the perfect match for your big day. Not only will you be able to view plenty of images from real wedding days and filter by your area, you will also be able to get more information regarding some of the best wedding photographers in your area, and can even connect directly to their website from the directory.
Of course, you could also ask friends, family, and colleagues if they have any referrals. Word of mouth wedding photographer references could be helpful as you can rest assured that the wedding photographer has produced quality images that couples were happy with in the past. However, you might have a different taste in wedding photography than the person you are asking, so it’s best to check out the wedding photographer’s previous work before you make your decision. Nevertheless, this is still an excellent method of research because a couple who did not like their bridal photos or had a challenging time getting the wedding photo packages they had purchased will not recommend the vendor to you. The same goes for someone whose vendor did not follow the wedding shot list. The best wedding photographers will receive a glowing recommendation.
You’ll also want to be sure to select a wedding photographer who is willing to work with your wedding shot list. This is why selecting a wedding photographer or wedding videographer who is flexible is so important. This is another reason why using the same photographer who you selected for your engagement photos can prove helpful. Consider your engagement shoot a trial run: if you find that their attitude during the photo shoot isn’t compatible with what you are looking for, you will still have time to find another wedding photographer.
Engagement photoshoots and engagement photos poses can be a bit awkward or intimidating, but good engagement photographers will be able to put you at ease. This is yet another valuable trait for a wedding photographer to have. If you and the pro who shot your engagement photos click enough that you want to book him or her for your wedding photos, you’ll be able to go into the day resting assured that you’re in good hands because you’ll know from your own experience. Most engagement photographers do weddings as well and consider the engagement session to be a trial in the hopes of getting your business for the main event.
One of the big deciding factors for your wedding photographer will be the cost. No matter how beautiful the wedding photos are, you’ll want to take price and value into account. It’s helpful to go into a preliminary meeting with a wedding photographer knowing the average cost for wedding photographers in your area in mind so that you can understand how each individual compares. But there are several reasons that there is some variation in wedding photographer cost.
Wedding photographer prices vary depending on several factors. Are you looking for the best wedding photographers, or someone who’s new to the scene? Are you looking for a wedding photography package or just a few portrait shots? How much are you willing to pay for quality? How complicated—and extensive—is your wedding photography shot list? Do you have a long, time-consuming wedding shot list with bridal photos, family photos, and lots of others to be taken? Are you looking for pre wedding photoshoots too? Where is your wedding taking place?
These are all questions that will contribute to your wedding photographer cost, and that you should consider when deciding who to choose for your big day. All of the details should eventually be specifically outlined in your final wedding photography contract.
Statistics reveal that the average wedding photographer cost is around $175 an hour. But a typical range for wedding photographer prices goes from $94 an hour to $262 per hour. Your photographer will outline his or her rates at your initial meeting, and the number of hours that he or she will be shooting should be specified in your wedding photography contract so that there are no surprises. If you have any questions about the way wedding photography prices are determined, you should ask your photographer up front.
Business experts say that the average wedding photographer cost for the whole event is typically around $2,630. But on the high end, it could be up to $5,130, if not more. If you are looking for unique wedding photos and best-in-class talent, prepare yourself to spend more than the average cost of a wedding photographer. Finding the right person who is both exceptionally talented at creating unique wedding photo sand and willing to work with your wedding photography shot list is well worth it. Some wedding photography vendors charge by the hour while others give you a day rate. The way that wedding photographers charge will range, similar to how the average cost for wedding photographers varies. If you have questions regarding how your wedding photographer charges, you can always ask them for a breakdown of their rates.
As a basis of comparison, consider the average wedding cost in the USA. In less states where the cost of living is lower, the average wedding price hovers around $15,000 and $20,000. In states with a higher cost of living, you can expect to spend more, and the cost of your wedding could be well $30,000+. The average cost for wedding photographers will reflect this variation in overall wedding prices. Taking your total wedding budget into consideration will help put the expense of wedding photographer prices into perspective.
Since wedding photography is a considerable part of your budget, you should go into your wedding photo sessions (or pre wedding photoshoots) prepared with some unique wedding photos or even a wedding photography shot list in mind. This will make the best use of your time and resources. If you don’t have any preference for wedding photography shots, you can ask your wedding photographer to help you choose the best ones for you and your partner. There are also additional factors to consider that can impact the cost and quality of your wedding photography:
Are you working with a hobbyist, a student, a newcomer to the trade, or a seasoned expert who’s one of the best in the business? The more experience the vendor has—and the more high profile the wedding he or she shoots are—the more you will pay for your wedding photography. Of course, the average cost for wedding photographers.
Do you just need someone to take your wedding photos on the day of, or do you also want to have an engagement shoot, rehearsal dinner pictures, and a pre wedding video? As you might imagine, the cost increases the more services your wedding photographer provides, but a pre wedding shoot could help you get in the spirit for your big day. Not to mention, a pre wedding shoot could be valuable because it can help you feel more comfortable in front of the camera. Pre wedding photography can also help you capture the energy on your big day.
Your wedding photographer will likely price services as tiered wedding photography packages. You can request an à la carte menu of add-ons such as a pre wedding shoot, a pre wedding video (if your photographer offers videography services), and the expense of an assistant wedding photographer if you want more angles and impromptu photos captured. The best wedding photographers will work with you to ensure the package they offer captures the wedding photos you are seeking.
Your wedding planner is sure to know several wedding photography vendors they have worked with in the past who they can recommend. However, because of the importance that this particular vendor holds, do not hesitate to ask some additional questions. You can also use our vendor directory to source wedding photographers who are based in your area, and whose style aligns with your wedding photography vision. Package inclusions vary from vendor to vendor, so it’s best to ask the wedding photographer you are considering working with how he or she structures each package option. But if you want to get a sense of what typical wedding photography packages include, here are some standard items:
Engagement photographers and wedding photographers are often one in the same. Some vendors see an engagement session as an opportunity to provide couples with their services all in one package, as well as to get to know the couple before the wedding. It’s a great idea to take advantage of this offering to get to know your prospective wedding photographer, see how the pro works, and determine if the wedding photographer style matches with your wedding aesthetic. Pre wedding photoshoots with creative engagement photo ideas demonstrate that this expert can put together a wedding photography presentation you will love. This is why many include it in their packages.
If you've already had an engagement shoot by the time you find your wedding photographer, some will let you repurpose the engagement session time from wedding photography packages and use it for the rehearsal dinner. Alternatively, you can often have rehearsal dinner pictures be an add-on to your wedding shots for an additional charge. Either way, if you want your wedding photographer to capture your rehearsal dinner, be sure to mention it up front so that he or she can schedule the time and let you know the cost implications.
Pre wedding photoshoots show you and your partner as you get ready, surrounded by your wedding party or family. You can also do a formal pre wedding shoot before the ceremony, in which a set of elegant groom and bridal photos are individually taken. Whether or not you are planning on a first look photo, it’s best to do these several hours before the ceremony in order to allow plenty of time for your wedding photographer to work his or her magic.
Of course you’ll want to capture the I-DO moment itself! Be sure to discuss with the wedding venue where your ceremony is being held whether there are any restrictions or suggestions for wedding photos (whether drone photography can be taken, if there’s a balcony that’s a particularly good spot to get an aerial shot, etc.)
Wedding photographer prices may also reflect the assistance of one or more assistants who give you shots from various angles and achieve behind the scenes wedding photos. Higher tiered wedding photo packages may offer a second shooter, which will also allow for more groom photography while he’s getting ready—because the main photographer is usually with the bride!
In many cases, you can substitute parts of your photo package such as the engagement shoot for additional wedding photos. Expect additional fees for a third wedding photographer, extra assistant time, post-production work such as color correcting or touch-ups, the number of prints you choose, and the compilation of a photo album. If you work with a wedding videographer or photographer who is based in a city that is not where your wedding takes place, be prepared to cover the cost of the team's transportation, meals, and accommodations.
Quite a few of the best wedding photographers work as teams. Some need an assistant while others utilize their team member as a second shooter. If you’d like to see how your wedding looks from multiple perspectives, you can consider working with a second wedding photographer. This will provide you with additional wedding photos while creating an interesting compilation of pictures from various points of view.
However, it may make your total wedding photography cost more expensive. It will also increase the wedding photographer cost estimates that go into travel time and the other line items identified earlier. But it can be worth it: wedding pictures from a second source may offer more candid moments from the wedding party while the primary pro focuses on taking the formal portraits. By splitting up the pros for the individual wedding portraits and wedding shot list, you can save time. Each should have a list of the wedding shots you really want and be able to divide and conquer. Collaborating like this prevents them from being in each other’s way—and making sure they don’t miss a thing!
You already know that there are must-have wedding pictures. Nowadays, many studios also offer video services. Wedding photographer prices will increase if you choose to go this route. However, it is advantageous to have a team that works together and divides their time with the couple. If your wedding photography specialist does offer videography, they can probably suggest someone they’ve worked with who does. You can also ask your planner to recommend some wedding videographers.
Whether you want a pre wedding video or videography captured during your wedding reception, your wedding photographer will be able to collaborate with a videographer so that the day is still captured seamlessly in every way.
The best wedding photographers know that drone footage at weddings is increasingly popular. If your wedding ceremony is outdoors, it’s a great idea to opt for a wedding photographer who can use a drone to take pictures. Because many wedding photos are impossible to capture without the help of a higher vantage point, investing in a wedding photographer who can use a drone might be worthwhile.
As you are looking at wedding photographer prices, drone photography will likely not be included in a standard package. Drone footage is something that your wedding photography studio might offer as a separate package or add-on—or it may be offered through your wedding videographer. Keep in mind that the drone operator needs to have a pilot’s license from the FAA. Moreover, there will be some places where you may not be able to have a drone in the air, like among tall city buildings or at private beach clubs. You should check with your wedding venue first to ensure that there won’t be any problems with your wedding photographer or videographer using a drone.
Before you commission drone wedding portraits or shots for your pre wedding photography, ask to see samples of the drone footage the studio has taken (particularly for video). You are looking for a smooth hand and natural flow. Most of the top wedding photographers regularly place sample work on their sites. If you don’t see past drone photography work, simply ask your wedding photographer for examples.
Most wedding photographers are open to traveling to your wedding destination, whether it is domestic or international. However, your wedding photographer cost will increase significantly if travel is required. And the wedding photographer cost plays a big role in determining who you will hire.
In these cases, the average cost for wedding photographers who are traveling for your event will include the per-hour cost, travel expenses, accommodations and meals if needed, and the fees for an assistant. They may need to arrive a day early (which means an extra day of expenses) in order to scout locations for your wedding portraits. Although most of the top wedding photographers are based in major cities, you will find that the best vendors are willing to go anywhere. Similarly, some photographers operate studios in multiple cities where they work with local talent.
Aside from the actual wedding photographer cost, local knowledge is essential. For example, the top wedding photographers in Hawaii will have a list of stunning locales that will create an unforgettable wedding photo. Bringing in another vendor from out-of-state may not give you the same insider insights. Although you will still receive fantastic images, the settings will be different and may not capture the character of the location as adequately as they would if you selected someone who knows the area. If you are planning a destination wedding, the local touch really is part of what you want to be captured. Therefore, unless you know the area well and can make recommendations for wedding photography locations, the best wedding photographer for you will likely be a local vendor.
There are plenty of picture opportunities on your wedding day, so it’s important that you provide your wedding photographers with intel about which shots matter most to you. If you do not have a preference, your wedding photographer can help you get the best wedding photos. Some pros can even share free wedding photo checklists to help couples understand the dynamics of a good working relationship. In addition, you might be able to figure out what you’re looking for based on pre wedding photography.
Your wedding photographer cost is somewhat determined by the number of set-ups you want to have (because they take more time). That’s why it’s important to provide your wedding photographers with an accurate, updated wedding photography shot list early in discussions. Not only will your list guide their photo schedule on your big day, it will make it possible for your wedding photographer to give you a price update if needed.
When you’re selecting a wedding photographer, you want to be sure that you have found one who will dedicate the necessary time to obtaining the photographs that are indicated as a priority on your wedding shot list. The best wedding photographer will spend the time necessary to get you the shots you want. Here are some of the most popular pictures that are mentioned on a wedding shot list to provide you with some wedding photo ideas:
Photographers generally have their own lists of favorite wedding shots. These frequently include the first look. As you may know, this is the moment when the couple sees each other for the first time on the wedding day, before the ceremony takes place.
Traditionally, this is an emotionally charged moment and takes place during the wedding ceremony when one partner walks down the aisle to the other. However, many couples today prefer the first look to be an intimate moment before the ceremony, and include this on their wedding shot list.
But some couples do not include a first look in their wedding photography shot list because it means that the first time your partner sees you will not be at the end of the aisle. Others prize these wedding pics because it is a moment of authentic emotion captured on film. It’s up to the couple to decide if they’d like to capture this moment in a private setting or when they are walking down the aisle in front of friends and family.
Similarly, if your wedding photography packages include the first look, you can do other wedding party photos beforehand as well. Examples include wedding shot list items like images of the bridal party or family pictures. If you do opt for the first look, you will also have more time to take wedding portraits before the ceremony, since you will have already seen each other. Getting the wedding portrait done ahead of time gives you more time to enjoy the reception.
The average cost of a wedding photographer will include the option of a first look. If you prefer, you might be able to switch it with an abbreviated engagement shoot. You can reach out to your wedding photographer regarding the specifics of skipping or including the first look picture.
The best wedding photographer will have a tried and true list of wedding photoshoot locations that are local to the area. Wedding photography prices may include sessions at indoor and outdoor wedding venues.
You can also opt to select wedding photography packages that let you choose locations that are meaningful to you and your partner. Your engagement shoot might also be included in this. You might schedule the engagement shoot at the exact spot where your partner proposed to you. Another engagement shoot location to head to with the wedding photographer is the place where you went on a first date. Examples of excellent locations include:
Your wedding photographer will also have their own list of suggestions if you are looking for more candid shots. That said, the average cost of a wedding photographer will include a consultation. This is a great time to add these images to your wedding shot list. Wedding photography prices increase if the vendor has to travel. If you plan for wedding photos at a rehearsal dinner in a different city, either hire two wedding photographers or factor travel and accommodations into the average cost of a wedding photographer in your city. Planning for these added wedding costs will prevent unwelcome surprises.
If you are looking for additional information regarding wedding photographers, wedding photography prices, and beautiful wedding photographs that deserve to be on your wedding shot list, our vendor directory can help.
Browse the list of top wedding photographers in your area and see the stunning photos they have already taken for other couples. Getting in touch is easy, which you can do directly through the website. When you’re done reaching out to potential wedding photographers, give yourself a pat on the back—you’re one step closer to the big day of your dreams!
