Why is Wedding Photography So Expensive?

Filed On

10/23/24

Hiring a wedding photographer is a big decision. You’re not just hiring someone to snap pictures; you’re bringing someone in to capture the essence of your special day. It’s about the emotions, the atmosphere, and the memories you’ll cherish forever. So, let’s break down why wedding photography can be pricier than you might expect.

groomsmen picking up the groom in the air.

So, Why Does a wedding photographer cost so much?

The cost of wedding photography can seem overwhelming. But, it’s essential to understand the value behind it. The average price for wedding photography in the U.S. is around $3,000, but this can vary widely by location/state. In places like New York City, prices can jump to over $5,000. Why? The cost of living in an area or state can greatly impact the cost for something like this, but let’s dig deeper.

You’re Not Just Getting Photos, You’re Getting An Experience

When you hire a photographer, you’re not just paying for the photos; you’re investing in an experience. Good photographers spend hours crafting your story through their lens. This includes pre-wedding consultations, scouting locations, and all the behind-the-scenes work that goes into making your photos beautiful. Photographers do a lot behind the scenes that you may not even see. With more experience, comes a better experience for you. Taking photos is not something just anyone can pick up and do, it takes time, energy, and effort to learn effective techniques and how to take good photos. You are also getting an experience to come with your photographer. The more time they have been in the industry, the better they understand it and can create an even better experience for you. This can include pre-wedding planning help, finding other vendors for you to work with, and making sure on the day of you are taken care of. I cannot start to explain how many time as a photographer I have done things that have nothing to do with photography on a wedding day but it improved the couples experience by 10x. These little things make a difference when hiring a photographer that 100% matters.

Some More Reasons Wedding Photography Is So Expensive…

Wedding photography involves so much more than just showing up on the day. It requires extensive editing time—often two to three hours of editing for every hour spent shooting. This can add up quickly! We’re talking close to 24 to 30 hours of just editing, let alone the time spend prior and on other things.

Photographers capture 15 to 40+ Wedding Per Year

Many people think that a photographer just does 1 or 2 weddings a month and makes a fortune. In reality, they are often working with many more clients, putting in countless hours of behind-the-scenes work, and they don’t get paid for every single hour spent.

What About Other Service Industries?

Take a moment to think about something important, let’s say your car. The saying goes, would you rather pay more for a mechanic that would fix your problem in 5 minutes with 20 years experience, or pay a little less for a mechanic that will take 7 days to fix your problem because they just started their career. Cost is associated with experience and knowledge with a little bit of the gear used included.

sapphire point colorado wedding photoshoot

What a Photographer Spends Their Time Doing

Paid Hours vs. the Countless Hours of Work You Don’t See

Many couples only see the time spent at the wedding. However, photographers often work 8–10 hours for every hour they bill. This includes editing, traveling, and countless emails and meetings with clients. This can also include the marketing, networking, location scouting, and so much more.

What Wedding Photographers’ Income Has to Cover

Wedding photographers have a lot of expenses. They need to pay for gear, insurance, marketing, and their own healthcare. Many don’t see a profit for the first few years as they reinvest into their business. Photographers are generally self employed or own a business themselves so they have zero benefits compared to a normal job. No healthcare, no dental, eye care, no 401k matching, no retirement fund, and so much more. So they have to make enough to put aside some money to retire and live. Don’t even get us started with taxes too. Taxes are not taken out of paychecks so at the end of the year, most photographers owe $1000’s in taxes which brings their actual income down by around 15% or more.

It’s Incredibly Hard to Make Profit

Making a living as a wedding photographer is tough. A high turnover rate means that many photographers don’t last beyond a couple of years. This makes the fees you pay vital for their sustainability.

Scaling A Business May Not Help

Some photographers might try to expand their business, but that comes with its own set of challenges. Managing a team can add stress and doesn’t guarantee more profits.

We Charge What We Need to Stay in Business

Ultimately, wedding photographers charge what they need to survive. They offer valuable services that require time, skills, and financial resources. Although some may overcharge to make obscene profits, it’s very rare to find this type of company out there. Most photographers don’t make much more than the average worker at a 9-5. The benefits of being a photographer comes down to having time off when needed, freedoms of not having a set schedule, and similar things alike. There are many more downsides than upsides depending on who you ask. Most photographers do it because it’s what they love, not because it will make them a millionaire.

10 Tips for Choosing Your Wedding Photographer

  1. Do Your Research: Look for photographers whose style resonates with you.
  2. Read Reviews: Check testimonials from previous clients.
  3. Ask About Packages: Understand what’s included in their pricing.
  4. Meet in Person: If possible, meet to ensure you connect with them.
  5. Discuss Your Vision: Share your ideas and see how they respond.
  6. Inquire About Equipment: Make sure they use quality gear.
  7. Check for Insurance: A professional should have liability insurance.
  8. Look at Full Galleries: Get a sense of their work beyond just highlights.
  9. Ask About Backup Plans: What happens if they can’t make it?
  10. Trust Your Gut: Choose someone you feel comfortable with.
engagement photography session on top of breckenridge mountain ski resort.

Should You Hire a Cheap Wedding Photographer? Let’s Look at Both Sides

While it might be tempting to go with a cheaper option, consider what you might be sacrificing. Many times, cheaper photographers lack experience or high-quality gear, which can lead to disappointing results and a lacking experience.

Why wedding photography is so important

Questions You REALLY Need to Ask Your Wedding Photographer

  • What is your shooting style?
  • How do you handle edits and delivery?
  • What happens if you’re sick or have an emergency?
  • Can we see full wedding galleries from past clients?
  • How do you ensure our special moments are captured?

FAQs About the Real Cost of a Wedding Photographer

Why are wedding photographers so expensive?

Photographers charge for their time, skills, gear, and the significant amount of work that goes on behind the scenes. They also have many business expenses that need to be covered. Here’s a link for more statistics for the cost of a wedding.

What’s included in the cost of wedding photography?

The cost often includes pre-wedding consultations, shooting time, editing, travel expenses, and sometimes even an engagement shoot.

How can I save money on wedding photography?

Consider booking during the off-season or limiting the hours of coverage to reduce costs. The winter months are generally times when you can find a better deal or when photographers are running sales or deals.

FAQs About Venture Peak Films

What services does Venture Peak Films offer?

We specialize in wedding photography and videography, capturing the essence of your special day with a creative approach.

How can I get a quote for my wedding?

You can contact us through our website to discuss your needs, and we’ll provide a tailored quote based on your requirements.

Do you travel for weddings?

Absolutely! We love capturing weddings in various locations. Travel fees may apply based on distance.


Understanding the costs behind wedding photography can help you appreciate the value of your investment. At Venture Peak Films, we’re passionate about telling your unique story through our lens. Let us help you create memories that will last a lifetime!

fun. Adventurous.
& story centered.

we believe wedding videography should be

our wedding services