Wedding Photographer Cost Calculator
Estimate your wedding photography budget.
Calculate total cost based on hours, package type, travel, prints, and album add-ons.
Photography Budget
Wedding photography is one of the most important investments in your wedding budget — it’s the only thing that lasts forever from your day. Costs vary enormously based on experience level, location, and what’s included.
Typical US wedding photography pricing (2024):
- Budget / new photographer: $800–$1,500
- Mid-range (3–7 years experience): $2,000–$4,000
- Experienced / established: $4,000–$7,000
- Luxury / destination specialist: $7,000–$20,000+
What’s typically included in a base package:
- 6–10 hours of coverage
- Online gallery with full resolution downloads
- Edited photos (300–800+ images)
- Engagement session (in higher packages)
Common add-ons and their typical costs:
- Second photographer: $400–$1,200
- Engagement session (if not included): $300–$800
- Rehearsal dinner coverage: $500–$1,500/hour rate
- Printed album (20–30 pages): $300–$800
- Canvas prints or wall art: $100–$500 each
- Rush delivery (under 2 weeks): $200–$500 premium
- Travel fee (over 30 miles): $0.67/mile or $100–$500 flat
- Drone coverage: $300–$800
Questions to ask your photographer:
- How many photos will you deliver?
- What is your backup plan if you are sick or have an emergency?
- Do you shoot in RAW format?
- How long until we receive our photos?
- What editing style do you use — light and airy, moody, dark and dramatic?
- Do we own the rights to print our photos?
Budget tip: Book early — good photographers fill up 12–18 months in advance for popular wedding dates (May–October Saturdays). Booking in the off-season (January–March, weekdays) can save 10–20%.