How Much Do Wedding Photographers Cost

How Much Do Wedding Photographers Cost?

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They say a picture is worth a thousand words, which couldn’t ring more true for your wedding day. While your focus may be on different wedding elements like cakes, flowers, or a dress, don’t forget about the importance of your wedding photos. These captured moments are something you will cherish for the rest of your life. Although these photos are truly priceless, here’s how much of your budget to put toward capturing each special moment on your wedding day.

Wedding Photography Cost Guide

How you budget different aspects of your special day will differ based on your unique preferences. And while you don’t have to splurge on a photographer, it’s one wedding expense many couples typically don’t mind paying more for. This is due to the fact that your photography and video are the two things that last the test of time.

According to our 2018 Real Weddings Study, the nation’s average cost of a wedding photographer is $2,679. Of course, this number depends on where and how you say your I Do’s. The average couple in the United States spends roughly 10 to 12 percent of their wedding budget on photography and videography. As a general rule of thumb, expect your wedding photography package to range from $1,500-$3,000, depending on the photographer’s experience and offerings.

What’s Covered in a Wedding Photographer’s Prices?

Although wedding photographers have different pricing and packages, here’s what most wedding photography packages include:

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Time

Your wedding photographer will include the amount of hours in their pricing. The more time you’d like your photographer to be at your wedding, the more you’ll have to pay. Engagement sessions can sometimes be included or run extra. Most photographers’ packages include 6–8 hours of photography. To save money and avoid overtime costs, consider cutting out the pre-ceremony shots. Plus, talk to the photographer about what shots you want and what you could leave out.

Travel

Some wedding photographers will charge a per-mile fee if they have to drive or fly to your wedding. Most photographers won’t charge a travel fee if the ceremony is taking place within a certain radius of where they live or work.

Second Shooters/Staffing

If you’re throwing a large wedding ceremony, you may need more than one photographer to capture every moment of your big day. If this is the case, prepare to pay a bit more.

Editing

Your photographer’s job doesn’t stop right after the wedding. They’ll edit and retouch your wedding photos to make sure they look flawless.

Images

Your wedding photographer cost should include the physical copies of the images. Since we live in a digital world, you should also receive digital copies of your photos via an online gallery or a USB drive.

Albums

Although most photographers include an album in their wedding photography services, some photographers offer it à la carte. Keep in mind that this can rack up hundreds of dollars to your bill. Standard hardcover books, professional photo books, and flush mount albums all come with different price tags.

Additional Shoots

Over half of couples do engagement photos to announce the big news. While some photographers include an engagement shoot in their package, other shoots that will likely cost extra. Additional shoots include bridal portraits, rehearsal dinner, bridal shower, etc.

FAQs About Wedding Photography

How Can I Save Money on Wedding Photos?

While quality wedding photography requires a decent portion of your budget, there are ways to save on your photography package, including:

  • Book in advance
  • Refer a friend for a discount
  • Hire a novice photographer
  • Hire local
  • Schedule an off-season wedding
  • Create your own wedding photo album
  • Skip rush editing fees

Can Guests Take Photos and Videos of the Ceremony?

At The Little Vegas Chapel, we allow the use of camera phones during the ceremony. We kindly ask that your guests stay seated, so that your photographer is able to capture the best shots of the two of you. It’s important to note that we don’t permit the use of professional devices or equipment unless a media pass is purchased for $150.00. This includes but is not limited to: DSLRs, Video Cameras, GoPros, Selfie Sticks, and Tripods.

When Should You Hire a Wedding Photographer?

Wedding photographers are usually among the first vendors couples book after they secure their venue. We recommend starting the search for your photographer about nine months before your big day.

Should You Tip Your Wedding Photographer?

It is customary to tip your photographer. However, this is completely up to you.

Our  Las Vegas Wedding Photography Process

At The Little Vegas Chapel, we use the latest and most cutting-edge camera equipment. Our professional photographers are proud to use the latest Sony Mirrorless A7iii and Nikon full-frame DSLR cameras with wide aperture prime lenses and camera harness to capture all the details of your special day. We start by taking posed wedding photos inside our photo studio. We have a replica of the Las Vegas Sign in front of which we take some unique and fun photos. We have different photo locations and props for some charming photo opportunities! We then head into the chapel for your ceremony.

From the professional, the vow and ring exchange, the first kiss, (and possibly a first dance!) our professional photographers are taking candid ceremony photos. We love to shoot some unique Las Vegas wedding photos by our Pink Cadillacs with the couple and with their wedding party when you choose a Pink Caddy package. You get to choose your favorite photos from the comfort of your laptop. What makes The Little Vegas Chapel unique is that the chapel does not have any restriction on which photos you are able to choose from, whether they be from the ceremony or posed photography before or after your wedding.

Enjoy the Las Vegas Backdrop For Your Wedding

Photography is one of the most important parts of anyone’s wedding day. If you have any questions about our Las Vegas wedding chapel or our professional wedding photography, please give us a call at 702-385-5683, email us at info@thelittlevegaschapel.com, or use the form on our contact us page.

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