Comprehensive Guide to Finding and Hiring Your Wedding Photographer

Find wedding photographers that are a match for you and take our quiz so we can find your best vendor matches. Wedding photographers early in their careers can cost as little as $1,500. Super experienced photographers, as seen in magazines like Vogue and Vanity Fair, can cost upwards of $30,000. The range is wide, but, in general, you can expect to spend around 10% of your budget on wedding photography. Rates also vary based on wedding length, the services you want, and location. A photographer based in an area with a lower cost of living, for example, will be less than one based in New York or San Francisco.

Understanding Tipping and Preparation

How much should we tip our wedding photographer? A good rule of thumb is to tip 10% of their rate, or at least $100. If they’re bringing second photographers or assistants, an additional $50 to $75 per person is an appropriate and nice gesture. It is also helpful to consider what questions should we ask wedding photographers? Aside from logistical questions about packages, pricing, and availability, it’s also important to use your conversation to get a sense of their personality. This person will be with you and your loved ones every step of your wedding day, including, if you want, in the dressing room! It’s very important that you and your partner both feel comfortable with them and their working style. Talk about your venue, how you want to feel when you look at your photos, and which photos from their portfolio you like best.

Comparing Professional Photography Services

Below is a summary of featured wedding photographers and their starting rates:

• Pacific Light Photography: Seattle, WA — Prices start at $2,400
• Lizzy Oakley Photography: Nashville, TN — Prices start at $2,500
• Anngye & Juan: Lincoln Park, MI — Prices start at $1,400

Pacific Light Photography

I'm a lifelong resident of Washington State and I’ve spent many years exploring the breathtaking landscape of the Pacific Northwest, always with a camera in hand! We’re a local, private, woman owned company serving Oregon and Washington State. We take the time to get to know you and your vision, so we're able to create wedding imagery that is a true reflection of your love and unique relationship. We welcome weddings of all types, from grand celebrations to intimate gatherings and ‘way out of the box’ weddings. We’re flexible and happy to tailor coverage, so your day can be captured exactly the way you want it to be.

Available Services:

• Drone photography
• Engagement session
• Image editing
• Second photographer

Lizzy Oakley Photography

I’m a wedding, portrait and fashion photographer based in Nashville, Tennessee. I have been shooting for 17 years now and have a degree from the University of Utah with a Bachelor of Fine Arts in Photography. I love shooting weddings because I get to meet so many new friends and experience the realness of love, that raw emotion. I don't stick to a a specific style because everyone’s love story is different. I make sure that the way I’m interacting and shooting reflect who my couples are and how things felt. I want to get to know you and laugh with you and take photos that feel natural and organic. I try to capture the moments happening around me rather than creating a moment.

Anngye & Juan - Photography & Videography

We are a husband-and-wife team with over 6 years of experience capturing weddings together. Our love for each other fuels our passion for filming and photographing those special “I do” moments. Being a married couple allows us to bring shared ideas and a deeper understanding of timing to every shot. Regardless of who captures your day, we personally edit every photo and film, ensuring you always get our signature style and quality. This sets us apart because it guarantees you receive our signature cinematic style and warm aesthetic, no matter which option fits your budget.

Photography Package Options:

• 4 Hours Package: $3,000
• 6 Hours Package: $4,000
• 8 Hours Package: $6,000
• 10 Hours Package: $8,000

Professional Recognition

The annual “Best of Zola” award is a mark of excellence earned by wedding professionals that have proven themselves as best-in-class across the couples’ planning experience, from inquiry to final send-off. The WeddingWire Couples’ Choice Awards® recognize local wedding professionals who demonstrate excellence in quality, service, responsiveness, and professionalism. Many clients highlight thoughtfulness, friendliness, sincerity and warmth in their reviews, noting that a photographer should be a calming presence on their wedding day.