Your wedding photos are the only thing that lasts after the cake is eaten and the flowers have wilted. Choosing the right photographer is one of the most important decisions you'll make.
This guide covers everything you need to know—from average costs to red flags to avoid.
Average Wedding Photography Costs (2025)
What's Included in Wedding Photography Packages?
Basic Package ($2,500-$4,000)
- 6-8 hours of coverage
- 300-500 edited photos
- Online gallery
- Print release
Standard Package ($4,000-$6,000)
- 8-10 hours of coverage
- 500-700 edited photos
- Engagement session
- Second photographer
- Online gallery + print release
Premium Package ($6,000+)
- 10-12 hours of coverage
- 700-1,000+ edited photos
- Engagement session
- Second photographer
- Wedding album
- Prints and wall art
- Rehearsal dinner coverage
15 Essential Questions to Ask Before Booking
About Their Experience
- How many weddings have you photographed? (Look for 20+ for experienced pros)
- Have you shot at our venue before? (Familiarity helps, but not required)
- Can we see a full wedding gallery, not just highlights? (This shows consistency)
About Logistics
- How many hours of coverage do we get?
- How many edited photos will we receive?
- When will we get our photos? (4-8 weeks is standard)
- Do you have backup equipment? (Essential!)
- What happens if you're sick on our wedding day? (They should have a backup photographer)
About Style & Approach
- How would you describe your photography style?
- Do you direct poses or shoot more candid?
- How do you handle difficult lighting? (Shows technical skill)
About Business Practices
- Do you have liability insurance? (Required at many venues)
- What's your cancellation/rescheduling policy?
- What's the payment schedule? (Typical: 25-50% deposit, rest before wedding)
- Can we see the contract before we commit? (Red flag if they say no)
Red Flags to Watch For
🚩 They Won't Show You a Full Gallery
Anyone can have 20 great photos. If they only show highlights and refuse to share a complete wedding, they might not be consistent.
🚩 No Contract or Vague Contract
Everything should be in writing: hours, deliverables, timeline, payment schedule, cancellation policy. No contract = no protection.
🚩 Suspiciously Low Prices
If someone offers full-day wedding coverage for $500, they're either inexperienced or not planning to deliver. Quality photography costs money.
🚩 No Backup Plan
"What if you get sick?" If they say "I never get sick" or "That won't happen," run. Professionals have backup photographers and equipment.
🚩 Pushy Sales Tactics
"Book today or lose this price!" Legitimate photographers don't use high-pressure sales. Take your time to decide.
Timeline: When to Book
How BookMyShooter Simplifies This Process
We built BookMyShooter to make finding your photographer easier:
- ✅ All photographers are pre-vetted (portfolio review, insurance verification, reference checks)
- ✅ See transparent pricing upfront (no "contact for quote" runaround)
- ✅ Get matched with Top 3 photographers who fit your style, budget, and date
- ✅ Payment protection (escrow + money-back guarantee)
- ✅ Contracts included (standardized, fair terms)
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