Average cost of a wedding photographer in USA: 2019 Study

So it's finally happened, you're engaged and it's time to start preparations for the wedding. This is one event that takes a lot of work and careful planning. From the venue to the guests, catering, entertainment, photographic and video coverage of the wedding; there is a lot to budget for. And when you take a look at the average price for wedding photographers, you will at least have an idea what these costs will entail.

While creating your budget you might be unsure of current wedding photographer prices and what an average wedding photographer costs. Considering that this is a very important aspect for capturing the memories of your big day, we have done some research to equip you with this much needed information. Each photographer has different packages, services and prices per hour. You will do well to budget accordingly for your photographer and consider the information we have compiled below to help you make certain decisions.

What is the average cost of a wedding photographer?
The general question, is how much do wedding photographers cost? Well, there are numerous factors that will determine the average wedding photography prices for your wedding. One is the location for your wedding, as photography services cost more in big cities than in small towns. There is also the type of service you want, for how many hours you need photography coverage, the popularity and expertise of the photographer and a few others.

On average, wedding photography pricing ranges from $1,200 to $3,000 depending on your general requirements. So, when creating your budget, keep the average cost of photographer in mind; this will help you in allotting amounts to each important item on your wedding checklist.

How much of the average wedding budget covers wedding photography?
The third most expensive item in an average wedding, wedding photography takes up to 10 or 12% of the overall wedding budget. With current costs of wedding photography prices packages, the only things more expensive than photography coverage, might be the venue and the ring.

What do wedding photographers include in their package?
You will find so many options when searching for budget wedding photography; also many different packages, which can make it hard to choose. However, you can expect to find the following in any standard package.
 - One or two photographers.
 - A photographer with you throughout the day or over a range of six to ten hours of the day.
 - Digital proofs and retouching.
 - The rights to reprint your pictures.
 - Video Coverage.

How many hours do you need a wedding photographer?
This is different for every couple and every event. You will need to consider your budget alongside the cost of the photographer. Also at what point you will need the photography services to start and if you will need everyone to be captured in the shots.
Would you want shots of the bridal party getting ready? Would you need shots of people dancing at the reception and giving their toasts? All of these add up time. The length of your wedding is also a determining factor. If you are working with a tight budget, you can cut the time down to when you have some major activities to reduce expenses. Discuss with the photographer, keeping your program in mind, and you should have a good idea if you'll need as little as six or as much as ten hours.

What "extras" aren't included in wedding photography packages?
Some extras can be included in your wedding photography package, but at extra costs. These services are not usually in the standard package, and they include.
 - Photo session for engagement to cover all your engagement photo ideas.
 - Specialty albums.
 - Specialty prints.
 - Specific type of photo shoots.
 - Canvas print of wedding pictures.

Should you have 1 or 2 photographers?
While having more than one photographer will definitely up the costs, there are many practical reasons for having at least two photographers at your wedding. These include:
 - Photographing the bride and groom getting ready in separate locations.
 - Getting two different views of the ceremony.
 - Capturing some more intense details like the tiara, bouquet or bridal box, and not just traditional wedding photographs.
 - Ensuring you have backup in case of unforeseen circumstances.

How can you save money on a wedding photographer?
There are a few tips_ you could use to save costs on your wedding photography package. Below are a few of our favorites:
 - Schedule your wedding for off-peak days like Friday, instead of the weekend.
 - Also schedule for off peak months like March and November when these photographers are less booked.
 - Get your photographer and videographer from the same company.
 - Make your own wedding album

What is the average cost of a wedding videographer?
You will need a wedding videographer if you are to capture the live moments of your wedding on camera. These are memories that will last a lifetime, and you will want the video coverage to be perfect. On average, this service costs about $2,000.
While it may seem like quite the investment, it is worth it for well recorded moments of your special day.

Why should you hire a videographer and photographer who work together?
It is vital that your photographer and videographer can work in sync and not get in each other's way. It can be a nightmare if otherwise, and you will get less than perfect results. So, if you can get two who have worked well together in the past or are from the same company, then you are golden.