Choosing the right wedding photographer for you is absolutely crucial to ensure you have an amazing wedding album that you’re proud to leave out on the coffee table and show everyone who pops over (guilty!). Your photo album will be a keepsake from your wedding that you’ll want to return to again and again, and may even cement itself as a family heirloom for your kids, grandkids and beyond. It’s almost guaranteed that you’ll use them as your profile pics on social media, too!
Every photographer is different, providing a unique way of stylizing your wedding photos through framing, lighting, composition and more. Each professional photographer you consider will also have different rates, which will vary depending on a wide range of factors, such as experience and skill.
So, when it comes to budgeting for your wedding, how much might you expect to pay for a wedding photographer? In this post we’ll take a look at the average cost of a wedding photographer, what their rates include, and what you need to be aware of before your big day.
What’s the average price of a wedding photographer?
The price of a wedding photographer can vary significantly, but on average, you can expect to pay between $3,000 and $5,000 for photography + videography. For photography only, expect to pay between $1,000 and $2,000. This might seem like a big expense, but it’s important to remember that you’re not just paying for the photographer’s time on your wedding day. You’re also covering their expertise, skills, and experience, as well as the time spent preparing for your wedding and the detailed post-production work afterward.
Bear in mind that the price usually doesn’t include taxes. Canadian wedding photography services are subject to GST or HST, which varies by province.
What’s included in this cost?
What’s included in the price will depend on the package you choose. A basic package may include coverage on the day and your photographs on a USB, whereas a premium package will include this and much more. When making your decision, be prepared with the right questions to ask a wedding photographer to make sure you know exactly what your chosen package includes.
Depending on your choice, wedding photography packages may include many of the following:
- A pre-wedding photography session
- Coverage on the day
- Post-production including photo editing
- A second supporting photographer
- Prints of your photos or digital download link
- A physical wedding album
- Printed canvases
- A ‘best of the day’ video
Most photographers offer a range of packages for you to choose from, with optional extras that allow you to customize your package. For a rough idea of what to expect for your budget, check out the table below:
Budget | $6,000+ | $3,000 – $6,000 | $2,000 – $3,000 | Under $2,000 |
What may be included | This can offer you up to two experienced wedding photographers to follow you for the duration of your wedding day and a premium, leather-bound album with wedding photographs carefully chosen by you with optional personalizations. | This can offer you up to two photographers for eight hours and a set of beautiful high-resolution images, or just one photographer, an album and an engagement shoot. | This can offer you one photographer for six hours along with an engagement shoot, with all photographs available to view and share via your own private online gallery (or less commonly today, on a USB stick). | This can offer you up to four hours of coverage, with all photographs available to view and share via your own private online gallery (or less commonly today, on a USB stick). |
What factors can affect the cost of a wedding photographer?
While these are general, average Canada wedding costs, there are plenty of other factors that can influence the cost of a wedding photographer. These include:
- Your venue: How far does the photographer have to travel? Will they need to take public transport, or even fly to another province? Are you based in a major city or out in the country? All of these will affect how much a photographer costs.
- Location: Where you are in Canada will impact costs. For example, photographers in Vancouver will be more expensive than those outside.
- Multiple photographers: Having multiple photographers means you have full coverage of the day both from your perspective and the perspective of your guests. It’s also a good idea for outdoor weddings in an expansive scenery, for example Banff National Park. The more photographers there are the better the coverage will be, but the pricier it will be as well.
- The date: During peak times, such as during the summer and at weekends, you can expect to pay more due to the higher demand. Many photographers are booked months (or even years) in advance during busier times of the year. In some regions, like the Rockies, winter weddings are very popular and prices might be higher.
- How long they’re needed: Are you only looking for photos of the ceremony itself, or the entire day, including the wedding breakfast and evening reception?
- Equipment: Will they need additional lighting, multiple lenses, or even drones?
- The level of post-production: After they shoot a wedding, the photographer will spend time editing your photos, such as adjusting lighting, cropping, or tweaking your Great Aunt’s eyes because she blinked.
- The type of album: Many photographers will offer your options to customise your album, such as leather-bound covers.
What else should you be aware of when it comes to the cost of a wedding photographer?
As part of your package and one of the questions you should ask your photographer before hiring them for your wedding, find out what type of release they offer (complete copyright, vs a personal use/printing release) and how it aligns with your budget and needs.
By default, your photographer will own the copyright to your wedding photos. Purchasing the copyright later can be quite expensive — there are stories of couples paying hundreds or even thousands of dollars unexpectedly. While this is uncommon, it’s something to keep in mind when making your decision. In most cases, though, you likely won’t need full copyright ownership.
Typically, a personal use license or a printing release will be more than enough for your wedding photos. This license allows you to print your photos, share them on social media, and enjoy them without the cost of buying the full copyright.
Whatever option you choose, be sure to discuss it with your photographer upfront so you’re clear on the terms. And as a courtesy, it’s always a good idea to credit your photographer when sharing photos on social media — especially if the images aren’t watermarked — to show appreciation for their work.
What level of experience can you expect for your budget?
As we’ve mentioned, pricing can vary significantly between photographers.
Less experienced photographers often charge lower rates, but this can come with more risk. On the other hand, full-time wedding photographers, whose income depends on events like yours, typically charge more but also bring more experience to the table. Photographers who work part-time or as a side gig may offer lower prices, but the level of experience can vary.
Take a look at the table below for a general idea of what you can expect based on your budget.
Budget | $6,000+ | $6,000-$3,000 | $3,000-$2,000 | Under $2,000 |
Level of experience | You’ll get a luxury or master photographer, who is admired in the industry. They may also have a second photographer working with them who also has plenty of experience. | You’ll get a very experienced photographer with a unique style. | You’ll get a photographer with a developing style and an increasing level of experience. | You’ll get an enthusiastic but less experienced photographer, who should still be able to produce fantastic photographs. |
Ready to start planning your wedding?
Choosing the right wedding photographer comes down to balancing your budget with the level of experience and services you’re looking for. Whether you opt for a seasoned professional or a budding talent, clear communication and understanding the terms of your contract are key to ensuring beautiful memories captured for years to come.
Planning your big day but not sure where to start? Join Bridebook and take all the stress out of planning your wedding!
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