Locations

The location of your wedding will play a factor in the photography costs. Outdoor weddings may require additional lighting set ups, and weddings that are set in the evening may require more time to set up and light. These will add to the cost. If you have multiple locations for the photographer you can expect the price to go up as well. This is common for those who choose to get ready away from the ceremony venue, and then need to travel to another location for the reception.

Packages

Most wedding photographers will offer packages that will include set blocks of times and a set number of prints. This can be a good way to shave some off the wedding photography prices. These packages can also be negotiated. If the package you are interested in includes an element that you don’t necessarily want or need, you can negotiate with the photographer to lower the price and eliminate these items.

Amount of Time

Photographers will set their rates based on the number of hours expected for the shoot and the shoot location. Many people don’t realize that you don’t really need the photographer for the entire event. In most cases you can get by with the photographer for the ceremony and just a short period of time at the reception. Schedule the photographer for just before the start of the ceremony. The formal wedding party photos can be taken after the ceremony before everyone arrives at the reception. Then you can use 30 minutes to an hour at the actual reception. This will give you plenty of professional shots, and save a lot of money. Allow friends and family to take candid shots at the reception to build the photo album.

Average Costs

It’s hard to put a number on the average wedding photography package. The area of the country and the options you choose will change that amount. As a general rule of thumb you should expect around $700 for a basic package that includes up to 4 hours of photography, a few prints, and a CD with digital copies. Luxury wedding photography prices can run as high as $10,000 and typically include a full day of photography with several photographers, multiple prints, memory books for the bride and groom and family, as well as multiple location shoots.

Research

Photography is one aspect of the wedding that you should spend some time with. You can set up consultations for free with multiple photographers. Don’t’ be afraid to negotiate the prices based on the quotes you’ve received from other photographers. Most wedding photographers won’t mind shaving some money off the package to gain your business. If they aren’t, you can keep looking until you find someone that offers the services you want in your price range. Just be realistic. You aren’t going to get a $10,000 package for $3,000.