Wedding

$4,500

single venue, small wedding of around 120 guests

welcome (rehearsal) dinner & after-party coverage included

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Backyard / Micro-Wedding

$3,500

single venue, micro-wedding of 20~50 guests

after-party coverage included

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Courthouse Marriage

$2,500

confidential marriage・elopement・civil ceremony

no guests — no reception

pre/post-ceremony activity coverage included

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The Average Cost of a Wedding Photographer in 2025

How much does a wedding photographer cost? In cities like Los Angeles, Chicago, and New York, the average price for a wedding photographer is around $5,000 for 8–10 hours of coverage—well above the national average of $3,000. This base price does not include additional expenses such as airfare and accommodations for destination weddings, vendor meals, location permit fees, second photographers, assistants, travel fees, or extras like albums, extended coverage, and prints.

Wedding Photography Pricing: Hourly, Packages, Flat Rates and Custom Quotes Explained

Like most wedding vendors, wedding photographers today charge more or less the same within their category—whether it’s destination weddings, courthouse ceremonies, or traditional weddings. Providing elite-level quality photos with a solid client experience, so you really can't go wrong with anyone. At first glance however, wedding vendor pricing might seem all over the place. And while I can’t—and won’t—speak for any one vendor or tell you what their pricing should be, I can help you understand the average cost of wedding photography in 2025. Starting with the basics—breaking down the four common pricing structures you’re likely to see in the wild. Keep in mind the following rates reflect average pricing in major metropolitan areas like L.A., Chicago, and NYC.

Hourly Pricing

  • Best for: Courthouse weddings, civil ceremonies, and simple backyard weddings.

  • Average cost: $1,500 – $2,500

Hourly pricing typically includes photography coverage only with one photographer, offering a straightforward option for those needing only ceremony coverage and a limited number of portraits.

Flat-Rate Pricing

  • Best for: Non-traditional, single-venue weddings

  • Average cost: $4,500 – $7,000

Flat rates usually cover most of your wedding day without the hassle of add-ons. This pricing typically includes just photography coverage—welcome dinners and after-parties might be included, but extras like albums or additional photographers usually aren’t.

 
 

Package Pricing

  • Best for: Traditional weddings with a ceremony, portrait session, and reception in multiple venues.

  • Average cost: $3,000 – $6,000

Package pricing typically includes extras like an engagement session, albums, with additional photographers and even video/drone footage. Often split into three tiers based on hourly coverage.

Custom Pricing

Best for: Upscale and destination weddings

Average cost: $10,000 – $25,000+

Custom pricing is typically reserved for high-end or multi-day weddings with extensive logistics, and unique requirements. If you’re hiring a luxury photographer or hosting a destination wedding, expect a tailored quote with costs depending on the location, coverage needs, and photographer’s expertise.